GoPros are an ideal companion for all kinds of adventures. But even though GoPros are quite durable and rugged, they aren’t invincible. Even GoPros break, especially if they’re subjected to tough situations on a regular basis. So, what happens if your GoPro breaks? Is there a warranty?
GoPros come with a year-long warranty to cover manufacturer problems. You can also add the premium subscription service that has a “no questions asked” repair policy. Make sure you read the warranty and other policies for the specifics, as some limitations exist.
The last thing you want is to break your GoPro and have to buy a whole new one. To avoid that, you should be aware of what the manufacturer warranty covers and what you can do to add extra coverage. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know.
Are GoPros Repairable?
GoPros are known for their durability, and users make the most of that toughness. These little boxes are put in some pretty extreme situations, whether it’s surfing, mountain biking, or snowboarding. In these circumstances, accidents happen, and your GoPro might not emerge unscathed.
Luckily, GoPros are repairable. Not only does GoPro have a repair service, but you can also subscribe to their premium service that has a “no question asked” policy for repairs. If you’re in a situation where your GoPro breaks quite often, which can certainly happen, it’s a great idea to enroll.
GoPro’s own service is your best bet if you’re looking to repair your device. However, you may have some luck finding third-party repair services to help you out.
This is going to depend on a few factors, like where you are and the model of GoPro, but it’s possible. So, if you don’t want to take on the costs of repairs from the manufacturer, you might find cheaper repair services elsewhere.
It’s worth noting the basic warranty won’t cover accidents or regular wear and tear. It’s mostly for manufacturer defects.
While you can still send in your GoPro for repairs even if the issue was your fault, repairs can get expensive. Given that GoPros are only a few hundred dollars, it sometimes makes sense just to buy a new one.
And it’s worth noting that, ideally you won’t be put in the position of using this warranty. Accessories like a protective housing (on Amazon) for your GoPro can add protection and extend the life of your device.
How Long Is the Warranty on a GoPro?
When you buy a GoPro from an official seller, it comes under warranty. This warranty covers all kinds of manufacturer issues, but not things like normal wear and tear.
The manufacturer warranty on a GoPro will last a year. This starts with the day you purchase the new device, so keep your receipt if you intend to take advantage of the warranty.
The warranty covers all kinds of things. If you’re having an issue with your GoPro and don’t think that your actions of normal wear and tear are the issue, you can go ahead and contact GoPro support to open up a repair case.
From here, you’ll need to package and ship your GoPro. This whole process can take a few weeks. You should also know that GoPro gets to make the final decision on whether a repair is covered under warranty.
This means that while you might think that your repair is under warranty, you could get saddled with a significant bill nonetheless.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a GoPro?
So, you’ve got a broken GoPro. What should you expect in terms of cost? The costs depend on a few factors, including what type of warranty/service you have.
It can cost a lot to repair a GoPro if you don’t have an appropriate warranty. In many cases, you can get away with buying a new GoPro for the price of the repairs. If you break your GoPros quite often, you may want to opt for the premium subscription that has a “no questions asked policy” for repairs.
This subscription service only costs around $4.99 a month. But just because it has a “no questions asked policy” on repairs, don’t think that means unlimited GoPros!
There are limitations to this policy. For one, you only get to replace two devices per year. Although that might seem generous, it can fall short if you’re doing lots of recording in extreme situations.
You also get access to discounts on GoPro accessories. These can also be quite generous, but there are limitations on how much you can buy in a month.