Walmart TV Warranty 2022 (Claims, Price, Damage + More)
Investing in a new TV is exciting, but it‘s also a major purchase for most families. With today‘s ultra high-def screens getting ever bigger and more advanced, a top-end TV can cost well over $1,000. That‘s a lot to spend on a device that‘s susceptible to technical problems or accidentally getting dropped and cracked.
That‘s why more and more TV buyers are getting peace of mind by adding a protection plan or extended warranty. But are the plans offered by retailers like Walmart really worth it? Do they actually cover the types of damage TVs commonly experience?
In this guide, we‘ll explore Walmart‘s TV warranty in-depth. You‘ll learn exactly what it covers, what it excludes, how much it costs, how claims work, and whether it‘s a smart investment to protect your new television.
A Quick Overview of Walmart‘s TV Warranty
Walmart offers protection plans lasting 2-5 years on nearly all new and refurbished TVs sold in their stores and on Walmart.com.
What‘s covered: Mechanical and electrical breakdowns from normal use, such as:
- Screen failure
- Remote not working
- Speakers not functioning
- TV won‘t turn on
What‘s NOT covered: Accidental damage, theft, loss, or intentional damage
Cost: Varies based on TV price and plan duration, ranging from $10 – $100+
Provider: Allstate (for TVs bought after 2018) or Asurion (for earlier purchases)
Now let‘s take a deeper look at Walmart‘s TV warranty including what‘s covered, how to file a claim, whether protection plans are worth it, and more.
Walmart TV Warranty Coverage Details
Walmart offers protection plans on just about every new and refurbished TV sold in their stores and website. This includes all popular brands like Samsung, Sony, LG, Vizio, TCL, Philips, HiSense, and more. Plans are available for LED, LCD, OLED, 4K, smart TVs, and every size from 24" up to 85".
If you‘re wondering whether a warranty is available for a specific model, just check the TV‘s product page on Walmart.com. If there‘s an option to add a protection plan, it will be listed under "Add-on Services."
What‘s Covered
Walmart‘s TV warranties cover mechanical and electrical breakdowns arising from normal use. This includes things like:
- The screen stops working entirely or has large black spots/lines
- The remote stops operating or has button issues
- Built-in speakers stop functioning or have buzzing/distortion
- TV will not turn on and power cycle does not help
Essentially, if a part inside the TV stops working properly through no fault of your own, it should be covered. Both Allstate and Asurion back their warranties with assurances like "no lemon guarantee" and "replacement guarantee."
What‘s NOT Covered
While Walmart‘s protection plans cover a decent range of defects, there are also exclusions shoppers need to be aware of. Most notably:
- Accidental damage – Dropping, hitting, or otherwise cracking the screen would NOT be covered.
- Theft or loss – If the TV is stolen or misplaced during a move, you‘re out of luck.
- Intentional damage – Damaging the TV on purpose (or by someone else intentionally) is excluded.
- Optional accessories – Wall mounts, cords, or other add-ons are NOT covered.
It‘s extremely important to note these exclusions before purchasing a plan, so you have realistic expectations of what is and isn‘t included. Many negative reviews stem from customers not closely reading limitations around accidental damage in particular.
Walmart TV Warranty Pricing
Cost for protection plans vary based on:
- Price of the television
- Length of coverage (2, 3, 4, or 5 years)
- Whether the TV is new or refurbished
Here are some example prices:
New TVs
| TV Price Range | Plan Term | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $30-$129.99 | 2 years | $10 |
| $150-$199.99 | 2 years | $20 |
| $200-$249 | 3 years | $25 |
| $250-$299 | 3 years | $28 |
| $300-$399 | 3 years | $39 |
| $400-$599 | 4 years | $54 |
| $700-$999.99 | 5 years | $99 |
Refurbished TVs
| TV Price Range | Plan Term | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $150-$199.99 | 2 years | $18 |
| $300-$399.99 | 3 years | $39 |
| $400-599.99 | 3 years | $54 |
To verify pricing for a particular TV model, check for warranty options on the specific product page on Walmart.com.
As you can see, plans are very affordable for cheaper TVs under $200, while pricier models can cost $100+ for 4-5 years of coverage. Whether it‘s "worth it" depends on the TV‘s reliability and repair costs, which we‘ll analyze later.
Do Walmart TV Warranties Need Activation?
Unlike some other protection plans, there is no separate activation or registration process required for Walmart‘s TV warranties. Purchasing the add-on plan automatically activates coverage. There‘s no need to take any additional action.
The key is keeping your receipt. The receipt will be required if you need to file a claim down the road. Make sure to store it in a safe place when you buy a protection plan.
How to File a Walmart TV Warranty Claim
Filing a claim with a Walmart TV warranty or protection plan is designed to be simple and convenient.
First, locate your receipt and have your TV nearby. Then visit one of these sites:
- For TVs purchased after 2018: Squaretrade Walmart Protection Plan
- For TVs bought before 2018: Asurion Walmart Claims
The site will walk you through the process of filing a claim online. Provide details about your TV, the issue you‘re experiencing, and confirm your coverage.
In many cases, claims are quickly reviewed and approved. If approved, you may be instructed to have the TV repaired locally using an authorized servicer. Other times, a replacement TV may be shipped out.
If additional information is needed, a customer service agent will reach out to complete the claims process. But filing online is designed to be simple, taking just 5-10 minutes in most cases.
Can You Claim Without the Receipt?
Unfortunately, Walmart requires the original receipt to process a warranty claim. However, if you‘ve lost your receipt, getting a replacement copy is easy.
Just call the Walmart Electronic Payment Hotline at 479-277-2643. Provide the store location, date of purchase, credit/debit card used, and approximate purchase total.
Walmart will look up your transaction in their system based on this information and email you a digital copy of the receipt. So make sure to save the details of your purchase in case you misplace the physical receipt.
Adding a Warranty After Buying a TV
Missed purchasing a protection plan when you bought your TV? Not a problem – you can add coverage after the fact.
Walmart allows customers to add a TV warranty up to 30 days from the original purchase date. Just visit Walmart.com and go to "Your Account" then "Protect Your Purchases." For in-store purchases, you can also use the Walmart app to add your receipt and purchase a plan.
So if you forget to add the warranty initially or change your mind down the road, you have a 30 day window to get covered.
Accidental Damage Coverage – Or Lack Thereof
One of the most frequent complaints about Walmart‘s TV warranties is that they do not cover accidental damage.
Cracking the screen because you dropped the TV or your kids hit it with a ball in the house would not be covered. This catches many customers by surprise who assume protection plans cover all types of damage.
Repairing a cracked TV screen can cost $200, $500, or even over $1000 depending on the TV size and type. Without accidental damage coverage, repairing a broken screen is 100% out of your pocket.
The key takeaway: Be extra careful with handling and installing your TV, even with a protection plan. Accidentally damaging the screen would leave you with an expensive fix.
Theft and Loss Also Not Covered
Two more exclusions shoppers need to be aware of are theft and loss. If your TV is stolen during a break-in or lost during a move, unfortunately you‘re out of luck – even with an extended warranty.
Homeowners or renters insurance may cover a stolen TV depending on your policy limits and deductible. But Walmart‘s protection plans themselves do not include coverage for theft or mysterious disappearance.
Are Walmart TV Warranties Worth the Cost?
Whether a protection plan is "worth" paying extra for depends on:
- How prone the TV is to technical problems
- Typical repair costs for that model
- Peace of mind knowing you‘re covered
According to Walmart reviews, around 95% of customers recommend purchasing an extended warranty. Over 1,100 buyers left positive 5-star feedback about claims being easy and hassle-free.
But there are also buyers who felt misled by the exclusions. Over 30 negative reviews cite cracked screens not being covered. Clearly, Walmart needs to communicate the limitations around accidental damage better to buyers.
For the peace of mind:
Extended warranties undoubtedly provide peace of mind, knowing you‘re covered for defects over 2-5 years. For newer TV technologies like OLED, coverage into the 4-5 year range gives time for potential issues to arise.
To avoid expensive repairs:
TV repair costs average $100 for minor issues, but can exceed $500 for screen replacements. Especially for pricier TVs, warranty costs often pale in comparison to repair bills.
If the TV has reliability concerns:
Coverage is more valuable for less reliable brands with higher failure rates. Samsung, Sony, and LG have proven reputations, while discount brands can be riskier.
The bottom line: Given the low warranty costs compared to potential repair bills, protection plans provide excellent value if you understand accidental damage is not covered. Read the details closely so you know what to expect.
Conclusion
Adding an extended warranty from Walmart is a smart purchase for most TV buyers. Prices are very reasonable compared to the cost of repairs. Just make sure you know what is and isn‘t covered – especially around accidental damage. As long as you understand the limitations, protection plans provide peace of mind at an affordable price.