Home warranty checklists

Pre-purchase. Full sample contract received in writing before payment. Exclusions section read. Per-item and aggregate caps noted. Definitions of pre-existing condition and normal wear and tear read. Dispute resolution clause read — arbitration provisions are enforceable under the Federal Arbitration Act. Renewal price confirmed. State regulating agency identified. Self-insurance comparison done against $400 to $900 premium plus $75 to $125 per call.

Claim filing. Report as soon as the symptom appears. Describe what's happening, not what you think is wrong. Have model and serial numbers and maintenance invoices at hand. Note the claim number, the representative's name, and the date. Expect the $75 to $125 service fee whether or not the claim is approved.

Maintenance records. Keep dated invoices for HVAC service, water heater maintenance, and anything else the contract conditions coverage on. Photograph equipment nameplates. Note the condition of each covered item at the start of coverage — a company may inspect before issuing a contract but is not required to, so your own documentation is the counterweight.

Renewal. Diary the date. Compare the renewal price against the original — plan prices range $300 to $1,000 a year and renewal is where increases land. Re-read any changed terms. Confirm the cancellation procedure in writing before the renewal processes.

How to choose

No contract, no payment

The full document before money changes hands. This is the whole checklist in one line.

Photograph every covered item at the start

Nameplates, condition, date stamps. It's your evidence in a pre-existing condition dispute.

Log every phone call

Date, name, claim number, what was said. Disputes are won on records.

Keep maintenance invoices in one folder

Improper maintenance is a standard exclusion. Invoices are the cheapest defense there is.

Set a calendar reminder 45 days before renewal

That's the window to review the new price and cancel if it no longer makes sense.