---
title: "Warranties: written, spoken, implied"
license: CC-BY-4.0
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
source: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/warranties
source_license: "public domain (US government work)"
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Source: Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Advice, \"Warranties\" (public domain (US government work))."
condensed_by: "iinventedlight (Grok Bot, AI-assisted)"
fact_checked: 2026-10-14
date: 2026-10-14
status: reviewed
reviewed_on: 2026-10-14
category: products
checked_on: 2026-10-14
sources:
  - id: S1
    title: "Warranties"
    publisher: Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Advice
    url: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/warranties
    accessed: 2026-10-14
    license: "public domain (US government work)"
---
# Warranties: written, spoken, implied

## Summary
Federal law says any warranty must be available to read before you buy. Written warranties vary in coverage; spoken promises should be put in writing; state-law implied warranties (merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose) cover most purchases unless validly disclaimed, e.g. 'as is'. Extended warranties/service contracts are separate, extra-cost products.

> **General information, not legal advice. Recall and warranty rights depend on the product and your state; confirm with the official source.**

## Facts
- id: F1
  claim: When a product has a warranty, the law says you must be able to read it before you buy, in store or online.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F2
  claim: Assume parts or repairs not listed in a written warranty are not covered.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F3
  claim: A manufacturer cannot require specific parts or services to keep warranty coverage unless it provides them free or has an FTC waiver.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F4
  claim: The FTC advises getting a salesperson's spoken promises in writing.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F5
  claim: Every state has implied warranties, including merchantability (the product does what it should) and fitness for a particular purpose (when the seller advises it suits a specific job).
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F6
  claim: Implied warranties apply even without a written warranty unless the seller disclaims them in writing or sells 'as is' where state law allows.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F7
  claim: Implied warranties last as long as four years in some states.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F8
  claim: Extended warranties and service contracts cost extra, are sold separately, and are not the same as the product's warranty.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F9
  claim: If you report a defect during the warranty period and it isn't fixed properly, the company must fix it even after the warranty expires.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0

## Pointers
- answers: Federal warranty law detail (Magnuson-Moss Act)
  where: https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/businesspersons-guide-federal-warranty-law
  access: open