What we look at, and how we keep it honest

What goes into the Warranty Score

1. Full coverageHow long everything is covered, parts and labor. This counts the most.
2. Partial coverageWhich parts stay covered after that, and for how long.
3. What you'd still payA claim fee lowers the score.
4. Hoops to jump throughCoverage that depends on registering by a deadline lowers it too.

Full vs partial, at a glance

• Green is full coverage. If it fails from a defect, the maker fixes or replaces it at no cost.
• Blue is partial coverage. Only the parts named are covered, and you usually pay for labor.
• Gray is nothing. After that, you're on your own unless the store or your card covers it.

How we keep it accurate

• Every rating comes from the maker's published warranty, and each page shows when we last checked.
• When we couldn't confirm the terms on the maker's own site, we mark them “Unverified”.
• When terms differ by model, we say so and show the least generous version.
• We keep each version when a maker changes its terms, and brands can send corrections.

How we rank stores

• Each product type lists the stores that actually sell it, from chains with stores across the country or across a large region, plus the biggest online stores.
• Stores are ranked by how long they give you to return that kind of product. Longer is better, and a store with no set deadline comes first.
• We use the store's rule for that product when it has one, like a shorter window for mattresses or major appliances, and its standard window otherwise.
• Member-only and holiday extensions aren't counted, so everyone can get the window shown.
• Stores that sell mostly their own brand, and marketplaces where each seller sets the rules, aren't listed.

What we never do

• Take money from brands for placement or a better rating.
• Show anyone's purchases or personal details.
• Let AI invent coverage. Every number comes from a published warranty.