What Does Walmart‘s Protection Plan Cover in 2026? An In-Depth Guide for Shoppers

Are you considering purchasing an extended protection plan from Walmart? As a savvy shopper, it‘s smart to understand exactly what these plans cover before deciding.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through Walmart‘s protection plan coverage for 2022. You‘ll learn:

• What products are eligible
  -Length of coverage
  -Types of damage included and excluded
  -Claims process specifics
  -Costs for plans
  -How to purchase

Let‘s start with an overview of the protection plan so you can make an informed choice.

A Quick Primer on Walmart‘s Protection Plans

Walmart‘s protection plans aim to give customers peace of mind and provide an economical way to protect purchases beyond the standard manufacturer‘s warranty.

According to the retailer, plans cover mechanical and electrical failures from normal use, as well as accidental damage like cracks and spills. Coverage ranges from 1 to 5 years depending on the product.

Unlike manufacturer warranties which typically last 1 year, Walmart‘s plans extend the coverage timeframe – a valuable benefit for expensive electronics and appliances prone to issues over time.

The plans also fill gaps left by manufacturer warranties. For example, most don‘t cover accidental damage, only defects. With Walmart‘s protection, drops, cracks, and spills are covered too.

By providing repair services or replacing defective and damaged products, the plans can save shoppers hundreds of dollars compared to paying out-of-pocket without coverage.

Now let‘s dive into what specific products Walmart‘s plans protect.

What Items Are Covered?

Walmart provides protection plans for the following categories:

• TVs
• Mobile Phones
• Laptops
• Tablets
• Outdoor Power Equipment
• Patio Furniture
• Jewelry
• Watches
• General Merchandise

General merchandise refers to a wide range of household products like vacuum cleaners, furniture, small kitchen appliances, and more.

I‘ll outline what is and isn‘t covered in each product category next, so keep reading!

Coverage Specifics for Televisions

For TVs, Walmart‘s protection plan covers:

• Screen failure
• Motherboard and power supply issues
• Problems with remote controls, speakers, and other integrated components
• Mechanical or electrical failure from normal use
• Pixel defects

According to retailers, TVs have around a 5-10% failure rate within the first year of use. As an electronic with many complex components prone to issues over time, TVs benefit from multi-year protection plans.

Repairs like replacing a faulty motherboard can cost $200 to $350 for parts and labor. Screen replacements run $150 to $700 depending on TV size and technology.

With Walmart‘s plan, these expensive fixes are covered. You‘ll save a bundle compared to paying out-of-pocket!

The plan does NOT cover:

• Intentional damage
• Cosmetic damage like scratched casings that don‘t affect function
• Theft or mysterious disappearance
• Damage from power surges or improper power supply

So you can rest assured your TV is protected from mechanical/electrical issues, but the plan won‘t replace a stolen or purposely broken set.

Mobile Phone Coverage Details

For mobile phones, Walmart‘s protection plan includes:

• Cracked screens
• Liquid damage from spills
• Battery failure
• Charging port issues
• Camera, button, or speaker defects
• Touch screen malfunction

Phones are especially prone to cracked screens and water damage. A new iPhone screen costs $200 to $300 without coverage. Battery replacements run $50 to $70.

With Walmart‘s plan, you‘ll pay only the deductible for repairs instead of the full price. For iPhone screens, the deductible is just $29!

Exclusions:

• Intentional damage
• Cosmetic damage like scratched cases
• Lost or stolen devices
• Pre-existing damage before plan purchase

So you can have peace of mind against common accidents and mechanical issues. But the plan won‘t replace an intentionally damaged or lost phone.

What‘s Covered for Laptops?

For laptop repairs, Walmart‘s plan includes:

• Cracked screens
• Liquid spills
• Power supply failure
• Hard drive crashes
• Battery replacement
• Motherboard defects
• Broken components like ports or trackpads

Today‘s laptops integrate delicate electronics in thin, fragile frames – a recipe for damage! Liquid spills require extensive disassembly for cleaning, often costing $400 to $600. Screen repairs average $200 to $400.

With Walmart‘s plan, a $49 deductible covers screen replacements – much cheaper than paying the $250+ full price.

The plan does not cover:

• Intentional damage
• Cosmetic damage that doesn‘t affect function
• Lost or stolen laptops

So accidental slips and component failures are covered, but similar to other products, you can‘t intentionally break a laptop and expect a free replacement.

Tablet Coverage Specifics

For tablets, Walmart‘s plan includes repair/replacement for:

• Cracked screens
• Liquid damage
• Battery failure
• Charging port malfunctions
• Touchscreen defects
• Camera and speaker issues

Tablets face a high risk for cracked screens given their portability and glass construction. Depending on the make/model, screen repairs can cost $200 to $350 without coverage.

With Walmart‘s plan, common mishaps and mechanical breakdowns won‘t break your budget.

The plan doesn‘t cover:

• Intentional damage
• Cosmetic damage that doesn‘t affect function
• Lost or stolen tablets

So similar to other categories, your unintentional accidents are covered but intentionally damaged and lost devices aren‘t included.

Coverage For Outdoor Power Equipment and Patio Furniture

For outdoor power equipment like lawnmowers, pressure washers, snowblowers and patio furniture, the protection plan covers:

• Mechanical or electrical breakdowns
• Motor and power supply failure
• Wear and tear on parts like belts, blades, filters etc.
• Structural failures – welds, frames etc. (patio furniture)

With moving parts and exposure to the elements, outdoor products commonly experience wear and tear. Replacing a lawnmower engine can cost $200 to $400 without coverage.

The plan does not include:

• Damage from improper maintenance like stale fuel, lack of lubrication etc. which can void eligibility
• Overuse or misuse beyond recommended capacity
• Theft or loss
• Intentional damage

Review the owner‘s manual to ensure proper care and use so coverage remains valid. But protected against mechanical breakdowns outside your control.

Jewelry and Watch Repair Coverage

For jewelry and watches, Walmart‘s plan covers:

• Broken clasps, prongs, links, etc.
• Loose or lost stones and cracked crystals
• Ring re-sizing and re-tipping
• Water damage
• Watch battery failure, case cracks, broken bands/straps
• Mechanical malfunction of moving parts

Jewelry is prone to loose stones and broken settings with prolonged wear. Depending on the repair, costs can range from $20 to re-tip prongs to $250+ to replace watch movements or re-construct broken jewelry.

Without coverage, you‘d pay out-of-pocket. With Walmart‘s plan, your repair deductible saves you money.

Exclusions:

• Lost or stolen items
• Intentional damage
• Progressive damage like tarnishing and scratches

So your accidental damage is covered, but take care to prevent loss which isn‘t included.

General Merchandise Product Coverage

The protection plan covers general merchandise like:

• Vacuums
• Small kitchen appliances
• Electronics
• Furniture
• Mattresses

…and more for:

• Mechanical or electrical failure from normal use
• Power surges
• Structural damage like broken hinges, legs etc.
• Component failure like motors, heating elements, batteries etc.

For items with motors and mechanical actions, repairs can quickly exceed $100+ without coverage. With Walmart‘s plan, you avoid costly bills.

The plan does not cover:

• Intentional damage
• Cosmetic damage like scratches, dents, stains etc. that don‘t affect function
• Theft or mysterious disappearance
• Damage from improper use like overloading appliances

So you‘re protected against inevitable breakdowns and defects, but not your own negligence or intentional damage.

Duration of Coverage

Walmart offers protection plans ranging from 1 to 5 years. The most common options are:

• 1 year plan: Small appliances, furniture, electronics, jewelry etc.
• 2 year plan: Game consoles, laptops, phones, tablets, watches
• 3 year plan: High-end electronics, major appliances
• 5 year plan: Large appliances like refrigerators, ranges, washers/dryers

According to retailers, most product issues arise within the first 2 years, making 2 year plans popular for major purchases. Plan durations can be extended annually after the initial term too.

For fine jewelry, lifetime protection ensures your investment stays protected until you stop wearing or wanting the item.

The Claim Process Explained

Making a claim under Walmart‘s protection plan is straightforward:

Online

• Login and file a claim 24/7 at www.walmart.com/protection
• Upload documentation like receipts and photos
• For approved claims, print the shipping label or take to a local repair center

In-Store

• Bring the defective item and original receipt to the Customer Service desk
• An associate will help start a claim and arrange next steps

By Phone

• Call 1-800-WALMART to speak with a protection plan representative
• Provide plan details and documentation
• Claims can often be started over the phone for quick service

Once approved, you‘ll be instructed to either:

• Mail the item in for repair at an authorized service center
• Take to a local repair facility for walk-in service
• Return to the store for replacement processing

Repairs are generally completed within 1 to 2 weeks. If an item can‘t be fixed, a replacement of the same or comparable product will be issued.

If the exact item is discontinued, you‘ll receive a gift card for the original purchase price, or a replacement of similar features and quality.

Common Questions About Coverage

Here are some frequently asked questions about Walmart‘s protection plan:

Does it cover theft or loss?

Unfortunately no. You‘ll need separate insurance policies or credit card coverage for theft protection. Walmart‘s plan only covers defects and accidental damage.

Can you renew coverage annually after the initial term?

Yes, most products allow renewal each year to extend the length of coverage. You can add 1 to 2 year terms up until the maximum offered for that item category.

Does it cover damage existing before purchase?

No, the plan only covers issues that arise after purchase date. Make sure used items are in good working order upon inspections.

Can you cancel and get a refund?

You can cancel within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. After 30 days, cancellations receive a pro-rated refund based on the percentage of time remaining.

What products are excluded from coverage?

The plan can‘t be purchased for vehicles, collectibles, medical equipment, live animals, or plants. Read exclusions in the terms for other ineligible categories.

Knowing the details upfront helps avoid surprises later on. So review what‘s covered and excluded carefully for your purchase.

Protection Plan Costs

Exact prices for Walmart‘s protection plans vary based on:

• Purchase price of the product
• Length of coverage (1 to 5 years)
• Product category

Here are typical costs:

• $200 smartphone – 1 year plan: $99
• $500 TV – 2 year plan: $39
• $1,000 laptop – 2 year plan: $129
• $400 refrigerator – 5 year plan: $89
• $2,500 mattress – 10 year plan: $299

General ranges are:

• 10% to 25% of the product price for 1 to 3 year plans
• 15% to 30% higher for 5 year plans
• Lifetime jewelry plans up to about 45% of the item cost

While prices vary, most shoppers report Walmart‘s plans being more affordable than competing retailers. You get extensive coverage at competitive rates.

How To Purchase Protection Plans from Walmart

You have flexibility in how and when to purchase protection plans:

Online

• Add to cart while checking out
• Go to previous purchases and select plans for already bought items

In-Store

• Request to add a plan at checkout counter
• Visit Customer Service to add coverage later

By Phone

• Call 1-800-WALMART and provide purchase details
• Agents can add plans for items bought online, in-store, or over the phone

Protection plans can be purchased anytime during the manufacturer‘s warranty – usually within 90 days of your purchase.

You‘ll need to inspect used and refurbished items promptly to avoid pre-existing damage. Add plans before the original warranty expires for seamless coverage.

The Bottom Line

Walmart‘s protection plans provide extensive coverage for defects, mechanical issues, accidental damage, and more. They help protect expensive purchases beyond the standard 1 year manufacturer warranty provided with most products.

While costs vary by item, plan durations of 2 to 3 years are popular for protecting pricier electronics and appliances as they age. Added years of coverage provide peace of mind and can prevent costly repair bills down the road.

Review the specific coverage details and exclusions for your potential purchase. And consider the costs compared to potential repair fees. Extended protection makes sense for appliances and devices prone to breakdowns over time.

With a little research upfront, you can determine if Walmart‘s plan is a smart choice for your next big ticket purchase. Protect your investments against defects and accidents!