Everywhere you go to shop for a new television or computer, or any other electronic device really, you are pitched an extended warranty to cover additional damages. This extended warranty typically runs side-by-side with the maker's warranty and only offers additional protection if you purchase a separate plan.

Retailers make money by selling extending warranties. For the most part, these warranties are sound, but the consumer would be advised to educate themselves on just what warranty the product actually has on its own. A lot of times the warranty covers more than the sales associate would lead you to believe. Samsung, for example, has a three year parts and labor warranty on most of their monitors. However, if you purchased one in a major chain store, you would be asked about purchasing an extended warranty that will generally last less than that three years.

Extended warranties depend on the person. Sometimes it is more cost effective to purchase an additional warranty when a product is only covered by a limited warranty. Sometimes that includes a three months parts and labor service, other times it covers accidental damage. Most makers will not cover accidental damage, such as dropping a digital camera, because it a dangerous liable to offer on a regular warranty. Retailers have jumped at the chance to offer it, because it is one additional service to keep you coming back to them time and time again.

It depends on what type of coverage you are looking for, what you can afford and what will work best in the long run. Take a good look at the warranty that comes with your product, determine how you will be using it, and then decide whether or not the extended warranty would be beneficial. Depending on the situation, an extended warranty might be right up your alley.