Last Updated on May 6, 2023 by cameraconsumer
Do you really need an extended or additional camera warranty?
For most of us – the answer is no, most likely not.
On average, 1 out of 10 cameras is sent back for warranty repair. That’s 10%. So the chances that your new camera or camera lens will break are fairly slim. In other words, the money spent on an additional warranty is waste of money.
It’s usually just a way for the retailer to increase its profit margin.
The cheapest point-and-shoot digital camera will last for about 30,000 to 50,000 images. And higher-end DSLR cameras are made to withstand at least a shutter count of around 100,000.
This means that by the time your camera breaks or needs some sort of repair, you’ll probably want the latest version, with the newer bells and whistles anyway.
And in certain cases, you can actually get a warranty extension for several more years – free of charge (keep reading to find out how).
But that doesn’t mean that supplemental warranties are completely useless. Additional coverage for a camera does serve a purpose.
Types Of Add-On Coverage
Add-on warranties and extended protection come in a few varieties –
Accident protection – As the name suggests, this type of coverage covers accidents. It’s not so much for wear and tear, or regular repairs – it covers accidental damage.
Extended warranty – Extends the original warranty after expiration.
Service Plan – Kind of like a warranty, but usually comes with added accident protection.
Supplemental warranty – Provides warranty coverage when your camera does not come with any.
Don’t Get Add-On Coverage If…
There are some instances when additional coverage just isn’t practical. If you’re never going to use that warranty, there’s really no need to waste your money.
So, let’s take a look at some examples.
You Just Bought Your New Camera Or Lens
As mentioned, you’ll probably never need to use the warranty. If you are generally able to avoid accidents, your camera will most likely last until your next purchase.
You Are Into The Latest And Greatest
If you like to jump from brand to brand, or model to model whenever the new and improved version is released, you’re probably not going to give your camera a chance to break.
You’re Not The Type To Keep Track
Sometimes you just have to be honest with yourself. Some people just aren’t good at filing or keeping track of paperwork – even if it’s digital. The same applies if you don’t care for maintenance.
Do you just use things until they break – and then buy a replacement? Then save your money! You’ll probably never use the warranty.
You’ll Benefit From Added Protection If…
On the other hand, some people do actually need some added coverage. If you fall into these categories, chances are that you might actually take advantage of an extended warranty.
If You Are Accident-Prone
Maybe you were taking pictures from a hotel balcony while on a picturesque vacation spot – and you dropped your camera.
And now it looks like this:
Or maybe while you were on that vacation, you forgot your camera on the beach.
Side note: If you forget your camera on the beach, it’s probably going to get stolen. And extended warranties don’t cover theft. So, don’t forget your camera on the beach!
Anyway, back to the example.
Maybe, you left it on that beach during high tide, and now your camera (and in this case, your expensive telephoto zoom lens) looks like this:
Nothing ruins a camera like sand and salt! And the water obviously.
But you can drop a camera anywhere. And more often than not, some part of it will break. And if you’re into the photography hobby, then you probably handle your camera and lenses a lot.
Sometimes the perfect shot can be very tempting!
Maybe you want to switch out lenses to get that perfect shot. You’re on that beach, climbing the rocks, and you see the perfect sunset glimmering off of the water.
But then you fumble your lens in excitement, and now, unfortunately, it looks like this:
You get the picture.
If you’re accident-prone, an accident protection plan might be something to consider. These plans are usually for 3-5 years. If you’ve shopped on Amazon, you may have seen it being offered from Asurion or All State Protection Plans.
They’re usually inexpensive – $50-$70 – and might be worth it for the peace of mind.
If you do go with this type of plan, read the fine details. Find out exactly what kind of damage is covered, and how many times you can file a claim.
If Your Camera Warranty Has Run Out
If you like your current camera, you’re not impressed with the new generation, and you want to squeeze out a few more years from your current model, extending your warranty is something to think about.
Usually, you can purchase an extension directly from the original manufacturer (assuming your camera or lens came with the original warranty). But Asurion has some very affordable warranty extension options too.
If you’re on the fence about whether or not to upgrade, take a pass. You’re probably just waiting for an excuse to buy a new camera.
This is also a good option if you just bought a used or refurbished camera that comes with a warranty measured in days or months – not years.
In my experience, extended warranties can be had for a good deal – and usually, pay for themselves if a significant repair is involved. If your camera is in good shape – skip it.
But, if your shutter count is getting close to or is over six figures, an extended warranty is a good idea if you plan on keeping your camera for the duration of the extension.
If You’re Into Camera Maintenance
If you like to keep your gear in tip-top shape, a service plan might be for you.
Especially so if your warranty coverage has or is about to expire. The major manufacturers offer different service plans varying in price – it depends on your camera, and the length of coverage desired.
For example, Canon’s CarePak service plans range from under $100 to just under $1000. I wouldn’t recommend this for inexpensive cameras. For a DSLR with a below-average shutter count, however, it makes more sense.
If You Bought An Import Version Camera
We’ve all done it. We’ve all bought an import version or other type of grey market camera (or lens).
Sometimes the savings are just too good to pass up – especially when it comes to the camera bundles offered these days. It’s common to find an import version, with a handful of accessories, selling for less than what an authorized dealer charges for the camera alone!
But then you find out that your brand-new camera does not come with the original manufacturer’s warranty! Like this Canon EOS 80D being sold on eBay:
If you’re planning on using your new camera or lens for quite a while, a supplemental warranty will offer you peace of mind.
You may have seen these being offered by companies like New Leaf, Warrantech, SquareTrade, etc. They’re usually somewhere around the price of the item, on eBay or Amazon.
And they’re a good option if you’re knowingly buying an import version.
- Make sure to read the fine print. Some of these coverage options will have specific limiting terms like:
- Purchasing the coverage within a certain amount of time after you purchase the camera or lens
- Which types of damage are covered
- Who pays for shipping
- Handling terms – What they consider hazardous use might just be normal use for you
- What kinds of parts are used for repair
Free Warranty Extension
When you first purchase a new camera, and before you consider purchasing a warranty extension for your camera or lens, check the manufacturer’s website. In many cases, either you are, or were eligible for a free warranty extension.
Many manufacturers offer a free warranty extension just for registering your product online. For example, here is Panasonic’s warranty page:
Triple your warranty at no extra cost?
Yes!
If you have some extra time, check the sites for all of your photography gear. Many accessory brands also offer free extensions. For example, here is Manfrotto’s warranty page:
A lifetime warranty extension, just for registering online!
There are limitations obviously. In this case, you must register within 12 months from the date of your purchase, and the warranty extension isn’t as comprehensive as the original warranty.
But it’s definitely worth the time to check.
