We all know we should keep track of our warranties, but let's be honest—some matter way more than others. After analyzing repair costs and failure rates, here are the 10 warranties that deserve your attention (and could save you thousands).
1. Major Appliances (Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer)
Average repair cost: $350-$600
Typical warranty: 1-2 years (compressor often 5-10 years)
Your refrigerator alone contains components worth hundreds to replace. Compressor failure on a high-end fridge can run $800+. The warranty on major components often extends well beyond the standard coverage—but only if you know about it and can prove your purchase date.
2. HVAC Systems
Average repair cost: $500-$3,000
Typical warranty: 5-10 years on parts, 1-2 years labor
HVAC repairs are notoriously expensive. A failed compressor can cost $2,000+ to replace. Most homeowners don't realize their system came with a multi-year parts warranty—but it usually requires proof of professional installation and registration within 60-90 days.
3. Laptops and Computers
Average repair cost: $200-$700
Typical warranty: 1 year (AppleCare/extended available)
Logic board failures, screen replacements, battery issues—these are expensive fixes on modern laptops. A MacBook logic board repair can easily exceed $500 out of warranty. Know exactly when your coverage ends.
4. Smartphones
Average repair cost: $150-$400
Typical warranty: 1 year
Screen repairs, battery replacements, and charging port issues are common failures. A flagship phone screen replacement runs $250-400 at the manufacturer. Within warranty? Usually free or heavily discounted.
5. TVs (Especially OLED/QLED)
Average repair cost: $300-$1,000+
Typical warranty: 1-2 years
Modern TVs are essentially unrepairable out of warranty—the panel replacement cost often exceeds buying a new TV. OLED burn-in issues and backlight failures are real concerns. Track that warranty carefully.
6. Power Tools
Average repair cost: $75-$200
Typical warranty: 1-5 years (some brands offer lifetime)
DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Makita all offer multi-year warranties on their tools. Battery warranties are often separate. Many users don't know their expensive cordless drill has a 3-5 year warranty because they tossed the receipt.
7. Car Batteries
Average replacement cost: $150-$300
Typical warranty: 2-5 years (often prorated)
Most car batteries come with substantial warranties, often 3 years free replacement followed by prorated coverage. But you need the original receipt. A battery that fails at 30 months might get you 50% off a replacement—if you can prove when you bought it.
8. Mattresses
Average replacement cost: $800-$2,000
Typical warranty: 10-25 years (!!)
Here's one people forget about: mattress warranties are incredibly long. Many cover sagging, broken springs, and manufacturing defects for 10-25 years. But you typically need the original receipt AND the law tag attached to the mattress. Yes, that tag you're "not supposed to remove."
9. Tires
Average cost per tire: $100-$300
Typical warranty: 40,000-80,000 miles
Tire treadwear warranties are valuable but underused. If your tires rated for 60,000 miles wear out at 40,000, you're entitled to a prorated credit. But you need your purchase documentation showing the original tread depth and installation mileage.
10. Roofing Materials
Average repair cost: $500-$5,000+
Typical warranty: 20-50 years on materials
Shingle manufacturers offer extensive warranties—some up to 50 years. But here's the catch: you often need proof of professional installation and proper ventilation to make a claim. Those documents from your roof installation a decade ago? Worth finding.
The Common Thread
Notice what all these warranties have in common? They require proof of purchase and knowing when they expire. The warranty exists whether you track it or not—but the savings only happen if you can actually make the claim when something breaks.
Start Where It Hurts Most
You don't need to track every warranty for every item you own. Start with the expensive stuff—the items where a repair bill would actually hurt. Get those documented first, then expand from there.
The best time to organize your warranties was when you bought the item. The second best time is today.