Should I Buy Additional Warranty Coverage?

Every time we buy a major appliance, or a large ticket item like a television, we are offered extended warranty coverage. I never used to pay for this coverage...which can be very costly...but my husband is inclined to buy coverage. I don't argue, because I'm never quite sure whether it's the right thing to do or not...but lean towards not purchasing extra coverage. 

As we're in the shopping season, many of you probably already finished, many not, I'm looking back on our experience with warranties, hoping that I can help you make a decision whether or not to purchase additional coverage when you shop.


I can tell you that we have NEVER used any of the extra warranties that we've purchased. We just had one that was to last for two years on our dryer end, as well as our washer...and never used them.  They added quite a bit of expense to our purchase.


We didn't purchase extra coverage on our HD TV, purchased last January, and it needed repair about 2 months ago...within the one year warranty that comes with the television.  It was repaired as promised without a problem by the manufacturer. So, no more additional warranty coverage for us. 

Most items have a one year warranty anyway which is very adequate, and to me, additional extended warranties are just another way for stores to make money. What do you think? Has additional warranty coverage ever benefited you?