When purchasing a stairlift it is important to think critically about the warranty it comes with. Stairlifts are costly, so expect to pay $2,000- $12,000 depending on the model, features, and shape of the stairlift. Additionally, the more customized it is, the harder it is to replace once it has been damaged, become faulty, or stopped functioning properly.
This is where a warranty comes in. We’ll be taking a look at the top stairlifts with the best warranties, but first here is a breakdown of the elements that make up a great warranty.
What is a Warranty?
A warranty is a quality guarantee from the seller of a product. It will tend to offer repairs and exchanges if a product is found to be faulty within a certain duration of time. There are different types of warranties, all of which carry with them their own terms and conditions.
Terms of a Warranty
It is important to closely analyze the terms of a warranty. A stairlift has different parts, so some warranties will cover specific parts of the stairlift, while others will be comprehensive and cover the stairlift as a whole. A comprehensive warranty is also known as a “bumper to bumper” warranty.
When reading the terms and conditions of your warranty, pay special attention to the following:
Manufacturer’s Conditions
When a stairlift functions improperly, some warranties will cover 100% of repair costs. Others will either cover a portion of repair costs, or not cover repairs to any extent. The cause of damage also matters, as customer negligence is not covered under many warranties.
Depending on the extent of the damage, some companies will replace or repair the damaged stairlift. This should be indicated by the warranty.
On rare occasions, manufacturers will completely refund a customer if the stairlift does not meet the expectations of the client. Lastly, find out whether the warranty covers the cost of shipping the stairlift for repairs.
Implied Warranties
A warranty of merchantability implies that the stairlift is in good working condition, while a warranty of fitness implies that the stairlift is suitable for the function for which it’s intended. A warranty of fitness is ideal when purchasing a stairlift.
Warranty Duration
Stairlift warranties will either cover a product for a fixed duration of time, or for forever. Companies that offer lifetime warranties on stairlifts are few and far between, as providing such a warranty is financially risky. However, if a company is confident about the quality of its products, it will not shy away from offering a lifetime warranty. Other warranties will cover a stairlift for a specific number of years such as 3, 5, or 10.
A warranty should be written and signed by both the seller and the buyer once payment has been made. Oral warranties are not enforceable.
Stairlifts Companies With the Best Warranties
Handicare Stairlifts
Handicare sells straight, curved, and outdoor stairlifts, and they’re affordable and high-quality. They offer lifetime warranties on most of their models, as well as comprehensive warranties that cover every part of the stairlift.
Bruno Stairlifts
Bruno’s focus is on manufacturing high-quality stairlifts with enhanced safety features. They offer comprehensive warranties that cover all parts of the stairlift, as well as lifetime warranties on most stairlift designs. Best of all, they have a dedicated customer support team that is readily available to respond to customer comments and concerns.
Final Thoughts
It is not advisable to purchase a stairlift that does not have a warranty, even when you are purchasing a pre-owned one. Because stairlifts are used often, they must be manufactured using high-quality, damage-proof materials. The only way to guarantee the quality of a product is with a warranty. Considering that you will be paying handsomely for a stairlift, ensure that the quality fits the bill.