Warranties
Warranty Claim Checklist: How to File a Claim, and Where for 16 Brands
By the Returns & Refunds team · How we research
Summary
- Gather four things before you contact anyone: dated proof of purchase, the model and serial number, a clear description of the fault, and photos or video.
- File with the manufacturer, not the store, once the return window has closed. Most brands have an online claim or repair request.
- Under federal law, a company that gives a written warranty can't take away your implied warranty rights, and generally can't void coverage just because you used another brand's parts.
- If a claim is denied, ask for the reason in writing, escalate once, then consider a state attorney general complaint or small claims court.
On this page (7 sections)
A warranty claim goes much faster when you have everything ready before you contact the manufacturer. This checklist covers what to gather, where to file for major brands, what US law says about your warranty, and what to do if the claim is denied.
Return or warranty claim?
If you’re still inside the store’s return window, returning or exchanging the product is usually quicker than a warranty claim. Once the window has closed, the manufacturer’s warranty is your main route. Some retailers also handle exchanges for defective items for a short period after the return window, so ask the store first.
The warranty claim checklist
- Proof of purchase with the date. A receipt, order confirmation, or store-reprinted receipt from an authorized seller. Lost it? See how to get a copy of a lost receipt.
- Model and serial number. Usually on a label on the back, bottom, or inside the battery or door compartment, and often in the device’s settings. Dell calls it a Service Tag.
- Warranty terms. Check how long coverage lasts and what it covers (parts, labor, shipping). Our warranty expiry calculator works out the end date.
- A clear description of the fault. What happens, when it started, how often, any error codes, and what you’ve already tried.
- Photos or video of the fault, taken before you contact the manufacturer.
- Your contact details and the product’s location: for in-home appliance service, the address and access times.
- A backup of any data on the device, and sign out of accounts (phones, laptops, tablets) before you ship it.
- Packaging: not usually required, but useful if you need to ship the product.
Where to file a warranty claim: 16 major brands
Warranty length and coverage vary by product, so check the terms for your model. These are each brand’s official starting points in the US.
| Brand | Where to start | What you’ll need |
|---|---|---|
| Apple | Check coverage, then request repair through Apple Support | Serial number; standard one-year limited warranty |
| Samsung | Samsung US warranty and support | Model, serial number, proof of purchase |
| LG | Request a repair or call 1-800-243-0000 | Model, serial number, proof of purchase |
| Dell | Support services & warranty | Service Tag (7 characters, on the bottom or back) |
| HP | Check warranty | Serial number |
| Lenovo | Warranty lookup | Serial number |
| Microsoft (Surface, Xbox) | Microsoft device support | Microsoft account, serial number |
| Bose | Bose support | Serial number, proof of purchase |
| Dyson | Dyson support or 866-693-9766 | Serial number, proof of purchase; coverage is 2 or 5 years depending on the product |
| KitchenAid | Stand mixer replacement: 1-800-807-6777 | Proof of purchase; stand mixers have a one-year replacement warranty |
| Shark | Shark support | Model, serial number, proof of purchase |
| Ninja | Ninja support | Model, serial number, proof of purchase |
| iRobot | iRobot support | Serial number, proof of purchase |
| GE Appliances | GE Appliances warranty or 1-800-432-2737 | Model, serial number; most products have a one-year limited warranty |
| Breville | Breville warranty | Model, proof of purchase |
| Nintendo | Nintendo support | Serial number, Nintendo Account |
If your brand isn’t listed, look for “warranty” or “support” in the footer of the manufacturer’s website, or check the warranty card in the box.
How to file the claim
- Confirm coverage using the brand’s warranty check or your receipt date.
- Start the claim the way the brand prefers: usually an online form or chat, sometimes phone only.
- Describe the fault factually and attach photos, video, and proof of purchase.
- Write down the claim or case number, the date, and the name of anyone you speak to.
- Follow the instructions for the remedy: troubleshooting, mailing the product, a technician visit, or a replacement.
- Keep copies of everything you send, plus shipping receipts and tracking numbers.
A warranty claim email you can adapt
Subject: Warranty claim: [product], serial [number]
I bought a [product, model number] from [seller] on [date] (receipt attached). It has developed a fault: [what happens, since when, how often]. I’ve tried [troubleshooting steps]. Photos and video are attached.
The product is within its [length] warranty. Please let me know the next steps for repair or replacement, and the claim reference number.
Your warranty rights under US law
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is the federal law for written warranties on consumer products. The FTC’s Businessperson’s Guide to Federal Warranty Law explains it in detail. The key points for consumers:
- “Full” or “limited.” A written warranty must be labeled one or the other. A full warranty meets federal minimum standards; most consumer electronics and appliance warranties are limited.
- Implied warranties survive. A company that gives a written warranty can’t eliminate your implied warranties under state law, such as the implied warranty that a product is fit for its ordinary purpose. With a limited warranty, it may shorten their length to match the written warranty.
- No “use our parts only” conditions. A company generally can’t make coverage depend on using a particular brand of parts or service, unless it provides them free. A “warranty void if…” sticker doesn’t change that. It can still refuse a claim if it shows another part or repair caused the problem.
Implied warranties come from state law and can apply even after the written warranty ends, or when there’s no written warranty at all, for example if a product fails much sooner than a reasonable buyer would expect. How long they last varies by state.
If your warranty claim is denied
- Ask for the reason in writing, including which warranty term they’re relying on.
- Escalate once: ask for a supervisor or a second review, and offer evidence (photos, a technician’s report, the purchase date).
- Check your credit card benefits. Many cards extend eligible manufacturer warranties, often by up to an extra year, if you paid with that card. Claims usually need the itemized receipt and the card statement.
- File a complaint with your state attorney general’s consumer protection office and, if you think the company is breaking warranty law, report it to the FTC.
- Consider small claims court for a clear-cut case. Magnuson-Moss allows consumers who win a warranty case to recover reasonable attorney’s fees, which is why companies often settle valid claims.
Common reasons claims get denied
- Accidental damage: drops, liquid, cracked screens (covered only by an accident plan)
- Normal wear and tear: batteries, filters, and other consumables are often excluded or limited
- Out of warranty: the purchase date can’t be proven or the coverage has ended
- Unauthorized seller: some brands exclude products bought from unauthorized resellers
- Misuse or modification: damage caused by using the product in a way it wasn’t designed for
Most of these come down to evidence. A dated receipt, photos of the fault taken before shipping, and a record of every contact make a denial much easier to challenge.
Common questions
Do I need the original receipt to make a warranty claim?
You need dated proof that you bought the product from an authorized seller. A photo or PDF of the receipt, an order confirmation, or a store-reprinted receipt is normally accepted. Some brands (Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo) can check coverage from the serial number alone. If the receipt is gone, try a card statement plus the serial number.
Does registering a product affect the warranty?
Registration is usually optional. It records your purchase date and makes claims faster, but many brands say that not registering doesn't reduce your warranty rights. Dyson says so explicitly. Keep the receipt either way.
Can a company void my warranty if I use third-party parts or repair shops?
Generally not. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act prohibits companies from making warranty coverage conditional on using a specific brand of parts or service, unless they provide those parts or service for free. A company can still deny a claim if it shows the third-party part or repair caused the damage.
What's the difference between a full and a limited warranty?
Under federal law, a written warranty on a consumer product must be labeled “full” or “limited.” A full warranty meets federal minimum standards for complete coverage; a limited warranty doesn't. Most electronics and appliance warranties are limited, for example covering parts but not labor, or requiring you to ship the product at your own cost.
What happens if the manufacturer has gone out of business?
The written warranty may be worthless, but you may still have an implied warranty claim against the seller under state law, and an extended warranty from your credit card may cover the product if you paid with an eligible card. Check your card's guide to benefits.
How long does a warranty claim take?
An advance replacement or mailed replacement can arrive within days. Mail-in or depot repairs commonly take one to three weeks, and in-home appliance repairs depend on technician and parts availability. Ask for an estimated timeline and a claim number when you file.
Related guides
We have no business relationship with the stores or brands on this page. Policies change without much notice, so check the store's own policy page before you count on a deadline. If something here is out of date, let us know.