Sears Appliance Warranty Review

Sears is one of America’s most iconic retailers, known for selling everything from appliances and tools to clothing and home goods. While the company has faced challenges in recent years, its appliance warranties continue to provide value to customers. This article will provide an in-depth Sears Appliance Warranty Review, including coverage details, customer experiences, and tips for getting the most out of the protection plans.

Overview of Sears Appliance Warranties

Sears offers three levels of extended warranty coverage for major home appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, washers and dryers.

The options include:

Master Protection Agreements (MPA) – Comprehensive warranties that cover parts, labor and related services. Offered in terms for 3-5 years after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.
Maintenance Agreements (MA) – Provide coverage for parts and labor but not related services like haul away. Also 3-5 years after standard warranty.
Parts & Labor Agreements (PLA) – Cover parts and labor only. Tend to be most affordable plans.

Key factors in Sears’ appliance warranties include:

No Age Limits – Coverage can be purchased on new and old appliances with no cap on age.
Transferable – If you sell the appliance, coverage can be transferred to new owner.
Product Replacement – Sears will replace product if repairs exceed cost threshold.
Power Surge Protection – Surge damage covered on select plans.
Food Spoilage – Certain plans cover food losses from fridge/freezer failures.
Laundry Services – If washer/dryer can’t be repaired, Sears may cover laundry services.
No Deductibles – Repairs and replacements done without any deductible charged.

To get coverage pricing, you can visit Sears PartsDirect website and enter your appliance’s model number. Expect to pay 2-10% of the appliance’s original purchase price per year of additional coverage.

Now let’s look at the pros and cons of Sears appliance warranties based on customer experiences and expert reviews:

Pros of Sears Appliance Warranties

Sears appliance warranties shine when it comes to certain benefits:

Convenient Repair Process

Easy service scheduling – Online, phone, in-store options through Sears repair network.
Qualified technicians – access to 15,000 authorized servicers nationwide.
Timely repairs – average response within 1-2 days.
No return trips – technician brings necessary parts to fix it right the first time.
90-day repair guarantee – free replacement if issue resurfaces.

Quality Replacements

New models – replacements covered when repairs exceed threshold.
Equivalent features – replacements match key features of original model.
Easy replacement process – Sears manages appliance switch outs start to finish.

Helpful Additional Coverage

Power surge protection – Unique coverage for electrical damage.
Food loss reimbursement – Up to $250 per approved fridge/freezer claim.
Laundry services – Covers laundromats if washers and dryers can’t be fixed.
Rental reimbursement – Get compensated for appliance rentals during long repairs.
Haul away/disposal – Sears removes and recycles old appliances.

Strong Customer Service

24/7 support – Assistance available day and night via phone.
Fast response times – Most inquiries addressed within first call or chat.
Helpful techs – Many customers report positive experiences with repair technicians.
Experienced team – Long history with appliances lends expertise.

Cons of Sears Appliance Warranties

While Sears appliance plans earn praise in many areas, there are some downsides to factor in:

Expense Over Life of Appliance

Recurring fees – Annual payments make it pricey over time.
Cost may exceed repairs – For reliable models, fees can surpass repair costs.
Depreciating value – Plans don’t make sense on old or low-value products.

Confusing Upgrade Options

Many tiers and choices – Good range but complicated to decipher differences.
Unclear when to upgrade – Not always obvious which plan you really need.
Hard to assess value – Lack of transparency on expected repair costs.

Mixed Reviews on Repair Quality

Repeat visits – Some recurring issues noted with completed repairs.
Replacement appliance complaints – Concerns over lower quality of swap outs.
Parts delays – Long waits if rare parts need special ordering.
Contractor inconsistencies – Repair experiences can vary greatly by technician.

Cancellation and Transfer Challenges

Strict cancellation policies – Hard to cancel and get refund after initial period.
Transfer snags – Some hiccups noted when transferring plans to new owners.
Unclear renewal terms – Automatic renewals without clarifying new contract terms.

While the drawbacks are worth keeping in mind, many still find value in the plans due to conveniences like national contractor networks and protection against expensive appliance failures. But experiences can vary.

Cost of Sears Appliance Warranties

Cost is one of the most frequently asked questions for shoppers considering Sears appliance warranties. So how much do their plans run?

Cost depends on these key factors:

Type of appliance – Larger items like refrigerators cost more than smaller ones like microwaves.
Age of appliance – New appliances have lower fees than older equipment.
Coverage tier – MPA plans cost more than MAs or PLAs due to greater inclusions.
Length of plan – A 5-year contract costs more total than a 3-year one.

Specific pricing ranges includes:

Standard residential refrigerators – $100 to $600 for multi-year coverage.
Freestanding ranges – $150 to $700+ depending on features.
Over-the-range microwaves – $75 to $300 for full term.
Top load washers – $125 to $400 over life of plan.
Electric clothes dryers – $100 to $350 for total contract.
Dishwashers – $100 to $400 for full extent of warranty.

To get exact pricing for your specific model, utilize Sears’ online lookup tool. Be sure to compare against expected repair costs for your appliance based on age, brand reputation, and other factors.

What’s Covered by Sears Appliance Warranties?

Knowing exactly what Sears appliance warranties cover provides peace of mind. While optional inclusions vary between plans, most offer protection for:

Comprehensive Parts Coverage

Motors, pumps, compressors
Gaskets, seals, hoses
Switches, electronic controls
Heating elements, ignitors, burners
Baskets, racks, shelves, drawers
Handles, knobs, dials, panels, insulation
And more major components

Complete Labor on Covered Repairs

Cost of service technician repairs
Labor for part replacement
Labor for major component repair
Labor fees for related services

Functional Component Failures

Breakdowns from normal wear and tear
Defective parts or faulty workmanship
Mechanical and electrical failures

Plus additional inclusions like:

Food loss from fridge and freezer failures
Surge protection from electrical damage
Laundry services for washer/dryer repairs
Haul away and disposal fees

Exclusions to be aware of typically include:

Pre-existing conditions before coverage starts
Cosmetic defects like dents or scratches
Damage from misuse or abuse
Commercial or non-residential equipment
Unauthorized repairs

Review your agreement’s full contract terms to confirm coverages and limitations for your specific appliance warranty.

How Do Sears Appliance Warranties Work?

Understanding the ins and outs of how Sears appliance warranties work ensures a smooth experience when you need service. Here are some key logistics on using your plan:

Starting Coverage

Plans can be purchased:

When buying a new appliance from Sears in-store or online.
Within 30 days of buying an appliance from Sears as an add-on.
For older appliances directly through Sears parts websites.

Coverage start dates will vary:

New appliances – Date of delivery.
Existing appliances – Date of warranty purchase.
Renewals – Expiration of previous warranty term.

Requesting Service

Call, go online or use mobile app to request a repair when an issue arises. Available 24/7 but try normal business hours for quickest response.

Provide your:

Contract number
Appliance model and serial number
Full name and contact info
Available appointment times

Diagnosis and Repair Process

Certified local technician will:

Contact you to confirm visit details.
Diagnose the issue upon arrival.
Make repairs if covered parts or labor are required.
May order rare specialty parts if needed.
Offers repair guarantee against defects.

You pay the technician any fees not covered by warranty.

Replacement Protocol

If repair costs exceed replacement threshold set for your appliance, Sears will initiate a switch out.

Steps include:

Technician confirms diagnosis and repair cost estimate.
Sears verifies replacement criteria is triggered.
New same or similar model is ordered from warehouse.
Technician or delivery team swaps out old and installs new appliance.
Old appliance is hauled away and recycled.

Any applicable replacement fees are paid to technician.

Cancelling a Plan

Cancellation policies are restrictive but may include:

Within 30 days – Full refund.
After 30 days – Pro-rated refund based on time left, less claims paid.
Renewed contracts – No refunds after renewal auto-renews.

Check your warranty terms as options can vary. Transferring plans to new owners is an alternative.

By understanding how Sears appliance warranties operate before you need service, you can take full advantage of your coverage when the time comes.

Are Sears Appliance Warranties Worth It?

Determining if Sears appliance warranties are worth the investment requires a close look at your specific situation. Consider the following factors:

Appliance Age and Reliability

Coverage is most valuable for:

Newer complex appliances still establishing reliability.
Brands with higher repair frequencies once out of basic warranty.

Not as beneficial for:

Basic or budget models with proven durability.
Older appliances nearing typical life expectancy.

Expected Repair Costs

Warranties make sense if projected repair bills exceed:

The total contract cost over all years covered.
The cost of replacing an older appliance if it fails.

But not the best value if:

You could purchase a new appliance for less than repair costs.
Brand has low average repair expenses even out of warranty.

Features and Convenience

Notable extras like:

Food loss reimbursement.
Surge damage coverage.
National servicer network.

Provide added protection and ease not otherwise available.

Budget and Risk Tolerance

Warranties are ideal for:

Those wanting to lock in costs for the future.
Anyone risk averse about out of pocket repair expenses.

But less useful for:

Buyers comfortable self-insuring against potential breakdowns.
Those on strict budgets unable to fit in ongoing costs.

For high-use appliances you depend on daily, the investment can pay peace of mind dividends despite higher costs. But assess the above factors against your specific situation before deciding.

Customer Reviews of Sears Appliance Warranties

Checking Sears appliance warranty reviews provides helpful insight from other customer experiences. Here’s what users highlight in their ratings:

Positive Feedback

“Easy to use” – Streamlined service process appreciated.
“Fast repairs” – Impressed with prompt response times.
“Covered major issue” – Big ticket fixes made it worthwhile.
“Paid for itself” – Overall costs exceeded warranty fees.
“Replaced old unit” – Happy with new dishwasher after multiple repairs.
“Added peace of mind” – More confident in older fridge reliability.
“Technician was great” – Pleasantly surprised by repair tech.
“Muy satisfecho” – Spanish-speaking reviewers pleased with service quality.

Critical Notes

“Not enough coverage” – Issues later surfaced that weren’t covered sufficiently.
“Repeated problems” – Some repairs seemed temporary or faulty.
“Parts delays” – Long waits when uncommon parts had to be ordered.
“High renewal fees” – Price hikes upon auto-renewal felt excessive.
“Cancellation trouble” – Difficulty getting out of plan within 30 days.
“Replacement appliance problems” – Concerns over quality of replacement items.
“Pushy sales tactics” – Pressured into buying coverage they regretted.

For many, the warranties provide welcome peace of mind and financial protection. But read plans closely and set proper expectations based on what past customers highlight.

Tips for Getting the Most from Sears Appliance Warranties

Follow these tips for maximizing Sears appliance warranties when considering or using coverage:

Research typical repair rates – For the most value, warranty costs should exceed projected repair expenses.
Read terms closely – Note inclusions, exclusions, cancellation policies, transferability.
Clarify replacement details – Get specifics on how swap outs are determined and handled.
Continue routine maintenance – Follow use and care guidance to prevent avoidable issues.
Save service documentation – Keep records of all repair visits and communication.
Escalate for unresolved problems – Don’t hesitate to contact management for repetitive issues.
Renew early to lock in rates – Renewing before expiration may offer lower pricing.
Add coverage early – New appliances can get plans at the lowest rates.
Compare retailer alternatives – Shop Sears against other store warranties for best fit and pricing.

Taking the time to understand these appliance plans can help maximize their value and keep your major investments protected.

Common Questions about Sears Appliance Warranties (With Answers)

Customers considering Sears Appliance Warranties often have questions about fine details of the plans. Here are some frequently asked questions with answers:

Q: Can warranties be purchased for old appliances?

Yes, Sears appliance warranties can be purchased for used or existing appliances with no age limit. Older appliances may have higher fees.

Q: Do the warranties cover cosmetic damage?

No, aesthetic damage like dents or scratches are not covered under parts or labor. Strictly functional mechanical and electrical component failures are covered.

Q: Does food spoilage coverage apply to all appliance failures?

Food loss coverage only applies for refrigerators and freezers when those units specifically fail. Damage from issues like power outages does not qualify.

Q: Can appliances be serviced anywhere with coverage?

Repairs generally need to be performed by Sears authorized servicers unless special exceptions are made. The warranties are not accepted universally.

Q: Is surge protection included on all plans?

No, surge protection is an add-on coverage that is included with select higher tier warranty options for an additional fee. Not all basic plans cover surge damage.

Q: How are replacement appliances chosen?

Sears chooses replacement models based on comparable features and specs. Identical make or model cannot be guaranteed but relevant functionality will match.

Q: Do warranties transfer when appliances are sold?

Yes, Sears appliance warranties can transfer to a new owner when the appliance is sold as long as Sears is notified of the ownership change.

Q: How are renewal costs determined?

Sears may adjust pricing at renewal based on age of appliance, claims history, service costs and other factors. Existing customers may receive loyalty renewal discounts.

Q: Can warranties be cancelled for full refunds?

Refunds are generally only issued if plans are cancelled within the initial 30 days after purchase. After that period, cancellations receive a pro-rated partial refund minus claims paid.

Carefully reviewing the details will help ensure your major Sears appliance investments are protected according to your expectations and needs.

The Bottom Line on Sears Appliance Warranties

Sears appliance warranties offer valuable coverage for major home investments. The plans provide extensive parts and labor, plus helpful perks like food loss reimbursement and surge protection based on your selection.

Convenient national contractor networks make service efficient and expertise accessible when repairs are needed. Replacement upgrades also give peace of mind.

But significant costs over time mean assessing your specific appliance’s repair history and reliability before deciding. Compare against your risk tolerance for unexpected breakdown expenses.

For older appliances or less proven brands, Sears protection plans can offset repair costs down the road. Just be sure to read terms closely, and don’t hesitate to escalate any service concerns for optimal coverage.

With smart research beforehand and proactive management during your contract, Sears appliance warranties can provide welcome financial safeguards for one of life’s biggest household expenses.