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A warranty or guarantee is an extra promise. It sits on top of your legal rights against the seller and never replaces them. When a one-year warranty runs out, your Consumer Rights Act rights carry on.
Your contract is with the business that sold you the goods, not the manufacturer. The seller cannot simply send you to the manufacturer. You can choose to use a manufacturer's warranty if it is easier, but you do not have to. Your statutory rights last as long as it is reasonable to expect the goods to last, subject to the time limits in each nation (see faults after six months).
A guarantee that comes with goods at no extra cost is legally binding on whoever gives it. It must be in plain, understandable language and set out the name and address of the guarantor, how long it lasts, how to claim and what it covers. You can ask for it in writing.
Terms or notices that try to exclude or limit your statutory rights, such as "no refunds" signs or "warranty only" terms, do not bind you. A seller can offer more than the law requires, but not less.
A warranty can be simpler, because you usually do not have to prove the fault was there from the start. Your statutory rights can give you more, such as a refund or price reduction. You can use whichever suits you better.
Paid extended warranties and protection plans are optional. Before you buy one, check what it adds beyond the rights you already have against the seller, such as cover for accidental damage.
No. Your rights against the seller carry on for as long as it is reasonable to expect the goods to last, within the legal time limits. After six months you need to show the fault was there from the start.
The shop has to deal with your claim, because your contract is with the shop. You can choose to use the manufacturer's warranty, but you cannot be forced to.
Not for faulty goods. A seller cannot exclude or restrict your statutory rights. A "no refunds" policy can only apply to goods you have simply changed your mind about.
No. It is optional. Check what it covers beyond your existing statutory rights before paying for one.
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Open Be Consumer WiseBrowse all guidesReviewed 2026-09-23. General legal information about UK consumer rights, not legal advice.
