Old republic home warranty Denied our claim San Ramon California

While deciding whether or not to purchase our home, we, along with our realtor, went through and checked all the electronics.  When we tested the heater, it blew hot air, when we tested the air conditioner, we felt cold air.  We went forward with the purchase and our realtor negotiated a home warranty with the seller.  

While moving in, we ran the air conditioner.  About a week later, we noticed the air was barely coming out of the vents.  Four different repairmen came out to examine the unit. The final call resulted in the repairman pulling out some insulation from the air intake vent.  That seemed to help.  

In November, we used the heater for the first time, but we were not getting any heat. We called Old Republic and began a journey of repairmen traipsing in and out Of our home.  One said it was a broken heat pump.  Another suggested a plumber. One simply did not know how the system worked and suggested calling Lennox - the manufacturer of the unit.  The Lennox repairman told us we needed new duct work and a new system, then quoted us $13,000.  he sent his recommendation to Old Republic.  

A representative called and began asking questions - one of which was, "when did you realize the heater wasn't working."  I told her it didn't work when we turned it on - meaning, of course, November 3rd.  She denied the claim based on the clause that states the unit must be in working order when the house was purchased.  When I told her we DID test it before we purchased the house, she inquired if we had purchased a home inspection.  I am not sure why she would even ask that question, when the policy specifically states it is not necessary to have a home inspection.  

We have friends and family members who have HVAAC certification...we are pretty handy and have a thorough knowledge of plumbing and wiring.  We were pretty confident that we could handle these matters and a home inspection was provided by our lender because we were purchasing a flip - so, no we did not purchase an inspection.

We were unfairly declined coverage based on an honest answer to a trick question. 

Please do not be taken in by home warranties.  The better course is to insist the seller provide proof that all fixtures work correctly before purchasing the house.  These companies are unsavory rip off organizations whose main interest is in taking your money and offering loopholes to avoid settling claims.