Warranty

In one sentence

A promise that something is true or will work as described.

Plain English

A warranty is a guarantee made by one party to another that certain facts are true or that a product will perform as promised. When you buy a car, the seller might warrant that the engine runs properly. If the warranty turns out to be false, the person who made it may be liable for damages. Warranties can be express (written or spoken) or implied (understood from the nature of the transaction).

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Example

You purchase a used laptop with a one-year warranty covering hardware defects. Three months later, the screen stops working. Because the seller warranted the hardware would function, you can return it for repair or a refund.

Used in a sentence

“The manufacturer's warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for two years from purchase.”

Related terms

Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

Federal law requiring clear warranty disclosures and limiting warranty disclaimers for consumer products.

Lemon Law

State laws protecting consumers who buy defective vehicles that the manufacturer cannot repair.

Material Breach

A significant failure to perform a contract obligation that defeats its core purpose.

Damages Calculation

The process of determining how much money a harmed party should receive for a breach.

Entire Agreement

A clause stating that the written contract contains the complete and final agreement between the parties.

Acceptance

Agreeing to the exact terms of an offer, creating a binding contract.

Offer

A proposal to enter into a binding agreement on specific terms.

Consideration

Something of value exchanged by each party to make a contract binding.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.