Do Scratch and Dent Appliances Come With a Warranty? (Complete Guide)

One of the biggest questions buyers have about scratch and dent appliances is whether they come with a warranty. The short answer is: yes, most do — and understanding exactly how the warranty works can make the difference between a great deal and an expensive mistake.

Do Scratch and Dent Appliances Come With a Warranty?

Most scratch and dent appliances are new units with cosmetic imperfections — not used, refurbished, or previously owned. Because they were never sold at retail, most carry their original manufacturer’s warranty in full. This is one of the most important distinctions between scratch and dent and used or refurbished appliances.

Major brand warranties on new S&D units:

• Samsung: 1-year parts and labor standard; some models have longer coverage on specific components (compressors, linear inverters)
• LG: 1-year parts and labor; 10-year compressor warranty on qualifying refrigerators
• Whirlpool / Maytag / KitchenAid: 1-year limited warranty standard
• GE / GE Profile: 1-year full warranty
• Bosch: 1-year parts and labor on most appliances

What You Need to Verify Before Buying

Not every S&D unit automatically comes with a full warranty. There are a few scenarios that can affect coverage.

Authorized vs. unauthorized dealers. Manufacturer warranties are honored when the unit is sold through authorized channels. Reputable scratch and dent dealers are authorized to sell these units and pass through the warranty. Unverified dealers may not be. Always ask whether the unit is covered by the full manufacturer warranty, and which service network handles warranty claims.

Warranty start date. Some warranties start from the manufacturer date, not the date you purchase. If a refrigerator sat in a warehouse for 8 months before you bought it, your effective warranty may be shorter. Ask the dealer when the warranty clock started and get it in writing.

Damage vs. defects. Manufacturer warranties cover defects in materials and workmanship — they don’t cover cosmetic damage. The dent you bought is your responsibility. But if the compressor fails within the warranty period for reasons unrelated to physical damage, that’s covered under a standard warranty.

Extended Warranties on Scratch and Dent

Some scratch and dent dealers offer their own store warranties or can connect you with third-party extended warranty providers. These vary considerably in coverage and value. For most brand-new S&D units from major manufacturers, the included manufacturer warranty is sufficient. Third-party warranties can be worth considering on refrigerators (where compressor failures are the key risk) if the price is reasonable.

Getting It in Writing

Whatever warranty terms apply, get them documented on your receipt or a separate warranty card. This makes any future warranty service claim straightforward. If a dealer can’t or won’t specify the warranty terms in writing, that’s a reason for caution.

For help finding authorized scratch and dent dealers with clear warranty practices, browse our directory of 728+ verified stores. For more on what to look for before you buy, read our appliance inspection checklist.

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