Costa Warranty: What’s Covered, What’s Not, and How to Make a Claim
Costa sunglasses are built for salt, sun, and hard days on the water, and Costa backs them with a limited warranty plus a separate repair program. The warranty is narrower than it used to be, so it helps to know the terms before you need them.
Quick answer: The Costa warranty gives sunglasses 2-year limited coverage against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. Prescription (Rx) lenses also get a one-time scratch replacement within 1 year. Anything outside that, such as damage, scratches, or broken hinges, goes through Costa’s paid Repair and Replacement Program, which starts at $18 plus parts.
Costa Warranty at a Glance
| Product | Coverage | Length | Proof of purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Rx sunglasses | Manufacturing defects | 2 years | Required |
| Rx sunglasses and prescription eyeglasses | Manufacturing defects (lenses and frames) | 2 years | Required |
| Rx lenses (scratches) | One-time replacement, identical form | 1 year | Required |
| Anything not covered | Repair or replacement discount | n/a | Not required |
Did the Costa Warranty Change? (Lifetime vs. 2-Year)
Yes. On November 3, 2022, Costa replaced its Limited Lifetime Warranty with the current 2-year limited warranty and launched an improved Repair and Replacement Program.
- Purchased on or after November 3, 2022: the 2-year warranty described here applies.
- Purchased before November 3, 2022: your frames may fall under Costa’s legacy Limited Lifetime Warranty, including a separate version for special collections. Check Costa’s legacy warranty page for those terms.
For another outdoor brand’s approach, see how the YETI warranty splits its coverage into 5-year and 3-year product tiers.
What the Costa Warranty Covers
Non-Rx Sunglasses
If your non-prescription sunglasses develop a manufacturing defect in materials or workmanship within two years of purchase, Costa will repair or replace them at no cost. A replacement is an identical or reasonably equivalent style, at Costa’s option.
Rx Sunglasses and Prescription Eyeglasses
Prescription Costa products include:
- 2-year defect warranty on lenses and frames.
- 1-year scratch warranty on Rx sunglass and ophthalmic lenses. Costa replaces scratched lenses one time, in the same material, color, coatings, and prescription as originally purchased.
California Purchases
For products bought in California on or after July 1, 2023, the warranty period starts on the date of delivery, not the date of purchase.
What the Costa Warranty Doesn’t Cover
- Normal wear and tear
- Scratched lenses (except the one-time Rx scratch replacement in year one)
- Broken hinges
- Accidental damage
- Damage from misuse
- Lost or stolen items
- Frames or lenses made by a third party
- Damage from unauthorized modification or repair
- Any damage not caused by a defect in materials or workmanship
Costa has sole discretion to decide whether damage is a manufacturing defect or out-of-warranty damage. The warranty is also non-transferable and only the original purchaser can use it, unless local law requires otherwise. Some terms don’t apply to Quebec consumers.
How to Make a Costa Warranty Claim
The process depends on which kind of glasses you have. Full terms are on Costa’s official Care & Repair page.
Non-Rx Sunglasses (USA, Canada, and US Territories)
- Gather proof of purchase. Your receipt is required for a warranty claim.
- Submit a service request through the Costa Aftersales Portal.
- Wait for an assessment. Costa’s Consumer Care team reviews requests within 5 business days and offers solutions before you ship anything.
- Ship your product to the Warranty & Repair Center with the label provided.
Prescription Sunglasses and Eyeglasses
Your lenses and frames must go back through your Eye Care Practitioner for warranty service. You pay shipping to the practitioner, and proof of purchase is required. For frame-only claims, you can submit through the Limited Warranty claim portal.
Costa Repair and Replacement Program (Out of Warranty)
Warranty expired, or damage isn’t covered? Costa’s separate program has three paths:
- DIY repair: Buy parts through the aftersales portal if they’re available. Costa recommends professional repair for glass lenses, which are hard to insert without damage.
- Professional repair: Submit your Costas in the aftersales portal. The fee is $18 USD including shipping and handling, plus the cost of parts. Select Costa authorized dealers and LensCrafters locations may also help.
- Replacement discount: If parts or repair aren’t possible, Costa offers a discount on an identical or reasonably equivalent pair.
You don’t need a receipt for the Repair and Replacement Program, even if you can’t prove purchase.
Tips for Getting the Most From Your Costa Warranty
- Keep your receipt or order confirmation. It’s the one document the defect warranty requires. Photograph or email it to yourself.
- Submit the claim online first. Costa evaluates requests before you ship, which saves you from mailing something that isn’t covered.
- Claim scratches on Rx lenses early. The scratch warranty lasts only one year and covers one replacement.
- Don’t attempt unauthorized repairs. DIY fixes with non-Costa parts can void coverage. Use parts from the Costa aftersales portal.
- Expect substitutions on discontinued frames. If your style is gone or out of stock, Costa offers an identical or reasonably equivalent style.
Costa Warranty FAQ
How long is the Costa warranty?
Two years from the date of purchase (date of delivery for California purchases made on or after July 1, 2023) for products bought on or after November 3, 2022.
Does Costa still have a lifetime warranty?
Not for new purchases. Costa switched to a 2-year limited warranty on November 3, 2022. Older purchases may fall under the legacy lifetime warranty.
Does Costa cover scratched lenses?
Only for prescription lenses, and only once within one year of purchase. Scratches on non-Rx sunglasses aren’t covered by the warranty.
Do I need a receipt to make a Costa warranty claim?
Yes, for a manufacturing-defect warranty claim. Without one, you can still use the paid Repair and Replacement Program.
Are broken hinges covered?
No. Broken hinges are excluded, but they’re a good candidate for the $18-plus-parts repair.
Can I transfer the warranty to someone else?
No. It’s limited to the original purchaser unless local law says otherwise.
How long does a Costa claim take?
Costa says it assesses service requests within 5 business days of receipt and gets back to you with options.
How much does a Costa repair cost?
Professional repair is $18 USD including shipping and handling, plus the cost of parts. If repair isn’t possible, you’ll get a discount on a replacement pair.
Bottom Line
The Costa warranty is a solid defect warranty, but it isn’t an accident or scratch policy. Keep your receipt, file online first, and use the Repair and Replacement Program for everything the warranty excludes.
Source: Costa Del Mar Care & Repair: Limited Warranties and Care Programs. Terms can change, so confirm current details on costadelmar.com before filing a claim.
Related Warranty Guides
Check the Latest Official Manufacturer Warranty Before You File
Warranty coverage periods, required proof-of-purchase documents, eligible defect categories, and claim handling times vary by region, model, and authorized seller. Always check the official manufacturer’s latest support portal before filing a claim to confirm your product's eligibility.