Humminbird offers warranty coverage on most of their fish finder and marine electronics products. The length of the warranty depends on the specific product purchased. In this article, we’ll take a look at Humminbird’s warranty information and how long different products are covered.
Standard Limited Warranty
Most Humminbird products come with a standard 1-year limited warranty. This covers defects in materials and workmanship for 1 year from the date of original purchase. The standard limited warranty is non-transferable and only valid for the original purchaser.
Products covered by the 1-year limited warranty include:
- Fishfinders
- Portable fishfinders
- Chartplotters
- Portable GPS devices
- Radar
- Autopilots
- VHF radios
- Handheld devices
- Transducers and transducer accessories
During the 1-year warranty period, Humminbird will repair or replace defective products and parts covered under the warranty. Labor and shipping costs may apply in some cases. The warranty is void if the product is improperly installed, damaged due to misuse or modifications, or damaged during repairs done by an unauthorized technician.
Extended Warranties
For some products, Humminbird offers extended warranty options to lengthen coverage beyond the standard 1 year.
ONIX Series
ONIX fishfinders and marine electronics come with a 2-year limited warranty. This provides an extra year of defect coverage compared to other Humminbird products.
Helix Series
Selected Helix fishfinder models are eligible for extended warranty options:
- Helix 5, 7, 9, 10 – Can add 2 additional years for 3 years total coverage.
- Helix 12, 15 – Can add 1 additional year for 2 years total coverage.
The extended Helix warranties must be purchased within 30 days of the original purchase date. They provide additional repair/replacement coverage beyond the standard 1-year warranty.
SOLIX Series
SOLIX fishfinders can also be covered by extended warranty options:
- SOLIX 10, 12, 15, 18 – Can add 2 additional years for 3 years total coverage.
- SOLIX 20, 25 – Can add 1 additional year for 2 years total coverage.
As with Helix models, the extended SOLIX warranties must be purchased within 30 days and extend coverage beyond the 1-year limited warranty.
Accessory Warranty
Accessories and transducers purchased separately for Humminbird products generally have a 90-day warranty. This covers defects for the first 90 days from the date of original accessory purchase.
The 90-day accessory warranty applies to products like:
- Transducer XNT 9 20 T
- Transom mount transducer
- Quick release tilt bracket
- Portable soft case
Replacement accessories provided under warranty are covered for the remaining time of the original accessory warranty period.
Shipping Policies
If customers need to file a warranty claim with Humminbird, there are a few shipping policies to be aware of:
- Customers are responsible for shipping charges to send defective products to Humminbird.
- Humminbird covers standard ground shipping fees to return repaired/replacement products to customers.
- Expedited shipping options are available for an additional fee.
- Products must be shipped in the original box and packaging or packaging that provides an equal degree of protection.
How to File a Warranty Claim
To start the warranty claim process with Humminbird, customers should follow these steps:
- Contact Humminbird Customer Service by phone or online form to explain the issue and provide purchase details. Have the product, receipt, and serial number ready.
- The Humminbird team will assess the reported issue and confirm if it can be covered under warranty based on the troubleshooting steps and diagnosis.
- If approved, customers will receive a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number and shipping instructions.
- Package up the defective product carefully in the original box if possible.
- Ship the item to the address provided by Customer Service, including the RMA number with the shipment.
- Humminbird will repair or replace the product and ship it back to the customer.
Following this simple warranty claim process helps ensure customers receive prompt service and get their Humminbird products back quickly.
Warranty Exclusions
It’s important to note that Humminbird warranties have certain exclusions and limitations. The following issues would not be covered under warranty:
- Normal wear and tear from regular use.
- Damage caused by improper installation or mounting.
- Damage from accidents, abuse, or neglect.
- Damage from modifications or attempted repairs.
- Damage from acts of nature such as storms, floods, lightning strikes.
- Products purchased from unauthorized resellers.
Additionally, the warranties do not cover incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defects. Make sure to consult the full warranty included with your product for all details and exclusions.
Conclusion
In summary, most Humminbird marine electronics come with a standard 1-year limited warranty. Extended coverage options are available for certain products to provide 2-3 years of protection. Accessories are covered for 90 days after purchase. Humminbird provides repair or replacement services for defects, but certain exclusions apply. Following the proper warranty claim process helps customers get issues resolved promptly.
The warranty periods from Humminbird provide peace of mind to consumers investing in their quality fishfinders and marine equipment. Understanding the terms of Humminbird’s warranties allows customers to make the most of these protections should any defects arise with their electronics.
With up to 3 years of warranty coverage and helpful customer service, Humminbird stands behind their products to enhance every fishing trip. Reviewing the warranty information applicable to your Humminbird purchase helps ensure you can focus on the fishing adventure, while warranty protections handle any qualifying defects that may arise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is covered under Humminbird’s warranty?
Humminbird’s warranties cover defects in materials and workmanship in the products themselves. This includes faulty components, electronics failures, and manufacturing flaws that arise through no fault of the customer.
How long are accessories covered?
Separate accessories for Humminbird products are generally covered for 90 days from the original date of purchase. This includes items like transducers, cases, mounts, and cables purchased individually.
Can I purchase an extended warranty?
Yes, Humminbird offers extended warranty options for certain products to provide coverage beyond the standard 1-year term. Extended plans must be purchased within 30 days of the original sale.
Does the warranty cover water damage?
Unfortunately water damage caused by submersion or water ingress would not be covered under the defect warranties. However, some products do feature waterproof designs.
Can I transfer the warranty to a new owner?
No, Humminbird warranties are not transferable to a new owner if the product is resold. The limited warranties only apply to the original purchaser.
What costs are covered for warranty service?
Humminbird covers repair parts and labor needed to fix defects under warranty. Return ground shipping is included, but the customer pays to send the product to Humminbird.
Comparison of Warranty Lengths by Product
Here is a table summarizing the standard and extended warranty periods for different Humminbird products:
Product Line | Standard Warranty | Extended Warranty Option |
---|---|---|
ONIX Series | 2 years | None |
Helix Series | 1 year | Up to 2 additional years |
SOLIX Series | 1 year | Up to 2 additional years |
Other Fishfinders | 1 year | None |
Accessories | 90 days | None |
This table makes it easy to see how the warranty period differs based on the specific product purchased from Humminbird.
What to Do if Your Product is Out of Warranty
If an issue arises with your Humminbird product after the warranty period expires, you still have options to get it fixed:
- Repair services – Humminbird offers repair services for a fee even when the warranty is no longer active. Contact them to discuss repair costs.
- Self-repairs – For some problems like software issues or loose wires, you may be able to fix it yourself with some troubleshooting.
- Parts – You can directly order replacement parts to swap in yourself after the warranty expires.
- Upgrade – Consider upgrading to a newer model with updated features and a fresh warranty.
Even out of warranty, Humminbird aims to support customers and keep products working as long as possible.
How Humminbird Warranty Compares to Competition
Brand | Standard Warranty | Extended Warranty |
---|---|---|
Humminbird | 1-2 years | 1-2 additional years |
Garmin | 1 year | Up to 2 additional years |
Lowrance | 2 years | None |
Raymarine | 2 years | 1 additional year |
Simrad | 1 year | 1 additional year |
This comparison table demonstrates that Humminbird’s warranties are competitive with other top marine electronics brands. Most offer 1-2 years of standard coverage, with some extras available. Humminbird hits a nice sweet spot of both good upfront coverage through 2-year warranties on some products, supplemented by the availability of extended warranty options.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Warranty
Follow these tips to ensure you maximize the protections offered by Humminbird’s product warranties:
- Register your product – Make sure to complete the included warranty registration card to activate coverage and ensure Humminbird has your purchase info.
- Keep your receipt – The purchase receipt is required for warranty claims to verify date of purchase.
- Install it correctly – Carefully follow the included instructions to avoid installation issues not covered under warranty.
- Don’t open the unit – Never try to open or repair the products yourself, as this can void the warranty.
- Protect the components – Keep your fishfinder and accessories safe from drops, water damage, and abuse.
Taking these basic steps will help you remain covered by the warranty and allow for a smooth claim process if needed.
Conclusion
With standard 1-2 year warranties plus some extended options, Humminbird provides strong defect protection for their marine electronics. Make sure to understand the specific terms for your fishfinder or accessory, and don’t hesitate to contact Humminbird if you experience any issues you think may be covered under warranty during ownership.