Sales-speak decoder
Prorated warranty
Coverage that shrinks over time — as the product ages, the maker pays a smaller share of a claim and you pay the rest.
What it means for you
The word that quietly turns a long warranty into a short one. A “25-year prorated” warranty may cover very little by year 15. Ask whether coverage is prorated or full (non-prorated) for each part — it's a bigger difference than the headline number of years.
Where you'll see it
In warranty fine print, often next to an impressive year count.
Don't be fooled
A long prorated term can be worth less than a shorter full one — read how the payout shrinks, not just the years.
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