Extended warranty claims don't wash, says ACCC "Shoppers should realise that under the Australian Consumer Law they may have a right to a repair, replacement or refund beyond the time period covered by the manufacturer's warranty," ACCC chairman Rod Sims said. WHETHER extended warranties on washing machines and other whitegoods are a waste of money is to be tested in the Federal Court. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has launched the legal action against appliance maker Fisher & Paykel for allegedly "false or misleading representations concerning consumers' rights" as it attempted to sell extended warranties. The ACCC claims Fisher & Paykel sent 48,000 letters to owners of its washing machines or other whitegoods which said: "When you purchased your Fisher & Paykel (appliance) it came with a warranty protecting you against the cost of repairs for two years. Your ... machine is now a year old, which means you have 12 months remaining - after that your appliance won't be protected against repair costs. Fisher & Paykel could "help" with this through an extended warranty, covering the appliance for an extra two years. About 1000 customers bought extended warranties - for $199. ACCC chairman Rod Sims said: "This is an important case for the ACCC as the allegations involve false or misleading representations by businesses about consumers' statutory rights in the context of offering extended warranties. "Shoppers should realise that under the Australian Consumer Law they may have a right to a repair, replacement or refund beyond the time period covered by the manufacturer's warranty," Mr Sims said. While some extended warranties may offer protection over and above that provided by the ACL, they do not replace the underlying consumer guarantees. The case has arisen because one of the 48,000 extended warranty letters went to a Sydney competition and trade practices lawyer who had bought a Fisher & Paykel washing machine. Fisher & Paykel did not respond to requests for comment.