Geek Squad repairs laptops for free only if under warranty. Otherwise, expect diagnostic fees and high repair costs. Learn when to call them-and when to go local or fix it yourself.
Geek Squad Warranty: What It Covers and When It’s Worth It
When you buy a new appliance, Geek Squad warranty, a paid protection plan offered by Best Buy for electronics and home appliances. Also known as extended warranty, it promises to fix or replace your device if it breaks after the manufacturer’s coverage ends. But here’s the truth: most people don’t know what’s actually included, and too many end up paying for coverage they never use.
Geek Squad warranties typically cover mechanical failures, electrical issues, and sometimes even accidental damage—depending on the plan. But they don’t cover normal wear and tear, improper use, or damage from power surges unless you bought a premium tier. For example, if your dishwasher stops draining because of a clogged filter, that’s not covered. But if the motor dies after two years? That might be. The same goes for ovens, fridges, and washing machines—each has different failure points, and not all of them are protected. What’s more, many of these plans require you to pay a service fee every time you file a claim, which can add up fast. And if your appliance is already five years old when you sign up, you’re likely paying for something that’s already near the end of its life.
Compare that to hiring a local technician in South Shields, who’ll fix your fridge for under £80 and stand by their work with a 12-month guarantee. No hidden fees. No waiting for a corporate call center. Just someone who’s been repairing the same models you own for over a decade. You don’t need a big-name brand to get reliable service—you just need the right person. The posts below break down real appliance failures, what they cost to fix, and whether a warranty would’ve helped—or just wasted your money. You’ll see exactly when it’s smarter to skip the plan and save your cash for a proper repair.