Ever bought a new gadget, car, or appliance and wondered what happens if it fails right after purchase? Express warranties are your first line of defence—but do you know what they really cover in 2026?
What Is an Express Warranty?
An express warranty is a clear, written or verbal promise made by a seller or manufacturer to repair, replace, or refund a product if it fails to meet specific standards or performance claims. In Australia, these warranties are provided on top of your automatic rights under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).
For example, if you buy a fridge and the supplier advertises that it will be “free from defects for two years,” that’s an express warranty. Importantly, retailers can’t dodge their obligations just because a manufacturer’s warranty expires—the ACL still applies.
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Written warranties are often found in product packaging or marketing materials.
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Verbal warranties might be made by a salesperson during a pitch.
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Online purchases are covered just like in-store buys—terms must be clear and accessible.
2026 Policy Updates: What’s Changed?
Recent policy updates in 2026 have strengthened consumer protections around express warranties. The ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) has increased its scrutiny of misleading warranty claims, particularly as more Australians shop online and purchase imported goods.
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Mandatory Warranty Clarity: From January 2026, all express warranties offered with products sold in Australia must be presented in plain English and be easily accessible both at point of sale and online.
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Enforcement on Misleading Claims: New ACCC guidance targets retailers who suggest you must pay for an extended warranty to get protection—when your statutory rights often last longer than advertised warranties.
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Digital Products Included: Express warranty rules now explicitly cover software, apps, and streaming subscriptions, reflecting the digital shift in consumer purchases.
Retailers caught breaching these rules face higher penalties in 2026, with fines up to $10 million for repeated non-compliance.
How Express Warranties Work in Real Life
Let’s break down how an express warranty applies to common scenarios in 2026:
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Electronics: You buy a laptop with a 12-month express warranty. If the battery fails after 10 months, you’re entitled to a repair or replacement. If it fails just outside the warranty, ACL may still protect you, depending on what’s ‘reasonable’ for the price and nature of the product.
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Cars: New cars often come with a 5-year express warranty. Some 2026 models now offer 7 years or unlimited kilometers as a selling point. If a major fault emerges, the dealer must fix it, regardless of the manufacturer’s location.
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Appliances: Retailers may offer their own extended express warranties, but you are not required to buy these to access your basic rights. Always check what’s included—some only cover parts, not labour.
Remember: Express warranties are enforceable contracts. If a promise is made in advertising, sales pitches, or product descriptions, it counts—even if it’s not in the fine print.
Key Tips for Australian Consumers in 2026
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Keep Documentation: Save receipts, warranty cards, and screenshots of any claims or promises made at the time of purchase.
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Know Your ACL Rights: Express warranties are in addition to your consumer guarantees under the ACL, which often last longer than the express period.
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Ask Questions: If a retailer pushes an extended warranty, ask what’s covered and compare it to your existing legal protections.
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Digital Purchases: If a streaming service or app fails to deliver as promised, you’re now explicitly covered by express warranty rules in 2026.
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Escalate if Needed: The ACCC and state fair trading bodies have streamlined online complaint processes for warranty disputes in 2026.
Conclusion: Express Warranties Are Only Part of the Story
While express warranties offer valuable peace of mind, your rights as an Australian consumer go much further—especially with new 2026 policy updates. Don’t be caught out by misleading warranty offers or pressured into unnecessary extras. The key is to stay informed, keep records, and assert your rights if things go wrong.