A warranty disclaimer is contract language that attempts to limit or exclude warranties that might otherwise apply to a product or service.
Why a warranty disclaimer matters
Warranty disclaimers matter because they can affect what promises the buyer can rely on if a product fails. Consumer law may require disclaimers to be conspicuous, specific, or consistent with other warranty statements.
A disclaimer that conflicts with an express warranty or violates consumer-protection law may not work as written.
Where a warranty disclaimer appears
Warranty disclaimers appear in sales contracts, online checkout terms, product manuals, service agreements, terms of service, used-goods sales, and limited-warranty documents.
Practical example
A seller advertises that a device is waterproof but includes fine print saying all warranties are disclaimed. The express waterproof promise may still matter despite the disclaimer.
How a warranty disclaimer differs from nearby terms
A warranty disclaimer differs from a warranty because a warranty makes or implies a promise about the product, while a disclaimer tries to limit or exclude that promise. It differs from unconscionability because unconscionability addresses unfair contract terms more broadly.
Related terms
Quick knowledge check
Why might a broad warranty disclaimer fail when the seller also made a specific product promise?