Guides › Faulty Goods and Refunds › Cancel an Extended Warranty and Get a Refund
Cancel an Extended Warranty and Get a Refund
Citizens Advice says you can usually cancel an extended warranty bought online or by phone within 14 days for a refund. For electrical goods, a warranty lasting at least 12 months bought at the same time as the goods can be cancelled for a refund within 45 days. After that you may get a partial refund, but not if you have made a claim.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Cancelling a Warranty
Cooling-Off and 45 Days
You may get an automatic 14-day cooling-off period if you signed up by phone or online. For electrical goods, if the warranty lasts at least 12 months and was bought at the same time as the goods, you can change your mind and get a refund within 45 days. After 45 days you can still cancel but only get a partial refund, depending on how long ago you took it out. You cannot do this if you have already made a claim. source
Your Legal Rights
Warranties and guarantees add to your legal rights. You have legal rights for up to 6 years (5 years in Scotland) if there is a fault. source
Your Rights Without a Warranty
What Goods Must Be
Goods you buy from a business must be as described, of satisfactory quality and fit for their purpose (Consumer Rights Act 2015). Your contract is with the seller, not the manufacturer, so the seller is the one to complain to. source
The First 6 Months
If a fault shows up within six months of delivery, it is presumed to have been there at delivery unless the trader proves otherwise. After six months, you have to show it. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 14 daysCancel a warranty bought online or by phoneFor a refund
- 45 daysCancel an electrical goods warranty bought with the itemFor a refund
- 6 yearsTime limit for a court claim6 years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; 5 years in Scotland
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Find when you bought the warranty and whether it was with the item.
Step 2 of 5
Write to the warranty provider or shop to cancel. Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 3 of 5
Ask for a full refund if you are within 14 days (online or phone) or 45 days (electrical goods).
Step 4 of 5
After that, ask for a partial refund.
Step 5 of 5
Remember your legal rights against the seller still apply without a warranty.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
The Retailer's Complaints Team
Always start here, in writing, and say which remedy you want.
Citizens Advice Consumer Service
Free advice, and help deciding whether to start a small claim, once the seller has not put it right.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Before buying an extended warranty, remember your legal rights already cover faults for up to 6 years.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/somethings-gone-wrong-with-a-purchase/claim-using-a-warranty-or-guarantee Checked 13 October 2026
- nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/what-do-if-problems-arise-supplied-goods Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/legal-system/small-claims/deciding-whether-to-make-a-small-claim Checked 8 October 2026