Camera warrenties/protection plans? How good are they and are they worth it.

[NarnyTheGreat]

I am looking into getting a camera from Best Buy or Frys or some place like that and have been looking into the protection plans that they offer.

Are all advanced protection plans the same? Is their protection plan any good? Please share your experience.

 

[jerryw66]

I have been offered the extended warranties many times, and have yet to purchase one, and yet to regret not purchasing it. The additional warranty is something to gamble on, and remember, in gambling, the house always has the odds in their favor. I think you have to make your own decision on the warranty plan. If you shoot a lot and are perhaps a little hard on equipment, but not too hard, then it probably wouldn't be an incorrect thing to do. If you're like me and shoot not so much and are very careful with equipment, probably don't purchase more warranty. I don't feel I should need more warranty, as I rarely break anything and I've seldom needed any warranty at all. It is really a gamble, depending on use, cost, budget. It's like buying more life insurance, you surely don't want to use it.

 

[KmH]

Sellers love protection plans because they are almost 100% profit.

Not all protection plans are transferable if you sell a used piece of gear. The transferable ones usually cost more, but you can sell used gear for a little bit higher price if you can also offer the remainde of a protection plan.

Many credit cards automatically extend the manufacturers warranty if they are used to make the purchase.

In 30 years of buying photography gear I have never, ever purchased a protection plan. To me buying one is no different than throwing the money for one into a trash can and I don't recommend anyone else buy one either.

 

[ghache]

I bought all the protection plans for my home applicances, after having my dishwasher completed replaced for a new one 3 year after., washer fixed 3 times and a brand new TV, 450$ was well worth paying to protect 10 000 $ of equipement for 5 year but this is the only extended warrenty i ever bought. He wanted 700 at first but dealed it down to 75 $ a piece, like kmh said, its 100 % profit for them and they are willing to deal a bit. I usually never buy it for inexpensive stuff.