Answers to Common Fitness Protection Plan Questions

March 31, 2025 by Taylor Thompson Fitness 0

Selecting the right fitness protection plan can be confusing with various options and details to consider.

To assist you in making an informed choice, we've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about these plans. From coverage specifics to costs and claims processes, this guide provides the clarity you need.

 

Have questions about furniture protection plans?

Others frequently ask…
  • While they go by many names, each of these terms refers to the same type of added coverage for your fitness equipment. Most fitness manufacturers offer some type of standard warranty on their products, but it is usually limited in both what it covers and how long the coverage is offered for. Very simply, “protection plans” / “extended warranties” expand both coverage options and length for your equipment.
    • To initiate a claim, you will need to provide your last name, telephone/email, and your zip code.
    • Additional information needed to complete your claim:
      • Make 
      • Model
      • Serial number
      • Date of incident
      • Photos and/or videos of the damage
    • If you purchased your fitness equipment from a partnering retailer, as soon as your fitness equipment is installed your Safeware coverage begins.

    • If you are purchasing your fitness equipment from an ecommerce platform, your Safeware Protection Plan begins on the date of purchase. 
    • Although Safeware Fitness Protection Plans begin on day one, claims covered by an active manufacturer’s warranty should be filed with the manufacturer. Check out your manufacturer's warranty to see what benefits are and are not available to you as any responsibility of the manufacturer falls under the manufacturer's warranty.
    • Safeware’s Fitness Protection Plans have many coverage benefits: 
      • Battery Coverage 
      • Power Surge
      • Normal Wear and Tear
      • Accidental Damage
      • Mechanical or Electrical Failure
      • "Gap Coverage" on lesser-warrantied parts
        • For example: A manufacturer may have a three-year parts warranty, but certain parts may have different guidelines for how long they are covered. There may actually be a one-year warranty on the belt, or 90 days on the headphone jack. In these cases, Safeware will cover those “lesser-warrantied” parts after the manufacturer’s period ends on those items.
      • Fully Transferable: 
        • If you sell your equipment before your Protection Plan ends, you can transfer the plan to an end user of your equipment. This can be an added selling point when you are trying to sell your old equipment.
    • Safeware’s Labor Only Fitness Plans cover the same areas as Safeware Fitness Protection Plans, but the coverage benefit is simply limited to the labor costs associated with the repairs in those areas. Safeware’s Labor Only plans were created to compliment long-term Parts warranties from the manufacturer.  

    • With these plans, Safeware covers the labor cost to perform repair jobs for your fitness equipment. We'll cover any of the trip charges or travel fees, associated taxes, and anything the technician might run into such as tolls or ferry fees along the way.

    • For Labor Only Plans, the customer and/or the manufacturer pays for the parts.
    • These plans are transferable to a new owner in the event that you sell your equipment.
    • Light Commercial and Residential: 3 - 5 years 

    • Full Commercial: 3 - 5 years 

    • Refurbished*: 1 - 2 years 
    • * Even though the refurbished protection plan starts on the date of installation, the fitness equipment seller is responsible for any and all issues that occur in the first 90 days of ownership.
    • We aren’t in the business of “gotchas” or hidden policies and want to be as transparent as possible. You can view a complete list of items not covered in the T&Cs, but some of the most common reasons are: 
      • The #1 Reason: Noise coming from the unit that is not linked to a direct part and/or resulting in mechanical failure
      • Coverage is still under the manufacturer’s warranty period 
      • All benefits have been exhausted from previous claims 
      • The remaining balance is too low to cover requested service 
      • Coverage has expired  
      • Technician determines cause of the failure is due to elements outside of normal usage. For example: Rodent damage, the unit being used in non-temperature controlled settings, or flood damage
    • Safeware does not cover:
      • Cosmetic damage such as light dents, scratches, and dings 
      • Non-functional plastic parts such as end caps and casings 
      • Domestic pet damage and/or rodent damage 
      • Rust and corrosion
      • Preventative maintenance 
      • Units housed in non-climate-controlled settings such as a garage or outside patio 
      • Bike pedal straps
      • Noise that is not linked to a direct part and/or mechanical failure 
      • Damage during a move, meaning if you move to a new area or home and your equipment is damaged during your moving process, it will not be covered 
    • The cost of plans will depend on the type of equipment, the number of years of coverage provided, and the type of coverage purchased. Please contact your local Safeware partner to find out more.  
    • Safeware Fitness Protection Plans can be added to your fitness equipment up to 60 days after installation. Contact your fitness retailer to purchase a plan.
    • Currently Safeware fitness protection plans are unable to be extended after the coverage has completed.
    • Safeware’s Fitness Product Protection plans provide peace of mind for your new investment and have many coverage benefits including battery coverage, power surge, normal wear and tear, accidental damage, "Gap Coverage" on lesser warranty parts, and transferability to new owners. Ultimately though the decision to purchase a protection plan is a personal one that will differ from person to person based on their preferences, needs, and overall level of risk tolerance. 
    • Before making your decision, it is a great idea to check the warranty company’s reputation, how long they have been in business, and if they are backed by a strong underwriter.
    • Looking at a company’s online reviews using platforms such as Facebook, Google, or BBB can give you great insight when deciding if you should purchase a specific extended warranty. 
    • Many issues can arise with fitness equipment that may require repair or replacement of certain parts. A few of the most common issues with fitness equipment include belt breaks, worn-out bearings, and pedal failure.
    • Belt Breaks:
      • Can be caused by a variety of factors, for instance improper tension, misalignment, or damage from exposure to heat or chemicals.
      • While every situation is different and there are a variety of solutions for belt breaks, the typical solution is replacing the belt.
    • Worn-out Bearings: 
      • Can be caused by a variety of factors, including improper lubrication (insufficient lubrication and/or high temperatures that degrade the lubricant), contamination, and misalignment. 
      • Signs of worn-out bearings include increased, unwanted resistance.
      • The first step is to figure out what caused this issue as each cause has different solutions. Although, the most common solution is replacing the bearings. 
    • Pedal Failure: 
      • Can be caused by multiple factors, including worn out bearings and/or excessive pressure on the pedals. 
      • The most common solution of pedal failure is replacing the bearings or pedals.
    • Consoles: 
      • Sometimes consoles can become unresponsive or fail to communicate properly with the control boards of your machine.
      • Often the only resolution is replacing the entire console. Consoles range in price from $500-$3500 dollars.
    • The majority of extended warranties provide protection for a period longer than the original manufacturer’s warranty. Some extended warranties may also include wider coverage and additional benefits. 
    • The majority of Fitness Protection Plans/Fitness Equipment Extended Warranties cover mechanical and electrical parts. 
    • A common feature of Fitness Extended Warranties includes in-home service (having a technician come to your home to repair or replace your equipment) rather than you having to take or ship your equipment to a service center.
    • It is important to read the terms and conditions before purchasing any extended warranty, this will give you an understanding and knowledge of the service you are purchasing and if it matches your wants and needs.
    • To maintain fitness equipment, it is very important to follow the manufacturer's instructions as each piece of equipment comes with its own unique set of rules. The manufacturer’s instructions will also include proper cleaning and lubrication methods for the equipment. Here are a few general guidelines: 
      • Clean the equipment after each use. Follow the cleaning methods on the manufacturer's instructions. Using the manufacturer's preferred cleaning products, wipe down the frame and moving parts after every workout. 
      • Using the lubricant recommended by the manufacturer, lubricate the moving parts of the equipment such as the belt of a treadmill or the chain of a rowing machine. Under normal use, you should lubricate your fitness equipment every 3 to 6 months. For exact lubrication information, you should research your exact fitness equipment (treadmill, elliptical, etc.) to ensure proper lubrication times. 
      • Check the alignment of your machine and adjust the alignment if necessary. Proper alignment ensures that the machine functions properly as well as avoids wearing down certain parts.
      • All equipment should be kept in a dry, clean area.
      • While these general guidelines are key in ensuring a long lifetime for your equipment, it is essential for you to reference your equipment’s user manual as each brand and type of fitness equipment has their own set of specifications.  

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