When you buy a laptop, many sellers offer you an extended warranty—a promise to prolong the protection beyond the standard warranty. But you may have heard claims like “Extended warranties are a scam.” These myths cause confusion. In this article, we’ll bust common myths about extended warranties, explain how they work, and show when they make sense, especially when buying from a trusted partner like Online I.T Hub.
What Is an Extended Warranty?
An extended warranty is a service contract you can buy in addition to the manufacturer’s default warranty. The default warranty usually lasts one year and covers defects in manufacturing or hardware failures under normal use.
An extended warranty gives you extra protection after that period ends. It might cover hardware issues, and sometimes even accidental damage (if that option is included).
With Online I.T Hub, you can buy original extended warranties from HP or Lenovo, even for machines that are already out of their original warranty period.
Myth 1: “Extended Warranties Are Always a Waste of Money”
Reality: Not always. It depends on how much you use the device, how much repairs cost, and your risk tolerance.
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If your laptop is high-end and expensive to repair (motherboard, premium display, etc.), an extended warranty can save you money.
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If your usage is light or you're likely to upgrade soon, repair costs might be lower than what you’d pay for the warranty.
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Many consumers and consumer-advocacy sources claim extended warranties often aren’t worth it.
The truth: it’s not a scam—but it’s not always necessary. You need to evaluate whether it makes sense for your device and use.
Myth 2: “You Must Buy an Extended Warranty Only at the Time of Purchase”
Reality: Many programs allow you to add it later, as long as the device is still under its standard warranty, or in some cases even after it expires.
For example, Online I.T Hub enables customers to buy extended warranty later, even if their laptop is out of warranty. The key is that the warranty needs to be genuine and registered properly with the manufacturer.
So, you don’t always have to decide on it immediately. You have some flexibility.
Myth 3: “Only the Manufacturer Can Sell an Extended Warranty”
Reality: While manufacturers often offer their own warranty extensions, authorized partners and service providers also sell legitimate extended warranties.
What matters is that:
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The partner is authorized (so the warranty is genuine).
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The warranty is officially registered with the manufacturer’s system (so service centers recognize it).
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The plan uses original parts for repairs.
Online I.T Hub is an authorized partner of HP & Lenovo. So warranties purchased through them are original and valid.
Myth 4: “Extended Warranties Never Help When You Need Repairs”
Reality: While it’s true that not everyone will need to use the warranty, for those who do, the cost savings can be significant.
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Some repairs (motherboard, SSD, high-end displays) can cost a large part of a new laptop’s price.
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Having a warranty means you won’t bear those high costs personally.
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The warranty also may include perks like quicker service or onsite support, which reduces downtime.
So, although you might never file a claim, the protection can offer strong value.
How Extended Warranties Work — Step by Step
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Select the Warranty Plan
— At purchase time or later (within allowed period).
— Choose duration (1 year, 2 years, etc.) and coverage (just defects or including accidental damage). -
Registration / Activation
— The seller or partner registers the extended warranty in the manufacturer’s system.
— It usually takes a few days (e.g. 5–7 business days). -
Device Use & Coverage
— You continue to use your laptop normally.
— Any covered fault during the warranty period is handled free or with minimal charge. -
Raising a Claim
— When something goes wrong, you contact the manufacturer’s support (HP/Lenovo).
— They verify warranty status.
— Depending on the plan, they may try remote troubleshooting first. -
Repair or Replacement
— If it can’t be fixed remotely, the device is brought to a service center or repaired onsite.
— Only genuine parts are used.
— If the damage is beyond repair, full or partial replacement may be done (based on warranty terms). -
Completion & Record Keeping
— You get back the repaired or replaced device.
— The warranty continues until it expires.
— All records are digital and visible in the manufacturer’s system.
When an Extended Warranty Makes Sense
| Scenario | Why It’s Worth It |
|---|---|
| You use the laptop heavily (for work, editing, programming) | More wear means higher chance of failure |
| The cost of repairs is very high | High-end parts are expensive |
| You want peace of mind and avoid surprise bills | No unexpected repair bills |
| You keep devices longer | Protection matters more as the device ages |
If your usage is light or you upgrade frequently, you might decide not to purchase one.
Things to Watch Out For / Limitations
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Coverage Exclusions: Most extended warranties don’t cover misuse, cosmetic damage, or unauthorized repairs.
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Waiting Periods: Some warranties have waiting periods or limits before major coverage kicks in.
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Claim Limits: Some warranties limit number of claims or have deductibles.
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Verification: Always ensure the warranty is registered properly in manufacturer systems.
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Not all devices are eligible: Some older models or certain configurations might not be eligible for late warranty addition.
How Online I.T Hub Does It Better
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Authorized Partner of HP & Lenovo: All warranties sold are original and valid.
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Late Purchase Allowed: You can buy extended warranty even if original warranty has expired (subject to conditions).
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Full Registration and Activation: The warranty is updated in manufacturer system within days, so service centers recognize it.
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Transparent Terms: You see clearly what is covered and what is not.
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One-Stop IT Support: Along with warranty, you can buy IT hardware, support services, and get consultation.
Final Thoughts
Extended warranties are not inherently a scam, but they are often criticized because many consumers don’t use them or the terms are unclear. The key is choosing the right plan, understanding what it covers, and buying from a trustworthy, authorized seller.
With a partner like Online I.T Hub, you get the benefits of genuine extended warranties from HP & Lenovo, the flexibility to buy later, and assurance that repairs will be done with original parts. When you make an informed decision, an extended warranty can be a smart way to protect your investment.