Your rights as a UK shopper
Warranty or Guarantee: What Is the Difference?
8 November 2026
A guarantee is a promise that comes with the goods without extra charge, usually from the manufacturer. A warranty is often something you pay for, such as an extended warranty, which works more like an insurance policy. Neither one replaces your legal rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which apply whether or not you have either.
Quick answer: A guarantee is a free promise, often from the manufacturer, to repair, replace or refund goods that don't meet the standard it sets out. A warranty is often a paid-for extra, such as an extended warranty. Both add to your legal rights, which last up to 6 years for a fault (5 years in Scotland).
Key Takeaways
A guarantee is given without extra charge and is legally binding on whoever gives it.
Warranties are often paid-for extras, such as extended warranties.
Neither one replaces your rights against the trader under the Consumer Rights Act.
Read the terms for how to claim, how long cover lasts and who can claim.
Extended warranties for electrical goods can be cancelled for a full refund within 45 days in some cases.
What the law calls a guarantee
Section 30 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 defines a guarantee as a promise given without extra charge by a business that, if the goods don't meet the specification in the guarantee, you'll get your money back or the goods will be repaired, replaced or otherwise dealt with.
That promise is legally binding on the business that gives it. The guarantee must be in plain, intelligible language and, for goods offered in the UK, in English. It must say that your statutory rights aren't affected, and it must give the guarantor's name and address, and how long and where the cover applies.
What a warranty usually means
People use the two words loosely, and shops sometimes use them the other way round. In everyday use, a warranty is often a paid-for extra, such as an extended warranty that carries on after the manufacturer's guarantee ends. Read the paperwork to see what you're actually getting.
Guarantee | Paid-for warranty | |
|---|---|---|
Cost | No extra charge | You pay for it |
Often from | The manufacturer | The retailer or a warranty provider |
Legal basis | Section 30 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 | The terms of the contract you buy |
Your legal rights against the trader | Not affected | Not affected |
Your legal rights come first
Under the Consumer Rights Act, the trader that sold you the goods is responsible if they're faulty. Our guide to your rights when goods are faulty explains the 30-day right to reject, repairs and refunds.
Citizens Advice says it's usually easier to use your legal rights within the first 6 months, and that you have legal rights for up to 6 years if there's a fault (5 years in Scotland). A guarantee or warranty can be the simpler route later on, for example if an item breaks after 7 months and the guarantee lasts a year.
When a guarantee or warranty helps most
Citizens Advice says they tend to be useful when:
Something goes wrong after the first 6 months and you want a repair or replacement
You bought an item abroad and the manufacturer is based in the UK
The trader has gone out of business
If the trader has closed, a manufacturer's guarantee should still be valid. If the warranty came from the trader, check whether it's insurance-backed, which means an insurance policy keeps it going if the trader stops trading.
Making a claim
You'll usually need proof of purchase, details of the problem and a copy of the guarantee or warranty. Check the time limit, and whether you'll have to pay to send the item back.
If you bought the item online and simply don't want it, you may not need a guarantee at all. Our guide on how to return something you bought online explains the 14-day right to cancel.
Some manufacturers ask you to register the product. If you didn't send back the registration card, try registering online or contacting the manufacturer. If you bought the item second-hand or were given it, look for the phrase "third party rights", because otherwise only the original buyer may be able to claim.
Extended warranties
If you buy an extended warranty online or by phone, you may get a 14-day cooling-off period. For electrical goods, Citizens Advice says you can also change your mind and get a refund within the first 45 days if the warranty lasts at least 12 months and you bought it at the same time as the goods. After 45 days you can still cancel, but you'll get only a partial refund, and not if you've already made a claim.
Before you buy one, compare what it adds with the rights you already have. If you pay for the item by credit card, our guide to Section 75 credit card protection explains another layer of cover.
For a summary of the law, see our guide to your shopping rights.
Common questions
Is a guarantee legally binding?
Yes. Under section 30 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a guarantee given without extra charge takes effect as a contractual obligation on the business that gives it.
Do I need a warranty to get a faulty item fixed?
No. Your legal rights against the trader apply whether or not you have a warranty or guarantee.
Can I cancel an extended warranty?
Often, yes. You may get a 14-day cooling-off period if you bought it online or by phone, and longer for some electrical goods warranties. Check the terms.
Does a guarantee pass to a new owner?
Only if the terms allow it. Look for "third party rights" in the paperwork, especially if you bought the item second-hand.