The Hidden Cost of Lost Warranties
The average household has $3,000–$5,000 in active warranties at any given time. That includes everything from your phone to your dishwasher to your mattress.
Most people don't track them. When something breaks, they either don't realize they have a warranty, or they can't find the proof of purchase needed to file a claim.
The result? You pay out of pocket for repairs and replacements that should be free. A single missed warranty claim on a major appliance can cost you $500–$2,000 or more.
Types of Warranties to Track
Most people only think about manufacturer warranties, but there are several types you should be tracking:
Manufacturer Warranty
Comes with the product. Typically 1–2 years for electronics, up to 10 years for appliances. Free, but you need proof of purchase.
Extended / Purchased Warranty
Third-party coverage like Asurion, AppleCare, or retailer protection plans. You paid extra for this — don't let it go to waste.
Credit Card Purchase Protection
Many credit cards add 1 extra year of warranty to purchases. Check your card benefits — you might have coverage you didn't know about.
Home Warranty
Whole-home coverage for major systems and appliances. Annual contracts with service call fees. Track the coverage dates and what's included.
What to Record for Each Warranty
For every warranted item, keep track of these details:
- ✓Item name and model — be specific enough to identify the exact product
- ✓Purchase date and price — when you bought it and what you paid
- ✓Warranty start and end dates — these aren't always the same as purchase date
- ✓Proof of purchase — a photo or scan of the receipt
- ✓Warranty terms and conditions — what's covered and what's not
- ✓Contact info for claims — phone number, website, or email for filing
Setting Up Reminders
Tracking warranties is only half the battle. You also need to know when they're about to expire so you can act if something is already showing signs of wear.
Get notified 30 days before expiration
This gives you time to inspect the item and file a claim if there's an issue before your coverage ends.
Review annually
Once a year, go through your warranty list. Remove expired ones and make sure new purchases are tracked.
Check before scheduling repairs
Before calling a repair technician, check your warranty status. You might be covered for a free fix.
How Keen Owner Helps
Keen Owner automates warranty tracking so you don't have to think about it:
Automatic expiration tracking
Enter the warranty dates when you add an item. We handle the rest.
Email reminders at 30, 7, and 1 day before expiration
Multiple reminders so nothing slips through the cracks.
Store receipts and warranty docs together
Proof of purchase and warranty details in one place. No more searching through email or file cabinets.
One-click warranty status for all your items
See which warranties are active, expiring soon, or expired — all on one dashboard.
Start Tracking Today
Don't wait until something breaks. Start tracking your warranties now — it takes less than a minute per item. It's free to get started.
Track Your Warranties Free