What types of damages are not covered by my guarantee?
The guarantee that comes with your product is effective immediately from the date of purchase. All Sony products undergo extensive quality testing before being released to the market. Nevertheless, there is always a minor chance of a product being affected by a defect. You can read more about Sony’s European Guarantee terms [here].
However, some types of damage are not covered by the standard guarantee. This article outlines a few common examples.
IMPORTANT: This list is intended as a guide only. It does not cover all types of damage.
Accidental Damage
Accidental damage occurs when a product suffers unintentional physical harm. For example, dropping your camera and cracking the screen would be considered accidental damage.
Note that damage may not always be visible on the outside. If a product is dropped from a height, it might only show a few scratches externally, while internal components may still be affected.
Examples of accidental damage are:
- Cracked LCD display, causing liquid crystals to bleed.
- Damaged lens, preventing the lens from retracting or closing.
- Cracked underwater housing.
- Dents or bumps on top of a Blu-ray Disc player, caused by an object falling on it.
Example pictures
Liquid Damage
Liquid damage refers to any harm caused by exposure to liquids. A common example is using a mobile phone in the rain, which may lead to water seeping into the device and damaging internal components.
Even waterproof products can suffer liquid damage—especially if seals or covers are not properly secured.
Examples of liquid damage are:
- Fluids entering the device, causing a short circuit on the motherboard.
- Water entering the product and corroding internal components.
Example pictures
Improper Handling or Wear and Tear
Over time, all products will naturally show signs of wear and tear. However, damage resulting from improper handling is not covered by the guarantee and may accelerate wear unnecessarily.
For instance, lifting a laptop by the lid instead of holding it with both hands on either side of the base may put excessive stress on the screen and hinges.
Examples of improper handling or wear and tear:
- Wear and tear around the LCD display of a camera.
- Damaged or frayed headphone cables.
- Cracked corner of a TV monitor, leading to LCD bleed.
- Forcing a connector into a jack, jamming it and damaging the port.