UPDATE: This bill has been signed and is effective September 4, 2015.
A bill moving through the New Hampshire Legislature would expand this state’s definition of “Consumer Guaranty Contract”. A Consumer Guaranty Contract is the name given to a number of consumer-related contracts including what is more commonly referred to as a service contract or extended warranty.
Historically, this state’s service contract law has limited benefits to the repair, replacement or service of a consumer good, e.g. vehicles, laptops, home appliances or systems. Senate Bill 119 would allow for the inclusion of such ancillary benefits as paintless dent removal, windshield crack repair, key/key fob replacement and tire & wheel repair or replacement attributable to road hazards. In addition, minor expanses that relate directly to the failure of the consumer good or vehicle would be allowable under this legislation
This bill would also permit binding arbitration provisions in a service contract under certain circumstances. This bill has cleared the Senate and is now being considered in the House. If this bill becomes law, it would become effective 60 days after passage.