Track warranty end dates before they lapse

A warranty covers a product for a set time, and a claim needs proof of when you bought it. Save the receipt with the warranty, since it shows the date you bought the product and that you're the original owner.

What you need

• Every warranty booklet and printout you can find, including the ones in appliance manuals
• The receipts or order confirmations that go with them
• One folder, paper or digital, and a calendar or to-do list for the end dates

Steps

1. 1

   Gather the warranties and the receipts

   Pair each warranty with its receipt, since the receipt proves the purchase date and the original owner.

   20 min

2. 2

   Read how long each one lasts

   A warranty may last a set amount of time, or expire after a set mileage. Write the end date on the first page, and note whether you'd pay for labor or shipping on a claim. Anything the warranty doesn't list, assume it doesn't cover.

   15 min

3. 3

   Check for a registration card

   Some products need a registration card returned before the warranty covers service. Send in any you find still in the box.

   5 min

4. 4

   Note who handles a claim

   The warranty says whether a claim goes to the maker or back to the seller. Copy that onto the first page, with their contact details and what the warranty covers. Some warranties cover only problems that come up when the product is used and maintained the way its directions say.

   10 min

5. 5

   Put each end date on a calendar

   Set a reminder a month or two before each one, so there's time to have a problem looked at while it's covered.

   10 min

6. 6

   Check the folder

   Every warranty in the folder should show an end date on its first page and have a receipt behind it.

   5 min

Extended warranties and service contracts

An extended warranty or service contract costs extra and is sold separately. If you have both, write down both end dates, and keep the contract in the folder with the warranty, since it has its own terms.

When something breaks

With the folder in order, you can start a claim from the right page. Check the end date before you call, and have the receipt, the model and serial numbers, and a note of what went wrong and when, ready.