We all rely on appliances and machinery; from straightforward products such as kettles and iron, to complicated equipment such as cars and computers. Whilst a breakdown can sometimes merely be annoying, on other occasions it can cause you real inconvenience, and may result in considerable expense.

By law, any brand-new product is required to work, and the retailer or manufacturer will usually guarantee it for a period of time - typically a year.

However, an extended warranty may be purchased as an insurance that will cover the cost of repairs after this guarantee has expired. Here you'll find information on the two main types of cover you may be considering investing in: motor warranties and general household item warranties.