If a rod company has a warranty that they will repair or replace the rod then they should honor that. If they charge a expediter repair fee, at least you should know that up front when you buy the rod. No warranty? then, I would hesitate buying a premium rod. I do want to have some insurance. But, Unlike Todd, I think some rod makers have made money off me. I don't break rods, but, then again, I don't catch enough big fish.