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Consumer Direct is advising people to think carefully before deciding to buy an extended warranty for electrical items this Christmas.

Most of us will have been on the receiving end of the sales pitch, but you should make sure you think carefully about whether an extended warranty offers value for money.

Extended warranties are also known as service agreements and normally start when the manufacturerâ??s guarantee ends. They normally pay for repairs to your appliance if something goes wrong and are offered for a wide range of items from TVs and DVD players to vacuum cleaners and washing machines.

But you already have certain legal rights if your appliance breaks down within a reasonable period of time and the retailer has to put the problem right by repairing or replacing it. Extended warranties might give you more than this, such as accidental damage cover, but this will often already be covered by your home contents insurance.

So donâ??t feel pressured into buying one, make sure you shop around and be aware that you have 45 days to cancel if you do buy one.

For more information about extended warranties, see www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.