To this warranty is a scam?

[Newdad19]

We moved into a new build last year and have had an issue with our integrated dishwasher the past week or so, where after each wash the top rotary arm is falling off.

We've checked it out and nothing appears to be missing, have tried with big loads, small loads etc. And doesnt seem to be making a difference.

So today I phoned up to request an engineer visit to check it out and possibly give us a repair as we are covered under a manufacturers 2 year warranty.

After submitting the claim, the gentleman on the phone explained if the engineer decides that it is not a mechanical or electrical fault then it will not be covered and we will need to pay £130 for the pleasure of the visit. However, if we agree today to sign up to some extended warranty plan for just a fiver a month then in that case there would be no fee.

Now, I suppose they need to cover themselves if its clearly something out of warranty and cant just send engineees out all the time for free, but it was verrry much a pressured sales pitch on why I should be taking out the warranty.

I challenged the sales guy as I have a yesr left of manufacturers warranty before I would be needing to consider any extension, but I was a bit uneasy with the fact they are basically threatening a 130 quid charge based on the engineers say so and the only way to avoid it is to sign up?

aibu??

[wasonthelist]

YA sort of NBU - but most stuff you buy is easy to take back to the retailer if it fails - this is a bit trickier.

They are being a bit U though - surely they could just send you a new plastic arm in the post? Is it s SMEG one by any chance? Mine has a little spinner on the end of the big one - I have to reattach it periodically - not a defect really, just badly designed.

[User100]

Don't pay - if they try to charge you argue it then.

[LIZS]

Have you checked it is fully locked into position. On ours you need to use a teaspoon handle to unlock and lock it. What model is it?

[Wildberryprincess]

Stand your ground! Assuming that it's not being broken through misuse, an expensive item such as a dishwasher should last for several years. I would politely demand either a repair or a replacement dishwasher.
I suspect that the 2 year warranties are pushing the boundaries of consumer protection law also, and it's outrageous to expect people to pay a extra £60/ year on top!
You are paying a lot for the item to start with, it should be fit for purpose for a decent length of time.

[RagamuffinAndFidget]

Tell them you're covered under the (?) Sale Of Goods Act.. I did this with Currys recently when my 2.5yo out of warranty washing machine broke. They sent an engineer to 'repair or replace' free of charge. Mention trading standards, etc too.

[Newdad19]

Thanks all. I can almost understand the concept if they come out and its a waste of time or there is something obviously damages to it then they need to recoup that cost. But it was very... threatening almost? As if very much that we are at the mercy of mr engineer and his verdict and the only way to sure guarantee we wont get hit with a 130 quid bill is to join their extended warranty scheme.

I pushed him on it a bit to ask for a clear definition of exactly what is classed as a "mechanical fault" vs what they would say isnt covered, but he just flailed a bit and went back to telling me how he was only making me aware of it today because jes managed to secure me such an amazingly discounted deal on it and i would be sorry later if o had to pay.

Im going to ride it out and see what happens.

For those asking its actually a Baumatic dishwasher? Never heard of it personally - its a new build and came with the house and wasnt the top of our priorities at the time (we moved with a young baby!) And have also checked and its secure as can be.

Tried a load tonight with the top shelf empty and it seems to have worked so trying another light load on the top shelf tonight to see if it makes a difference.