Here's Why a Stairlift Warranty is so Important

While stairlifts are generally reliable, like any machine they benefit from routine servicing. If you’re searching for the right home stairlift, one thing you should definitely consider is its care and maintenance to protect your investment.

If you’re searching for the right home stairlift, one thing you should definitely consider is its care and maintenance going forward, to maximize its working life and protect your investment. A stairlift is a fairly complex machine, combining mechanical and electronic components. While stairlifts are generally reliable, like any machine they benefit from routine servicing. This allows them to stay in good working order. They also have parts that will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. For instance, the rechargeable battery packs which power most stairlifts. If you or a loved one will depend on the stairlift every day, you must have a safety net in place in case something goes wrong with it. How will you cope if it stops working? You need to know that it can be repaired quickly and properly so that you can continue using it. Here are some points to consider when choosing a stairlift:  

Does it come with a warranty?  

New stairlifts, and some reconditioned ones, are supplied with a warranty (or guarantee) from the manufacturer. It’s important to understand what’s covered by the warranty and how long it lasts. If buying a brand new stairlift, look for one supplied with a comprehensive warranty. This should cover all callouts, repairs, parts, and labor for a set period. It should last for at least 12 months, although some suppliers offer longer warranties as an incentive to buy their products. The type of warranty you get might vary depending on whether you buy your stairlift direct from the manufacturer or through a mobility retailer. Buying direct from a manufacturer should ensure you have direct access to genuine replacement parts.  

Who will carry out repairs and maintenance?  

Some manufacturers employ their own network of skilled and experienced stairlift engineers, not only to install new stairlifts but to carry out all routine maintenance and repairs for their customers. This means the work will be professionally undertaken by someone who knows the product well and has direct access to genuine parts from the manufacturer.  

How efficient is the service?  

Another question to ask is how quickly will a repair be carried out, and can you call on the service at any time? Look for a supplier with a proven track record of prompt and efficient aftersales service, preferably one which is available to its customers 365 days-a-year.  

What happens when my stairlift warranty expires?  

Most manufacturer or retailer warranties expire after one or two years, but the stairlift should last far longer with proper care and maintenance. That’s why you should look for a supplier that offers ‘extended warranties’ or ‘annual service agreements’.  An extended warranty prolongs the period for which the warranty covers the stairlift against any defect – perhaps up to four or five years – at an additional cost. Some suppliers offer the option of an extended warranty at the point of purchase (or shortly afterward). Make sure it’s as comprehensive as their standard warranty.  In other cases, a new warranty or an annual service agreement might be offered after the original warranty runs out. Again, this is an extra cost which you should be aware of when buying the stairlift. Some suppliers will offer different levels of cover at different price points. For example, a basic agreement might only include the annual service for your stairlift, but any replacement parts or other emergency callouts will need to be paid for at extra cost. A gold-standard agreement might cover the cost of all callouts, parts, and labor (as well as the annual service), but will cost more.  

Be sure before you buy!  

Speak to your potential stairlift supplier about what type of warranty is supplied with their product, what level of cover is available after the warranty expires, who will do the work, and how much it will all cost. An extended warranty or service agreement may be an extra cost you hadn’t bargained for, but it’s usually the most cost-effective way to ensure you can get expert help quickly if you need it.