53 Companies With Lifetime Warranties: If It Breaks, They’ll Fix It
Finding ways to save money is a priority for most consumers, and one of the most effective strategies is purchasing products from companies with lifetime warranties. When a company offers a lifetime warranty or guarantee, they commit to repairing or replacing items if they break or develop defects. While quality products with comprehensive lifetime warranties may require a higher upfront investment, they often save you significant money over time by eliminating replacement costs and providing long-term protection.
This guide presents a comprehensive list of 53 brands that offer lifetime warranties. Some provide unconditional lifetime guarantees with no strings attached, while others cover manufacturer defects for the lifetime of the product. Understanding the differences between these warranty types and what they cover will help you make informed purchasing decisions.
Understanding Lifetime Warranties
A lifetime warranty is a manufacturer’s guarantee that they will repair or replace a defective product at no cost to you during your ownership of the item. However, it’s important to understand that “lifetime” typically refers to the product’s lifespan, not necessarily the owner’s lifetime or the company’s existence. Different companies define their lifetime warranties differently, so reading the fine print is essential.
Before purchasing any product with a lifetime warranty, keep your receipt and note where you store it. Most lifetime warranty offers require proof of purchase, and many do not extend to items purchased through resellers or third-party marketplaces. Additionally, some companies require customers to register their purchases within a specific timeframe to be eligible for lifetime protection.
21 Brands With Unconditional Lifetime Warranties
These brands offer lifetime guarantees with minimal restrictions, covering defects in materials and workmanship. From backpacks to knives, the following companies stand behind their products without extensive conditions:
Eddie Bauer
Eddie Bauer, a renowned outdoor gear and clothing manufacturer, offers an unconditional lifetime guarantee on its products. The company states that it designs all products to last and tests and manufactures them to the highest quality standards. If your Eddie Bauer product has a defect in materials or workmanship, you may return it with proof of purchase within 60 days for a replacement or refund to your original payment method.
Craftsman
Craftsman wrenches and many other hand tools come with a full lifetime warranty. Craftsman has long been known for tool quality, and their warranty reflects their commitment to durability and performance. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship throughout the product’s life.
Away Luggage
Away, a luxury suitcase and travel gear company, offers a limited lifetime warranty that covers manufacturing defects when the bag is used as intended. You must be the original owner and have used the bag for travel by air, car, train, boat, and foot for damage to be covered. The problem must impair the functionality of the product. Additionally, Away guarantees the electronic components inside its suitcases for two years.
Filson
Filson, a Seattle-based company established in 1897, manufactures luggage, watches, outdoor gear, and other items. Filson offers a lifetime guarantee covering failure of workmanship and materials for the life of its products. Items must be clean before sending them in for repair, as items that have been abused, neglected, or used for purposes other than their intended use won’t be covered. Dirty items will be returned for cleaning before repair.
Stanley Tools
Stanley Tools manufactures a wide variety of tools, many covered by lifetime warranties. Tools qualifying for this protection include wrenches, sockets, ratchets, drive accessories, tape measures, hand tools, and landscaping and garden tools. Other items may offer shorter warranty periods.
Tilley Hats
Tilley offers a lifetime guarantee on many of its hats, with coverage printed on the woven label inside qualified hats. To activate coverage, you must register your hat on the website within 60 days of purchase. Tilley’s website states that the company is so confident in its craftsmanship that some hats are guaranteed for life against normal wear and tear, poor workmanship, or faulty material. If your hat qualifies, Tilley will repair or replace it free of charge.
Polar Bottle
Polar Bottle will replace water bottles that break or are faulty due to defects in materials and workmanship within the practical lifetime of the product. The warranty does not cover regular wear and tear, accident, combat damage, improper care or cleaning, non-standard usage, or negligence.
32 Brands With Limited Lifetime Warranties for Manufacturer Defects
While these companies may not cover regular wear and tear, they offer limited lifetime warranties or other guarantees that cover manufacturing defects and unsatisfactory items. These warranties fix or replace products with defects throughout the product’s lifetime, though specific conditions and limitations apply.
REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.)
REI eliminated its famous no-questions-asked lifetime return policy in 2013, but the company still allows customers to return items with manufacturing defects at any time as part of its limited warranty. REI members can return items for any reason for up to one year after purchase, while non-members have 30 to 90 days for returns. This policy reflects the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction while maintaining reasonable return windows.
Patagonia
Patagonia, the outdoor apparel and gear company, will repair damage due to normal wear and tear at a reasonable charge. This demonstrates the company’s environmental commitment to extending product life rather than encouraging replacement.
Tervis
Tervis products come with limited warranties depending on the product line. Legacy stainless steel items featuring a lowercase “tervis” logo carry a limited five-year guarantee, while Tervis Traveler stainless steel items with an uppercase “TERVIS” logo are guaranteed for two years. These warranties do not cover normal wear and tear, improper care, or abuse, and they exclude accessories.
What Warranty Coverage Means for Your Purchases
Understanding warranty coverage is crucial when making purchasing decisions. A product with a lifetime warranty demonstrates the manufacturer’s confidence in quality and craftsmanship. When brands are willing to repair or replace products for life, it signals they’ve invested in durability and materials that will withstand extended use.
Key Considerations for Lifetime Warranties
Before relying on a lifetime warranty, consider these important factors:
- Company Stability: A lifetime warranty is only as good as the company offering it. If a manufacturer goes out of business, their warranty obligations may become worthless. Research company history and financial stability before making large purchases.
- Proof of Purchase: Keep your receipt and documentation of your purchase. Most lifetime warranties require proof of purchase, and purchases through unauthorized resellers typically void warranty coverage.
- Warranty Registration: Some companies require you to register your product within a specific timeframe, such as 60 days of purchase. Missing registration deadlines may result in losing warranty coverage.
- Original Ownership: Many warranties apply only to the original owner. If you sell or transfer the product, warranty coverage may not transfer with it.
- Intended Use: Warranties typically cover defects that occur during normal, intended use. Abuse, negligence, accidents, or misuse generally void warranty protection.
- Proper Maintenance: Some warranties require proper care and maintenance. Items that are dirty, neglected, or improperly maintained may not be covered.
How to Maximize Your Warranty Benefits
To get the most out of lifetime warranties, follow these best practices:
- Save your original receipt and purchase documentation indefinitely.
- Register your product with the manufacturer within any required timeframe.
- Keep the product in good condition and maintain it according to manufacturer guidelines.
- Read and save warranty documentation for future reference.
- Contact the manufacturer immediately if you discover a defect.
- Document any defects with photos or descriptions before contacting the company.
Lifetime Warranties vs. Extended Warranties
Manufacturers’ lifetime warranties differ significantly from extended warranties you can purchase separately. Manufacturer lifetime warranties are included with the product and cover defects in materials and workmanship. Extended warranties are optional add-ons you purchase to extend coverage beyond the manufacturer’s standard warranty period. Extended warranties often cost extra and may duplicate coverage your credit card issuer already provides. Before purchasing an extended warranty, check whether your credit card automatically doubles manufacturer warranties, as many premium credit cards offer this benefit.
Signs of Quality Products Worth Buying
Offering a lifetime warranty is one indicator of product quality, but several other factors signal whether a product is worth the investment:
- Repairability: Quality products allow you to access and replace individual parts. If repair is impossible or impractical, avoid the product.
- Longer Standard Warranties: If all competitors offer one to two-year warranties but one brand offers five years, investigate that brand further. Extended standard warranties suggest confidence in durability.
- Repair Over Replacement: Companies that offer repair before replacement have calculated that fixing the item is cheaper than replacing it, indicating quality construction.
- Customer Reviews: Check reviews on major e-commerce sites to see how long similar products actually last and how customers experience warranty claims.
- Company Reputation: Research brand history and customer satisfaction to ensure the company will be around when you need to file a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to register my product to activate a lifetime warranty?
A: It depends on the company. Many brands require registration within a specific timeframe, such as 60 days of purchase, while others activate warranties automatically upon purchase. Always check the warranty documentation for registration requirements.
Q: Does a lifetime warranty cover damage from accidents or misuse?
A: No. Lifetime warranties typically cover defects in materials and workmanship but exclude damage from accidents, abuse, negligence, improper care, or non-standard usage. Warranties are meant to protect against manufacturing defects, not user-caused damage.
Q: Can I transfer a lifetime warranty to a new owner?
A: Most lifetime warranties apply only to the original owner. If you sell or gift a product, the warranty typically does not transfer. Check with the manufacturer for specific transfer policies.
Q: What happens if the company goes out of business?
A: If a manufacturer goes out of business, their warranty obligations are generally no longer enforceable. This is why researching company stability and financial health is important when purchasing items with lifetime warranties.
Q: Should I purchase extended warranty protection if a product already has a lifetime warranty?
A: Purchasing extended warranties on top of lifetime warranties is usually unnecessary. A lifetime warranty provides long-term coverage for manufacturing defects. Before buying extended coverage, check if your credit card automatically doubles manufacturer warranties, as many premium credit cards offer this benefit.
Q: Do I need to keep my receipt to claim a lifetime warranty?
A: Yes. Most companies require proof of purchase to honor lifetime warranties. Keep your original receipt indefinitely, and store it in a safe, easily accessible location.
Q: What’s the difference between “lifetime warranty” and “limited lifetime warranty”?
A: An unconditional lifetime warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship with minimal restrictions. A limited lifetime warranty covers only specific defects or applies only under certain conditions, such as covering manufacturer defects but excluding normal wear and tear.
References
- 53 Companies With Lifetime Warranties: If It Breaks, They’ll Fix It — The Penny Hoarder. 2024. https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/save-money/companies-with-lifetime-warranties/
- What Are Some Items That Are Buy it For Life? — The Penny Hoarder. 2024. https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/save-money/buy-it-for-life/
- Truth about lifetime warranties is ‘only as good as the company’ — Houston Chronicle. 2024. https://www.chron.com/homes/article/Truth-about-lifetime-warranties-is-only-as-1737028.php
This article is general information, not personal financial advice. Consider your own situation, or speak with a licensed adviser, before acting on it.