How long is my warranty, and how fast must a claim be settled?
Twenty-four months of warranty — and thirty days to settle a claim. The statutory warranty period is 24 months, and it applies equally in a physical shop and in an online store. Your strongest weapon lies in the first 6 months: there is a presumption that the defect existed at the moment of handover — so you have to prove nothing; the burden lies with the seller. The seller must decide how the claim will be settled immediately as a rule, within 3 days in more complex cases, and where a complex technical assessment is needed, no later than 30 days from the claim being properly lodged. Do not confuse a defect claim with the 14-day right of withdrawal — they are two different rights on different conditions.
📋 The rules
- Statutory warranty: 24 months — in a shop and online
- First 6 months: a presumption the defect was there at handover
- The burden of proof is then on the seller
- Decision on how to settle: immediately, complex cases within 3 days
- Settlement of the claim: no later than 30 days
🔓 Exceptions
- A defect claim and the 14-day right of withdrawal are two different rights
- Sales between businesses run under a different, looser regime
- Ordinary wear and tear is not a defect in the goods
⚠️ Penalties & fines
If the seller fails to settle within 30 days, you get the same rights as if the defect were irreparable — you may demand a replacement or withdraw from the contract and get your money back. That is exactly why it pays to make the lodging of the claim provable: in writing, with a date and an acknowledgement of receipt. Two myths that cost people money: "no receipt, no claim" — false, the purchase can be proved by a bank statement; and "the warranty is whatever the manufacturer gives" — no, the seller's statutory 24-month liability applies independently of it. If they refuse, go to the trade inspection.
📎 Official sources
- Slovak Trade Inspection →
- Slov-Lex · Consumer Protection Act →
- Slov-Lex · Civil Code (liability for defects) →
❓ Frequently asked
How long is the statutory warranty?
Twenty-four months, and it applies equally in a physical shop and in an online store. It is the seller's liability for defects, and it applies independently of whatever warranty the manufacturer offers.
Do I have to prove the defect was there from the start?
Not in the first six months. There is a presumption that the defect already existed at handover, so the burden of proof lies with the seller, not with you. After six months, that reverses.
How fast must a claim be settled?
No later than 30 days from being properly lodged. The seller must decide how it will be settled immediately as a rule, and within three days in more complex cases.
What if they miss the 30-day deadline?
You get the same rights as if the defect were irreparable — you may demand a replacement or withdraw from the contract and get your money back. So keep proof of when you lodged the claim.
Can I claim without the receipt?
Yes. The purchase can be proved by a bank statement, a warranty card or other evidence. The claim that there is no warranty without a receipt is a widespread myth with no basis in law.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “statutory warranty 24 months slovakia”
- “claim settled within 30 days slovakia”
- “presumption of defect six months”
- “claim without a receipt slovakia”
- “seller missed the 30 day deadline”
- “defect claim versus withdrawal”