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California's Lemon Law Applies To More Than Just Cars

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- When you hear the term Lemon Law, you likely think this cars, but California's law extends to TV's and other big ticket items as well.

There are a number of things that can go wrong after purchasing pricy consumer electronics or appliances this holiday season.

And while many shoppers are out searching for deals, and considering warranties, there may be a better way to save.

"Really where consumers can save money is by knowing their rights," Consumer Attorney Kristin Kemnitzer said.

Kemnitzer says those rights include lemon law protections for any electric appliance over $100, for at least seven years after the purchase, whether or not the item is still under warranty.

Kemnitzer explains that neither the retailer nor the manufacturer has to actually fix a product that is out of warranty, but they do have to provide you or a service facility with the parts to fix it, even if it was the consumer that broke it.  If the manufacturer doesn't provide those parts, the consumer is entitled to a replacement.

Keep in mind, odds are neither the store nor manufacturer is likely to be aware of your rights under California law.

Your best bet is to contact your manufacturer armed with a copy of the law. And you may also need to have the repair or service facility that's preforming the work contact the manufacturer on your behalf.

More information on the law is available by clicking on the link below.

http://law.onecle.com/california/civil/1793.03.html

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