I'd skip it - just more profit for them. You could use the $200 for a service if you actually needed one.

While I just bought a washer and dryer and got an extended service plan (5 years on both for $199), I don't think I would spend the same amount on a fridge that hasn't given you any clues of being a problem. It is perhaps the simplest large appliance in your home and the one most likely to give you dependable service. I don't have service plans on my kitchen appliances, but I did just get them for the washer and dryer -- I'm also coming off owning a Calypso and am admittedly gun-shy about another bad experience. For $20 a year for each appliance with elctronic control boards, moving parts and 1300 RPM, it sounds like a reasonable insurance plan -- but I will read the fine print and cancel if it turns out to be less than I was lead to believe.

Keep in mind that you are not in control with repairs made under these plans -- the repairmen answer to a big corporation with lots of rules and limitations -- not you. If these guys messed up a repair for me, I could deal with the repair company and refuse to pay for their incompetence and get them to do it right. Instead, I wind up on the losing side of a 2 against one deal.

Whatever you do, try to read all the terms and conditions before you buy. If they send them to you after you buy, read them --- make a note on your calendar to contact them if you don't receive them (what happened to us), then read them and make a realistic assessment of what you are getting.

There have been consumer articles that tend to say most appliance contracts are not needed and may be a waste of money. They do say that those with complex and expensive electronics or things more prone to breakdown might be worthwhile. That's why I'm going to get it for the new W&D -- that and having been burned twice on the Calypso. But we had already decided not to renew the agreement -- they wanted something like $650-700 for a renewal, and the value they put on the machines and repairs they would be willing to make would continue to decline. It's a losing propostion no matter how you slice it when you are talking about their renewal, but I wouldn't have known that without being able to read the fine print.

I posted about service plans on the laundry forum yesterday -- if you want to read a bit more, it is linked below. Bottom line for me -- know what you are really getting and why.

Here is a link that might be useful: Laundry Link

Thanks to both of you for your input; it's much appreciated.

lascatx, I did see your post at the Laundry forum, which reminded me to post the question I posted here about the warranty on my fridge. Your points are well taken.

If it is the manufacturer's waranty, then do not purchase an extension. If the waranty is from Sears, the master protection agreement, then it would be for either 3 or 5 years, then I would side on renewing it, or if it includes filter replacement then you should probably renew it too.

Thanks for the info, massive8. It is the manufacturer's warranty. I will definitely check to see if it includes filter replacement.