Investing in a standby generator provides crucial backup power. But understanding the warranty protecting that investment is just as important. Let's compare what you might get with a typical competitor's 5-year limited warranty versus the robust protection of Briggs & Stratton's standard 7-year comprehensive warranty on their PowerProtect generators.
Many competitors offer a 5-year limited warranty. While 5 years might seem like a decent timeframe, the "limited" part is key. This often means that, while parts and labor might be covered for the first two years, coverage significantly diminishes afterward. For example, in year three, often only parts are covered, and, in years four and five, coverage might be restricted to only major components like the engine short block and alternator rotor and stator.
What happens when other vital parts experience issues, or when labor is needed for repairs beyond the initial period? Typically, these 5-year limited warranties often don't fully cover:
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Labor Costs: Beyond the first two years, you'll likely be responsible for the cost of the technician's time to diagnose and repair issues, even if a part is covered.
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Many Electrical Components: Parts like the alternator, voltage regulator, and control module might have shorter coverage periods or be excluded altogether after the initial full coverage period, typically 2-3 years.
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Specific Parts of the Enclosure: While the engine might be covered, the generator's housing itself could have limited or no coverage against rust or damage after the first year.
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Travel Costs: Travel allowance for service might be limited, often to a certain mileage or hours round trip.
These limits can lead to unexpected out-of-pocket expenses and less peace of mind over those five years.