Sears Maintainance Agreements

[SP01715]

I usually stay away from extended warranties or service agreements because they are a pain in the ass to use most of the time. The one exception is the home warranty I have on my vacation house in Lake Havasu. I signed up for the warranty because I rent in the winter to snow birds, and if something breaks I just call and it's taken care of. I have yet to lose money yet. I honestly don't know how they make money because I call them for everything.

I did get a new TV out of an extended warranty, but is was such a pain in the ass I now refuse to go through that again.

[Jamo]

We've been more than happy with our grandfathered whole-house maintenance agreement...covers everything we've bought from Sears since 1972. The cost is capped...we haven't paid more for new items since about '96 or so. Cost about $700 a year. Everything from riding mowers to a 60" Sony to home appliances to power tools.

What it doesn't cover is covered by the homeowner's warranty we haven't let lapse since we bought this place about 12 years ago...it covers the pool equipment, the well pump, air conditioners, etc.

We also get more than we pay into them every year, and service under both has been damn good.