TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Dads are the best, but they’re not quite perfect. In fact, sometimes they can make some pretty whopping mistakes. It’s not hard to imagine a dad showing off for Father’s Day by insisting he doesn’t need help hanging his brand-new flat screen TV – only to send it crashing to the tile floor. That new FitBit the family gave him as a gift? He just hopped into the shower . . . with it still strapped to his wrist. With Father’s Day fast approaching, you’ll want to make sure Dad’s cherished gadgets are protected.
It’s great to spoil your dad with the trendiest electronics, but it’s even better to give him the peace of mind that comes with a service contract covering his newest gizmo. The Service Contract Industry Council (SCIC) reminds consumers that it’s both incredibly easy and extremely beneficial in the long run to purchase service contracts. And the best plan is to purchase coverage as soon as you buy a costly item, before it breaks, in order to avoid high repair prices and additional hassle.
“Customers who make the wise choice to get a service contract can rest easy knowing their electronic devices and other products are safely covered,” said Tim Meenan, executive director of SCIC. “Service contracts ensure that a customer doesn’t have to go through the hassle and heartache that comes with paying for a whole new device or shelling out for costly repairs.”
In 2014 alone, Americans spent $12.5 billion on Father’s Day gifts, an average of $163 per person. This year’s Father’s Day gifts need to be protected just like any other major purchase, and the best way to do that is with a service contract.
Also known as extended warranties or extended service plans, service contracts are a cost-effective way to protect a wide range of items – from electronic devices to appliances, and even new and used vehicles. These contracts extend coverage beyond the terms provided by the original warranty from the manufacturer or seller and also provide benefits during the original warranty term that are typically not provided by the warranty. With a service contract the consumer is covered for repairs, replacement, technical support and in many cases even emergency repairs and service. These contracts not only offer amazing benefits, but they also provide consumers with unparalleled peace of mind.
Most service contracts cover the cost of repairing a product or the replacement of a defective product. Often, service contracts will also cover issues or defects that arise due to normal wear and tear. Some service contracts even provide coverage of and assistance for malfunctions that arise after a damaging power surge or accidental damage from handling. Other benefits of purchasing a service contract typically include:
- Access to prequalified technicians
- In-home repair service
- 24-hour technical assistance
- Routine maintenance, such as cleanings and tune-ups
- Major component coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- Free shipping
A 2014 survey found that 80 percent of individuals who purchased an extended warranty or service contract did so to avoid the aggravation and expense that come from costly repairs. Service contracts are certainly a no-fuss way to make sure Dad’s new gadgets are covered in case of any mishap – including the embarrassing ones he causes.
Father’s Day is a great time to do a little more for your dad, in the form of a service contract. The last thing your dad should have to worry about this Father’s Day is how he’s going to replace or repair his gift.
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The Service Contract Industry Council is a national trade association whose member companies collectively offer about 80 percent of the service contracts sold in the U.S. for home, auto and consumer goods. The SCIC educates consumers about service contracts, encourages its members to pursue high standards of customer satisfaction, and develops and promotes model legislation to regulate the industry with standards designed to protect the consumer and the industry.