Smart TV warranties and protection plans vary significantly by provider, but they generally cover mechanical and electrical failures during normal use, with some plans extending to accidental damage, screen burn-in, and power surges. Manufacturer warranties typically last one year and focus on defects in materials or workmanship, while extended protection plans—offered by retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Costco—provide longer coverage (2-4 years) and broader protection, including repairs or replacements for issues like cracked screens, speaker malfunctions, and power supply burnout. Third-party providers like Upsie and AKKO often include additional perks such as no deductibles, lower monthly costs, and coverage for accidental damage, which standard warranties exclude.

Key findings from the search results:

• Manufacturer warranties cover defects for 1 year but exclude accidental damage, wear and tear, and often dead pixels (policies vary by brand) ^[6].
• Retailer protection plans (e.g., Best Buy’s Geek Squad, Walmart’s Product Care, Costco’s Allstate) extend coverage to 2-4 years, including mechanical/electrical failures and sometimes accidental damage (e.g., drops, spills) for portable devices ^[1][3][7].
• Third-party plans (Upsie, AKKO) offer competitive pricing (as low as $3.99/month), no deductibles, and broader coverage like screen burn-in and theft, with claims processed online ^[2][5].
• Exclusions across most plans include intentional damage, loss/theft (unless specified), and failures from improper use or lack of maintenance ^[3][6].

Coverage Details and Provider Comparisons

Manufacturer Warranties vs. Extended Protection Plans

Manufacturer warranties are included with smart TV purchases and typically last 12 months, covering defects in materials or workmanship under normal use. These warranties are limited: they rarely cover accidental damage, dead pixels (unless exceeding brand-specific thresholds), or issues arising from power surges or improper installation ^[6]. For example, dead pixel policies vary—some brands replace TVs with 3+ stuck pixels, while others require 10+ ^[6]. Manufacturer warranties also exclude wear and tear, cosmetic damage, and problems from misuse (e.g., exposure to extreme heat or moisture) ^[6].

Extended protection plans, sold by retailers or third parties, address these gaps by offering:

• Longer coverage periods: 2–4 years, with options to purchase plans up to four years after the TV purchase (e.g., Upsie) ^[2].
• Accidental damage protection: Covers drops, spills, and cracked screens, which are explicitly excluded from manufacturer warranties. Walmart’s Accident Plan, for instance, includes this for portable electronics, while AKKO covers accidental spills and screen cracks ^[3][5].
• Power surge protection: Extended plans often cover damage from electrical surges, a common exclusion in standard warranties ^[8].
• No-deductible options: Upsie and AKKO advertise $0 deductibles for claims, while others (e.g., Everything Breaks) charge a $49 deductible ^[2][5][9].
• Replacement guarantees: If a TV cannot be repaired, providers like Upsie and Costco’s Allstate plan will replace it at no additional cost ^[2][7].

Critically, extended plans do not cover:

• Intentional damage or neglect (e.g., failing to use a surge protector) ^[3].
• Theft or loss (unless specified, as with AKKO) ^[5].
• Pre-existing conditions or damage from unauthorized repairs ^[6].

Cost and Value Proposition

The cost of protection plans varies by provider, TV price, and coverage length. Retailer plans tend to be pricier but offer in-store convenience, while third-party providers emphasize affordability and flexibility.

• Retailer plans:
• Best Buy’s Geek Squad Protection: Pricing isn’t specified in the search results, but the plan enhances the manufacturer warranty and extends coverage post-warranty ^[1].
• Walmart’s Product Care Plan: Covers mechanical/electrical failures; accidental coverage is limited to portable electronics. Pricing depends on the TV’s cost ^[3].
• Costco’s Allstate Plan: For TVs over $1,000, a 3-year plan costs $130 (as cited in a Reddit post), covering 100% parts and labor for mechanical/electrical failures ^[4][7].
• Third-party plans:
• Upsie: Starts at $3.99/month with no service fees or deductibles, covering accidental damage and screen burn-in. Claims can be filed up to 60 days after purchase ^[2].
• AKKO: $15/month (with student discounts), covering theft, accidental damage, and mechanical failures for 36 months. Purchases allowed within 120 days of TV purchase ^[5].
• Everything Breaks: 2-year plans start at $35.88, with a $49 deductible per claim. Covers mechanical breakdowns and power supply issues ^[9].

Value considerations:

• Extended warranties are most cost-effective for high-end TVs (e.g., $2,000+ models), where repair costs (e.g., $500–$1,000 for a cracked OLED panel) justify the plan’s price ^[8].
• Accidental damage coverage is a key differentiator. For households with children or pets, plans like AKKO or Upsie may be worth the investment ^[5][2].
• Claims process ease varies: Upsie and AKKO allow online claims, while retailer plans may require in-store visits or phone calls ^[2][5].
• RTINGS.com advises against extended warranties for most consumers, noting that proper care (e.g., surge protectors, avoiding heat) can mitigate risks. However, they acknowledge value for outdoor TVs or high-risk environments ^[6][8].