When deciding between Walmart’s warranty and Amazon’s extended coverage, it’s important to understand the differences in coverage, cost, claim process, and additional benefits.
Here’s a comprehensive comparison based on the latest information.
Protection Coverage Overview (What’s Covered and What’s Not)
| Feature | Walmart Warranty | Amazon Extended Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Coverage | Manufacturer’s warranty (90 days–1 year) | Manufacturer’s warranty (typically 1 year) |
| Extended Coverage | Through Allstate: electrical/mechanical failures, power surges, breakdowns | Through Asurion, CPS, or SquareTrade: mechanical/electrical failures, hardware defects |
| Accidental Damage | Available for select items (laptops, phones, tablets), covers drops, spills, cracked screens | Available on many plans; covers drops, spills, cracked screens |
| Product Eligibility | Most electronics, appliances, select general merchandise | Most electronics, appliances, Amazon Basics, other brands |
| Exclusions | No accidental coverage for TVs or outdoor equipment, no theft/loss | Cosmetic damage, rust, wear and tear generally excluded, no theft/loss |
Cost Comparison
| Product Type | Walmart (3-Year Plan) | Amazon (3-Year Plan) |
|---|---|---|
| Video Game Console | $20–$50 | $20–$50 |
| TV | $80–$250 | $80–$250 |
| Laptop | $100–$300 | $100–$300 |
Both retailers offer similar pricing for comparable coverage durations and product categories.
Claims Process
- Walmart: Filing a Walmart warranty claim is straightforward can be filed online or at a Walmart Connection Center. You’ll need your receipt, product info, and sometimes product registration.
- Amazon: Claims are typically filed online through the warranty provider (CPS, Asurion, SquareTrade). Processing is often fast (3–5 business days for CPS), and warranties are transferable to new owners at no cost.
Both retailers receive positive reviews for claim resolution speed and customer support, though it’s important to keep receipts and understand plan details.
Additional Features & Considerations
- Transferability: Amazon extended warranties (via CPS) can be transferred to a new owner for free, which is useful for resale or gifting.
- Repair/Replacement: Both Walmart protection plan and Amazon extended plans offer repairs, replacements, or reimbursement up to the purchase price if the item is irreparable.
- Provider Differences: Walmart uses Allstate for its plans, while Amazon offers plans from Asurion, CPS, and SquareTrade (also Allstate-backed).
- Plan Customization: Both retailers offer standard and accidental damage plans, with specifics varying by product type.
Key Takeaways
- Coverage Similarity: Both Walmart and Amazon provide extended protection for electronics, covering mechanical and electrical failures after the manufacturer’s warranty expires. Accidental damage protection is available from both, but eligibility and terms vary by product.
- Cost: Pricing is competitive and nearly identical for similar products and coverage durations.
- Claims & Service: Both offer convenient online claim filing, but Amazon’s transferable warranties and multiple provider options may offer added flexibility.
- Exclusions: Neither covers theft or loss, and some product categories (like TVs at Walmart) may lack accidental damage protection.
Choosing between Walmart warranty and Amazon extended coverage depends on your product, desired coverage (especially accidental damage), and service preferences.
Both offer robust protection at similar price points, but Amazon’s transferable warranties and broader provider options can be advantageous for some shoppers.
Always review the fine print for your specific product and plan to ensure you’re getting the coverage you need.