When you’re about to buy a pricey appliance, smartphone, or car, the extended warranty pitch is almost inevitable. “Protect your investment,” the salesperson says, “for just a few dollars more.” It sounds like a smart move. After all, who wants to pay out of pocket for a surprise repair? But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that extended warranties often come with more strings than safety nets. Before you sign on the dotted line, here are nine reasons why extended warranties don’t always live up to the hype.
