Comments on: Fidelity National Home Warranty

By: K Beagle

K Beagle — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:46:39 +0000

Compared to the horror stories that I have read on here, I am rather pleased with Fidelity and believe that the investment has been worth the warranty.

I have had a number of claims during the past year and list the brief experienced below:

1. Ceiling fan refused to turn on. They sent out an electrician, determined the motor was bad, and sent me a check to buy a replacement fan (when I showed them proof of purchase). I had to pay to have the new one installed.

2. We had a plumbing leak in the bathroom which caused water to pour into our kitchen ceiling. They had someone out the same day, and fixed the leak which was good. The bad part is they do not pay for anything more than a “rough patch” which means I needed someone to come in and redo the drywall and paint.

3. Refrigerator stopped cooling. This was a more frustrating ordeal because the first provider they sent just didn’t know how to fix this brand. They sent the same provider out a second time to attempt another fix, but they still couldn’t figure it out. Finally, with a few phone calls, they partnered with an authorized repair center and fixed the problem. A hassel, and a lot of $$ spent on food, but as long as you are polite and persistent, I found they do want to service the customer.

Overally, the people on the phone were kind and did try explain the limitation on the warranty. Caveat emptor, Buyer Beware. Understand what a warranty covers before buying and your likely won’t be upset.

Compared to the prior warranty company, prompt service and did get the above items fixed. I will renew.

By: R C Young

R C Young — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:00:57 +0000

Contract #692186 (expired). I have to upgrade my review of Fidelity, because there is evidence that they are changing their business practices. I contacted the Better Business Bureau about my problem with their work on my A/C unit. In response, I was contacted by Fidelity main office. Apparently their use of inexperienced Sears technicians initiated the problem, and the endless loop situation I experienced with their Customer Service is a problem that they now recognize. Long story short, Fidelity sent a different contractor: No Sweat, Inc from Torrance CA, who correctly diagnosed the problem, and then quickly and efficiently replaced the condenser and compressor, which involved hiring a crane to lift the unit onto the roof. The work was done under contract, and the total cost to me was $225, for some necessary modifications not covered in the agreement. I had to bring in a third party (the BBB) to get resolution, but Fidelity finally came through. I have not yet renewed my contract with Fidelity, but might consider it in the future if further evidence of improved relationships with their clients appears. I wait with cautious optimism.

By: Lynda

Lynda — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 21:45:49 +0000

I have had this warrenty service for 4 years now and it is the absolute worst service ive ever had.. My stove has been out of commision now for a month ( note this is during christmas)so i couldnt cook for the holidays. So 440 for the yearly service plus 55 for the co pay per visit. They have tried fixing the stove 4 times. So the 440 and year plus 55 per visit = i could have baught a new stove myself.. I hate this company and will not be renewing next year.

By: Chris H., McKinney, TX

Chris H., McKinney, TX — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 21:50:59 +0000

I’ve been with Fidelity Home Warranty for 2 years. I had a gas leak in the wall of my house. Because the leak was associated to the key valve of the fire place they refused to cover it. I had the gas company speak to the rep before having them send someone out explaining the leak. If they knew it wasn’t covered they shouldn’t have sent anyone out at all. The plumber I got was good but the fact the warranty company doesn’t cover repairing something that could potentially cause me or my family harm is bogus. Then after I pay the plumber over $400 they still want their $55. I’d be better off putting the money I’m paying them each month into an emergency fund. They are useless. They also didn’t cover our under-mount sink in the kitchen falling out. I feel like I’m throwing money away.

By: Holly Hunnewell

Holly Hunnewell — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:40:49 +0000

Year after year I pay over five hundred dollars for this service. Year after year I have to argue with them for even the most basic repairs. Moreover, their authorization department is rude. It would appear they are instructed to turn down almost anything unless contested and even then, they make the process miserable. Based on the reviews I have read, I am not alone in my dissatisfaction.

By: Shannon Panora, Sacramento, CA

Shannon Panora, Sacramento, CA — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 01:37:09 +0000

Regardless of what the issue is, a 3 day wait for a repair person is the norm. Don’t have heat and 30* outside? Oh well! Gotta wait.

Definitely will be going with a different warranty service when this is up

By: Ryan Thompson, Torrance CA

Ryan Thompson, Torrance CA — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 22:02:29 +0000

DO NOT EVER PURCHASE A HOME WARRANTY WITH FIDELITY — after purchasing a new home about 2.5 years ago, we have had heater problems on 7 different occasions, all of the parts from the heater have been replaced minus the blower . . .everything! I spoke with one technician who promised to replace our heater – however when the “independent” Sears tech comes out, he tells me all we need is a new gas valve . . . I would NEVER purchase or recommend FIDELITY to anyone, even my worst enemy. They have spent more money on parts and could have replaced the heater a long time ago and still refuse to do so . . . I’m also in the process of obtaining an attorney and taking them to court!

DO NOT EVER USE FIDELITY! EVER!

By: Lori Hlad, Lake Balboa, CA

Lori Hlad, Lake Balboa, CA — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:22:01 +0000

We are new homeowners and purchased a home with an air conditioner/heater unit that was not large enough or even working properly (it worked just long enough for the ink to dry on the loan docs).

Fidelity contracts out with only the WORST contractors, ones that will not replace this unit even though we’ve had them out 6 times in two months. The AC did not work in the summer and it was 115 degrees in the house. Now the heater turns off if the temperature gets too low (it blows cold air as the unit freezes over). I was told by the latest Fidelity repair person that my heater would not work if it got too cold.

Getting Fidelity to replace our unit is impossible. I would STAY AWAY from these crooks.

By: Bob Zawaski

Bob Zawaski — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:18:44 +0000

I’m a Real Estate Broker who discovered a leaking water heater in a vacant listing. Upon cleaning up the floor & shutting off the water, I called Fidelity Warranty on a Wednesday with their promise that a plumber would contact me within 24 hours. No plumber called so, I called Fidelity back on Friday morning and they suggested I call the plumber directly, I did so only to find that the Company number was no longer in service. I called Fidelity back and offered to call them for me. After waiting another day they confirmed that I was correct and they would e-mail someone from within to locate another plumber. I’m just wondering who Fidelity called on my behalf when I first made my claim, certainly they too would have gotten a message that the number no longer existed ? I finally got a call from another plumber on Monday who said he couldn’t make it out till Wednesday. The plumber made it out and after taking my deductible said Fidelity would contact me to let me know about the approval process. I finally heard back from Fidelity (after 2 additional calls to them) on the following Monday, which was 12 days from the start. They indicated that the electric water heater did need to be replaced as I originally thought however, the upgrades were going to be $560 in addition to the $610 they would pay the plumber to replace the unit. It seems that $1,170 plus my deductible is far more more than a $229 water heater should cost. Thankfully this was a vacant house and I was the only one who had to deal with cleaning up, draining The unit & having a house without running water for showings but, this would have been a horrible situation if the Seller still lived there, therefore I won’t recommend a Fidelity Warranty to any clients in the future.

By: David, Pleasanton,CA

David, Pleasanton,CA — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 00:04:28 +0000

Refused to cover a failed heater coil and plenum, which is clearly covered in the policy. Had to get an attorney and then they finally covered part of the claim. Will never do business with this company again.