Home Computer Extended Warranties, Are They Worth It?
So you shopped long and hard looking for that new computer. Online and off-line you checked all around for the best deals. You're finally ready to check out. The question pops up, "You want an extended warranty with this?"
Most people don't budget for extended warranties or even think about extended warranties at the checkout, honestly that is exactly what the insurance companies want.
You wouldn't think of an extended warranty as an insurance policy, but that is exactly what it is. You're buying insurance, betting against the quality of your computer. Usually you do not see extended warranties advertised heavily during the buying process. Sure you might see an ad here or add their, but nothing completely in-your-face until your in that checkout line.
Now the pressure is on. The crafty salesperson explained how expensive computer repair can be. You're ready to get home or have your new PC delivered and you're pretty excited, so odds are you're going to say yes.
Insurance is a billion-dollar industry, and nobody likes to pay for it until they need it. Does not matter if you're insuring your car, your home, or that expensive computer that you're getting ready to buy. The funny thing is 9/10 people have had bad experience with insurance that they own. Everyone is friendly until they need to cash in a policy. Is your computer insurance any different?
To answer most of these questions becomes very personal. The money is yours to spend and you worked hard to get it. The average cost of a new computer is well into the hundreds of dollars, some brands even costing thousands. If you're only buying the computer, and not the monitor, keyboard, or printer. You have to ensure those separately, of course you do.
How many times have you taken your computer in for an actual repair? What I mean is, most repairs are software related meaning you probably got a virus or some sort of Mal ware on your computer. Actual hardware repairs are pretty rare. The insurance that you looking to buy does it cover viruses and mal ware? I would look at the fine print before you buy.
Some other things to consider are upgrades. Maintenance on your computer and keeping things running smooth for a long time. If you have a trustworthy place that you can take your computer for repairs a maintenance plan might be a better buy for you. Keeping your computer running smooth usually involves watching what you download or install on your computer. An ounce of prevention right?
My advice to you the next time you make a major purchase, whether it's an upgrade or a brand-new computer, is to research warranties, extended service plans and a maintenance package prior to your purchase. Consider these extra costs and add them in to your budget.
If you're the type of person that always buys an extended service plan, research the plan along with the computer. Making those decisions at the checkout line is the exact mindset insurance companies want you to have. It's an impulse buy, just like buying that pack of gum before you pay.
Aside from spreading the word about buying computer insurance online, Todd has been writing articles for nearly 4 years. Come visit his latest website over at http://www.CheapComputerRepair.org which helps people find cheap computer repair advice and the information they are looking for to make the smartest purchase possible.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com
