Home Warranty-- to renew or not?!

[ekatiel]

We've had an Old Republic home warranty on our home since we moved in 4 years ago. In that time, they've replaced a water heater, added coolant to our AC, and after a months-long battle, finally decided to replace our dishwasher. We are up for renewal and I am battle-weary after the dishwasher ordeal which took 4 service visits (I only paid for 1 because I raised such a stink), two repair companies (the guy they sent out the first three times was a total joke), and multiple "I want to speak to your supervisor" phone calls. They FINALLY authorized us for a new dishwasher yesterday. I'm beginning to wonder if it's worth all the hassle to try and get them to fix things. Anyone have a home warranty and like their company? Anyone drop their home warranty for similar reasons? I am worried the minute we drop it, our AC will go out and cost us 5K!!! Our home is 13 years old and still has its original A/C, if that makes a difference in someone's advice. Thanks for any advice/input.

 

[Judique]

We've had an Old Republic home warranty on our home since we moved in 4 years ago. In that time, they've replaced a water heater, added coolant to our AC, and after a months-long battle, finally decided to replace our dishwasher. We are up for renewal and I am battle-weary after the dishwasher ordeal which took 4 service visits (I only paid for 1 because I raised such a stink), two repair companies (the guy they sent out the first three times was a total joke), and multiple "I want to speak to your supervisor" phone calls. They FINALLY authorized us for a new dishwasher yesterday. I'm beginning to wonder if it's worth all the hassle to try and get them to fix things. Anyone have a home warranty and like their company? Anyone drop their home warranty for similar reasons? I am worried the minute we drop it, our AC will go out and cost us 5K!!! Our home is 13 years old and still has its original A/C, if that makes a difference in someone's advice. Thanks for any advice/input.

My AC lasted about 22 years. So if yours lasted another 9-10 years, would the cost of the warranty be worth it?

 

[okeydokey]

What do you pay every year and what are you entitled to claim under the warranty?

It's really a basic math question. How is your roof holding up? !3 years for an AC is about time for a new one in many cases.

 

[LorieDisneyLover]

Be sure to read the fine print for you AC unit warranty coverage. We had a warranty program and found they did not cover 'replacement' for units over 12 years. They would cover minor repairs but not a replacement. When the coil went at year 13 then did not cover anything b/c in the very fine tiny print it had the 12 year exception.

 

[ICF]

FWIW.....my ac unit is 13 years old.....it died last week and is being replaced on Tuesday....thanks to a leak in an indoor coil.

The cost for us was $3000 for a 3 ton 13 SEER unit.

 

[ekatiel]

What do you pay every year and what are you entitled to claim under the warranty?

It's $550 per year. The coverage is pretty much this: https://www.orhp.com/index.cfm?go=homeowners.viewPlanPDF&file=TX_4%2E1_Brochure%2Epdf except it costs us $550 per year b/c it is a renewal and not a new contract (which would cost less).

It's really a basic math question. How is your roof holding up? !3 years for an AC is about time for a new one in many cases.

I don't think it covers roofs.

My AC lasted about 22 years. So if yours lasted another 9-10 years, would the cost of the warranty be worth it?

WOW! You got a lot of use out of that A/C! I'm not sure ours will last that long-- we live in Houston, and use it pretty heavily about 6 months out of the year.

Be sure to read the fine print for you AC unit warranty coverage. We had a warranty program and found they did not cover 'replacement' for units over 12 years. They would cover minor repairs but not a replacement. When the coil went at year 13 then did not cover anything b/c in the very fine tiny print it had the 12 year exception.

That's a huge bummer . It looks like ours will cover it, but it has been an ordeal getting them to get us a new dishwasher-- I can't imagine how much of a stink I would have to raise for a new AC!

FWIW.....my ac unit is 13 years old.....it died last week and is being replaced on Tuesday....thanks to a leak in an indoor coil.

The cost for us was $3000 for a 3 ton 13 SEER unit.

3K is a big hit, but it is a little less than I thought replacement would cost.

Leaning towards putting the $550 in savings each year and hoping we can go a few years without a major replacement. If we have a major replacement, we can always take it out of our emergency fund, I just don't like touching it if we don't have to!

 

[SettinSail]

We decided not to renew this year. We only had the warranty for 2 years and the first year the sellers paid for it. It is with AHS and cost just shy of $500 a year although it was increasing to $750 for next year.

We had microwave and hot water heater replaced, A/C and garage door repaired and a previous service call on the hot water heater.

It was always a huge hassle to deal with them and you can only use their service providers who are always unable to come out for several days/weeks. If we used our own person, they did not pay the total bill.

If my fridge and A/C die, I want to be able to pick out the model I want. We definitely got our money's worth the first 2 years but not going to continue with it.

Good luck with your decision

 

[havaneselover]

Mine just expired in March and I didn't review. I did use it once last year for a plumbing leak and the plumbers they sent were incredibly unprofessional and practically inept. I don't like losing control over who does my repairs.

 

[tvguy]

With all extended warranties, all you are buying is piece of mind.

Warranty companies would go out of business if they didn't charge more than they know statistically will have to pay out.

Only you can determine what your comfort is worth. No different than gambling in a casino, the majority of folks spend more than they win, a few walk away with more than they spent.

I will say, 13 years is a short life for a water heater. But I don't know what quality water heater you had, and what, if any upkeep you did on it.

 

[scrapquitler]

We've had an Old Republic home warranty on our home since we moved in 4 years ago. In that time, they've replaced a water heater, added coolant to our AC, and after a months-long battle, finally decided to replace our dishwasher. We are up for renewal and I am battle-weary after the dishwasher ordeal which took 4 service visits (I only paid for 1 because I raised such a stink), two repair companies (the guy they sent out the first three times was a total joke), and multiple "I want to speak to your supervisor" phone calls.

Ok, you say it costs $550 a year, you've had it for four years. So far you've spent $2200 on this warranty. Would a new water heater, adding coolant to the AC and a new dishwasher have cost more or less than $2200? (Leaving out the fact that you had to pay something for the service visits, apparently). It seems like maybe you'd be better paying for repairs out of pocket....if you did that, there would be no 'battle' when you think an appliance needs replacing.

I think in general, these warrantys are a rip off for most people.

 

[MillauFr]

With all extended warranties, all you are buying is piece of mind.

Sounds like the original poster is paying $550 for the privilege of doing battle with the warranty company. Doesn't sound like piece of mind to me. I never buy any warranties. Does stuff happen? Sure like the $22k I had to pay for replacing my sewer but that is just the way it goes. I was upset at writing that check for a total on 5 minutes and then I was over it.

 

[Anthony1971]

Sorry never understood these warranties... it is this much a year and then this much for a visit... it does not cover.. and big things in general like the compressor on your AC or Fridge.. but that can be covered if you pay more
we will cover a water heater if... ok they replace it with a 250.00 unit that you truthfully can install yourself it is not that hard....
From all I have read they cover the cheap parts and most of the labor as you still pay...
My bother had one it was great he had them come up and replace the ignitor on his Furnace... still had to pay 50.00 for the visit. Sorry these Ignitors are a know problem they last 2-3 years go to Home Depot buy 3 (less than 50.00) replace it your self and you will have heat in under and hour.. or wait a week and freeze
I know not everyone is DYI but learn the basics if you can it really is not that hard to do a lot of the things people pay $$$ to have fixed and worse the waiting.

 

[MichelleVW]

We have American Home Shield and I would never ever be without it. We are the least handy people you have ever met. I've looked at the bills on the things they have fixed and it's worth it to us.