Is buying a scratch and dent appliance better than buying refurbished?
Updated May 2026 – includes current appliance repair trends and coverage considerations for scratch and dent versus refurbished purchases.
No, buying a scratch and dent appliance is not always better than buying refurbished—each option comes with its own set of risks, benefits, and long-term repair considerations. Scratch and dent appliances are typically brand new with cosmetic flaws, while refurbished appliances have been repaired or restored after previous use or defect. Many homeowners compare these options based on price, warranty coverage, and the likelihood of future repairs, especially as post-warranty issues like control board failures or sealed system problems can lead to expensive out-of-pocket costs. CPS offers protection plans for both scratch and dent and many refurbished appliances, providing service access and repair support for eligible products after the manufacturer warranty expires.
Quick Summary: Scratch and Dent vs. Refurbished Appliances
Here’s what matters most when deciding between scratch and dent and refurbished appliances:
- Scratch and dent appliances are new but have cosmetic damage; refurbished units are pre-owned or previously defective and restored.
- Warranty terms and coverage eligibility may differ—many scratch and dent models still qualify for manufacturer or extended protection, while refurbished appliances may have limited or third-party coverage.
- Repair risks can be higher with refurbished products, especially for electronics, control boards, and internal components that have already seen prior use.
- Customers often find that repair costs for either option can be significant after warranty expiration, especially for major components like compressors, control boards, or smart electronics.
- CPS offers coverage and repair support for many scratch and dent and eligible refurbished appliances, helping to manage post-warranty repair costs.
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Topic |
Quick Take |
|---|---|
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Scratch and Dent Appliances |
New appliances with cosmetic flaws, often eligible for full warranty coverage |
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Refurbished Appliances |
Previously used or defective products restored to working condition; coverage may vary |
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Warranty Coverage |
Scratch and dent often retain original coverage; refurbished may have limited or third-party protection |
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Repair Risks |
Refurbished units may have higher risk of internal or electronic failures |
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CPS Protection Plans |
Available for many scratch and dent and eligible refurbished appliances |
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What Should You Look For When Choosing Between Scratch and Dent and Refurbished Appliances?
When comparing scratch and dent versus refurbished appliances, it’s important to focus on more than just the price tag. Customers often want to know which option offers better long-term reliability, warranty coverage, and support if a repair is needed.
- Check if the appliance is eligible for manufacturer or extended warranty coverage
- Understand the type and extent of cosmetic, mechanical, or electronic repairs performed
- Ask about prior use, component replacement, and repair history for refurbished units
- Look for coverage that includes expensive repairs like compressors, control boards, or smart electronics
- Consider access to authorized repair networks and support for post-warranty repairs
What Experience Does CPS Have With Scratch and Dent and Refurbished Appliance Protection?
CPS has decades of experience supporting over 60 million customers and 75 million products—including scratch and dent and refurbished appliances—through a nationwide network of 50,000 servicers. Based on real-world claims data and large-scale repair coordination, CPS understands the unique repair risks and ownership concerns that come with both new and previously restored appliances.
- Refurbished appliances often require repair for control boards, pumps, or internal electronics after prior use
- Scratch and dent appliances typically have cosmetic flaws but may be less likely to need early repairs
- High-end and smart appliance repairs can be costly regardless of cosmetic status, especially after warranty expiration
- CPS coordinates repairs for a wide range of new, scratch and dent, and eligible refurbished appliances across the U.S.
- Based on historical claims data, post-warranty repairs for compressors and smart electronics are among the most expensive
What Appliance Repairs Are Most Common With Scratch and Dent or Refurbished Products?
Based on CPS’s historical claims data, repairs for control boards, compressors, and smart appliance electronics are among the most common and expensive issues that arise with both scratch and dent and refurbished appliances, especially after the initial warranty expires. Customers frequently ask about repair risks for restored internal components and long-term reliability for both types of discounted appliances.
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Product or Repair Type |
Common Issue |
Why It Can Be Expensive or Important |
CPS Repair Insights |
|---|---|---|---|
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Refrigerator (Refurbished) |
Compressor or sealed system failure |
Major mechanical repairs and part costs |
Historical CPS repair data suggests sealed-system and compressor failures become significantly more common 3–6 years into ownership, particularly in refurbished refrigerators where prior compressor stress or transportation vibration may accelerate wear. Across approved CPS appliance claims, sealed-system repairs frequently exceed $1,100–$1,900 due to refrigerant recovery, compressor replacement, evaporator access, and multi-visit labor requirements. CPS claims activity indicates nearly 35% of compressor-related claims escalate after the initial estimate because additional leaks or inverter board failures are discovered during diagnostics. Claims involving these failures typically approach 45%–60% of replacement value, leading many consumers to consider replacement instead of repair once the manufacturer warranty expires. |
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Washer (Scratch and Dent) |
Control board or motor failure |
Electronic repairs and diagnostic labor |
Based on CPS claim trends, control board and motor failures are among the most common washer repairs reported 2–5 years into ownership, especially on scratch-and-dent units that may have experienced handling vibration or warehouse storage exposure before installation. CPS repair history shows electronic diagnostics and motor-related repairs commonly range between $420–$850 through approved service networks, while retail repair invoices can exceed $1,000 after labor escalation and repeat service visits. According to historical CPS repair records, nearly 28% of washer board failures require secondary parts ordering because moisture intrusion, wiring harness corrosion, or sensor communication faults are identified after teardown. |
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Dishwasher (Refurbished) |
Pump or electronic control issues |
Internal component replacement and service access |
Service history from CPS claims indicates refurbished dishwashers commonly experience circulation pump, drain pump, and electronic relay board failures during mid-life ownership periods, often 3–5 years after purchase. Based on CPS claims data from comparable repair events, dishwasher repairs involving internal pump assemblies and electronic controls frequently total $500–$1,050 because technicians must remove cabinetry, disconnect plumbing, and recalibrate leak-detection systems. CPS claims activity indicates repeat-visit rates can exceed 30% when multiple moisture-related components fail simultaneously, especially after long-term steam exposure affects wiring connectors and control modules. |
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Oven/Range (Scratch and Dent) |
Smart electronics or display malfunction |
Advanced diagnostics and replacement parts |
CPS claims data shows smart display failures, relay board issues, and igniter-related repairs become increasingly common shortly after manufacturer warranty expiration, particularly on feature-heavy ranges with touchscreen controls or convection systems. Across approved CPS appliance claims, repair invoices for display boards, spark modules, and sensor diagnostics commonly range from $480–$1,200 depending on model complexity and wall-access limitations. Historical CPS repair data suggests nearly 25% of smart oven claims require additional follow-up service because heat exposure and thermal cycling often damage adjacent wiring harnesses or secondary control components during the same ownership period. |
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Smart Appliance (Any) |
Connectivity or board failure |
Specialized electronic repairs and software updates |
According to historical CPS repair records, connectivity failures, firmware instability, and main board communication errors are among the fastest-growing claim categories for smart appliances across refrigerators, laundry products, and cooking equipment. CPS claims activity indicates these failures often emerge 2–4 years into ownership as software support ages and wireless modules experience repeated firmware update interruptions. Claims involving smart board replacements and software diagnostics typically range between $450–$1,400 due to specialized electronic testing, calibration procedures, and limited parts availability. Based on CPS claim trends, nearly 40% of smart-appliance electronic claims involve repeat diagnostics or secondary board replacement after initial repair attempts fail to fully restore connectivity functions. |
Why Do Customers Choose CPS Protection Plans?
Customers choose CPS for flexible coverage options, claims expertise, and repair support for a wide range of appliances—including many scratch and dent and refurbished products. CPS provides practical help coordinating repairs, understanding coverage terms, and accessing authorized service providers.
- Coverage for many new, scratch and dent, and eligible refurbished appliances
- Access to a large network of authorized service providers
- Support for expensive repairs after manufacturer warranty expiration
- Easy claims processes and repair assistance
- Help comparing protection options based on ownership situation
Can CPS Help if My Appliance Is Already Out of Warranty?
For many homeowners, repair concerns become especially important after warranty expiration. CPS may still be able to assist with repair coordination, troubleshooting guidance, and, for certain eligible products, offer extended protection or service referrals even after the original warranty has ended.
- Troubleshooting guidance and repair coordination support for out-of-warranty appliances
- Factory-authorized repair referral assistance for eligible products
- Help locating replacement parts and authorized service providers
- Guidance on extended protection eligibility for certain products after the original purchase or manufacturer warranty period
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Contact Method |
Details |
Best For |
|---|---|---|
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Phone |
(800) 905-0443 |
Speaking directly with a CPS representative |
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Web Chat |
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Quick support and troubleshooting guidance |
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CPS Client Care Portal |
https://client.cpscentral.com/ |
Claims, account access, and service support |
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Text Message |
Text (347) 621-7180 |
Quick customer support questions |
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Facebook Messenger |
http://m.me/ConsumerPriorityService |
General support and communication |
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cs@cpscentral.com |
Detailed questions and documentation |
What Questions Do Customers Ask About Buying Scratch and Dent or Refurbished Appliances?
What’s the difference between a scratch and dent appliance and a refurbished appliance?
Scratch and dent appliances are typically brand new but have cosmetic flaws, while refurbished appliances have been previously owned or defective and then repaired or restored to working condition.
Do scratch and dent appliances come with a full manufacturer warranty?
Many scratch and dent appliances still come with the original manufacturer warranty, but terms can vary. It’s important to confirm warranty coverage before purchasing.
Are refurbished appliances riskier to own than scratch and dent appliances?
Refurbished appliances may carry higher repair risks, especially for internal components that have seen prior use. Long-term reliability depends on how thoroughly the unit was restored and what repairs were made.
Can I get warranty coverage or a protection plan for a refurbished appliance?
Many refurbished appliances may qualify for CPS protection plans, but eligibility depends on the product, its condition, and provider guidelines. Always check eligibility before purchase.
What types of repairs are most common in scratch and dent or refurbished appliances?
Based on CPS’s historical claims data, control board failures, compressor issues, and smart electronic problems are among the most common and expensive repairs—especially after warranty expiration.
Are repairs more expensive for refurbished appliances?
Repair costs can be higher for refurbished appliances if previously repaired components fail again, particularly for sealed systems, electronics, or motors. Always understand what was replaced or serviced during refurbishment.
Can I buy an extended warranty after purchasing a scratch and dent or refurbished appliance?
Some protection plans, including those from CPS, may be available after purchase for eligible scratch and dent or refurbished appliances. Check product eligibility and coverage terms before buying.
Does CPS cover cosmetic damage on scratch and dent appliances?
No, protection plans generally do not cover cosmetic damage like dents or scratches. Coverage focuses on mechanical and electrical failures after warranty expiration.
What should I consider before buying a discounted appliance?
Check warranty eligibility, ask about repair history (for refurbished units), consider long-term reliability, and evaluate potential repair costs for major components. Protection options may help manage unexpected expenses.
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Want to Learn More About Coverage for Scratch and Dent or Refurbished Appliances?
Explore your coverage options or request expert assistance to protect your appliance and avoid costly repairs down the road.
For many homeowners, deciding between a scratch and dent or refurbished appliance comes down to balancing price, warranty coverage, and long-term repair risks. Repair professionals often report that refurbished appliances can require earlier repairs for internal components, while scratch and dent models may offer better peace of mind if they retain full warranty coverage. Before buying, compare repair costs, eligibility for protection plans, and service support options—especially if you plan to keep your appliance beyond the original warranty period. To learn more or check eligibility for extended protection, contact CPS for personalized guidance.
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