Quote:
Originally Posted by
danielwd 
The City Advantage warranty I purchased from Circuit City, backed by Assurant Solutions proclaims:
"If the covered Product is deemed non-repairable, at the sole determination of the
Service Provider or its designee, We will replace it with a product of equal or similar features and functionality, though not necessarily of the same brand."
...So we shall see! There is a "no lemon" guarantee that submits the product must be repaired twice before they will replace the product within the same terms as stated above. Technically, the "no lemon" guarantee is probably where I would be because the tv simply needs a new light engine. But the lingering question to me, is would they be more likely to just replace the tv entirely as it could be cheaper in the long run or even just cut me a check for what a similar tv would be today.
The no lemon guarantee is secondary to the "deemed non-repairable" part. Your TV is probably being covered by the non-repairable clause but either way it's the same result.
"Non-repairable" to the warranty company/underwriter is much the same as it works with say an automobile involved in an accident. When the cost to repair the car is greater than the cost to replace it, it gets "written off" and the insurance company gives you money to buy a similar make/model/year car based on the approximate value. Of course with TVs we don't get into used products as we do with cars, but it's the same principle. Light engines are not cheap to replace with manufacturer-provided parts, not to mention the labour involved by the company contracted to do the repairs. If it's going to cost them $1500 or something in cash payout to have the TV repaired but the cost for them on a new TV is some $800 or so, obviously they are going to pick the latter and tell you to take a new TV.
Usually they don't "cut a cheque" per se because they usually have deals with various manufacturers* and/or retail outlets to buy these TVs at a cost price you would not typically see in stores. I.e. They aren't going to give you money to go buy a set from Best Lie at $1000 when the set costs Best Lie $850--they aren't in business to make them or anyone else money (unless they are part of BB or whatever retailer or have an agreement through them, which is often the case but not here since CC went out of business). Instead they are buying the set just like BB for $850, and then giving it to you. There are of course exceptions but this is usually how it works.
*Hence where the term "not necessarily the same manufacturer" comes from. They probably have deals with certain manufacturers to buy TVs for replacement but don't have all manufacturers. So if you have a Mitsubishi and you ask for another Mitsu and don't have Mitsu sets, they get out of having to give you one by that little line in the warranty statement.
Anyway they're more than glad to do replace the TV though because it saves them money. In your case it sounds like you want a new TV so it's a win-win (most people usually do prefer to get a newer/more modern set). On the other hand if you actually really wanted the TV to be repaired they would probably tell you you're SOL because by the terms
they get to determine what is and isn't "non-repairable"--in that case you'd have to take one of the new TV options anyway.
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