In short
- The Bill 29 warranty is free and automatic.
- The merchant must tell you about the legal warranties before offering you a paid warranty (s. 228.1).
- If they don't, it's a prohibited practice.
- An extended warranty is only worth what it adds to the law.
What the seller must do
Before offering you an additional paid warranty, the merchant must tell you, verbally and in writing, about the existence and content of the warranties provided by law (s. 228.1). They must also tell you about the manufacturer's free warranty, if there is one.
The regulation provides for a written notice titled “Avis sur les garanties légales” (notice on legal warranties). It must explain that the legal warranty is free and that the merchant and the manufacturer must repair the item at no cost for the set period. With Bill 29, the length of the warranty of good working order must also be displayed near the price (s. 38.8).
A merchant who offers you an additional warranty without first giving you this information is deemed to fail to mention an important fact. It's a prohibited practice (s. 228.1).
Compare before you pay
| Bill 29 warranty | Extended warranty | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Paid |
| Length | 3 to 6 years depending on the item | Depends on the contract |
| Parts and labour | Yes (s. 38.2) | Depends on the contract |
| Accidental damage | No | Sometimes, read the contract |
| Follows the item if you sell it | Yes (s. 38.6) | Depends on the contract |
Questions to ask the seller
- How long is the legal warranty for this item?
- What does your warranty cover beyond the law, and for how long after the legal warranty ends?
- Does it cover accidental damage? With what deductible?
- Who does the repairs, and how quickly?
When it can still be useful
An extended warranty can have value if it covers accidental damage, if it lasts clearly longer than the legal warranty, or if the item isn't one of the 14 covered items. Otherwise, it largely repeats what the law already gives you.
Frequently asked questions
I bought an extended warranty before I knew about Bill 29. What can I do?
Reread your contract to see if it allows cancellation and a refund. If the merchant didn't tell you about the legal warranties before selling it to you, check with the OPC about your remedies.
The seller says I'm not covered without an extended warranty. Is that true?
No. For the 14 covered items, the warranty of good working order has been automatic and free since October 5, 2026.
Read next
- Bill 29Bill 29: the simple guide
- The store refusesThe steps and the lines to know
- Manufacturer or legal warrantyThe 4 warranties, explained
- Used itemsThe warranty follows the item
Updated October 21, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Official source: Office de la protection du consommateur.