1. What if my vehicle is still covered by the manufacturer's warranty?
As vehicles age and mileage increases, so does the cost of an extended auto warranty. So the earlier you purchase an auto protection plan, the less it will cost. Also note that the extended auto warranty coverage applies for a period of years beginning on the date the agreement was purchased. Be aware that some programs and other warranty companies begin their coverage on the vehicle's in-service date; not the date of the vehicle service agreement.
2. How do I choose the right coverage plan terms?
It's always better and less expensive to buy a warranty when you have fewer miles on your vehicle. The more miles you have on the vehicle, the more you should expect to pay. However, you need to consider your driving habits. Examine how many miles you drive each year and how long you plan to keep the vehicle. Your answers will help you determine the best term and mileage option. Auto Protection will quote you the cheapest plan for each option.
3. What warranty options are offered and what are the differences?
Technically, there are two options: "exclusionary policy" (New Car Warranty Coverage Plan) and a "name component policy" (Used Car Warranty Coverage Plan). The exclusionary policy is commonly referred to as a bumper-to-bumper plan and covers everything on your vehicle except components specifically listed in the agreement as being excluded. The list of excluded components consists mainly of routine maintenance items. On the other hand, the name component policy covers only those components listed as being covered in the agreement. A name component policy is intended to cover the major items on the vehicle compared to the exclusionary policy that covers virtually everything.
4. How do I purchase an extended warranty for my vehicle?
First, start by requesting a quote using our free auto warranty quote form above. You will need to provide us with your vehicle year, make, model and current mileage. A representative will contact you either by phone or email with your quote. Once your ready to purchase, you can use the online checkout process or by phone. Payment plans and financing options are also available on most plans.
5. Is there a money-back guarantee?
Most plans come with a money-back guarantee for 30 days, as long as there are no claims filed. Processing charges may apply. Review your contract for details.
6. How do the financing plans work?
A down payment of 30% is required at the time of purchase and we will finance the remaining balance over a twelve month period. There are no credit checks with any of our financing plans and you may pay by either check or credit card.
7. Are coverage plans available for both new and used vehicles?
Yes, coverage plans are available for both new and used vehicles. Your vehicle's make, model, year and mileage determines how the vehicle is classified. Vehicles beyond a certain age and/or mileage may still qualify for a new vehicle warranty. If not, it will qualify for a used vehicle warranty. But don't worry, when requesting a quote, our representatives will offer you the least expensive option for the most coverage. Also, every extended warranty includes free roadside assistance. With one phone call, you'll have fuel, your doors will be unlocked and they'll even jump start your dead battery or tow your vehicle. They'll also pay for a rental car and, in some circumstances, hotel and meals are covered while your vehicle is being repaired.
8. Can I still buy a warranty if my manufacturer's warranty has expired?
Yes, you may still purchase an extended warranty after your manufacturer's warranty has expired, however, the longer you wait, the more expensive the policy becomes. Extended warranties are usually available for vehicles ranging from 1-20 years old with no more than 150,000 miles.
9. How old can a vehicle be and still qualify for an extended warranty?
This varies from company to company. Typically for a
new car extended auto warranty, the maximum mileage is 50,000. For a
used car extended auto warranty, plans are available for vehicles with up to 100,000 miles.
Older car warranty coverage plans are available for vehicles with no more than 135,000 miles.
Power Train Coverage is available for vehicles up to 150,000 miles.
10. When does my extended warranty begin and expire?
Whether you buy a new car extended auto warranty or a used car extended auto warranty, your coverage begins after 30 days/1000 miles. For a new coverage vehicle program, your extended auto warranty will expire at the end of the term or when the odometer reaches the total mileage selected. For example, a 5 year/100,000 mile plan would expire 5 years from the date you purchased the warranty or when the odometer reaches 100,000 miles. For a used car vehicle program, the mileage of the plan selected is in addition to the current odometer mileage. For example, a 3 year/36,000 mile plan would expire 3 years from the date the warranty was purchased or when the vehicle odometer reaches an additional 36,000 miles.
Also, there is no vehicle inspection required like you'll find with other warranty coverage plans offered by other companies.
11. Is a vehicle inspection required for coverage?
Some of the extended auto warranty plans that we offer require that your vehicle pass an inspection before coverage begins. However, no extended auto warranty plan will cover a pre-existing condition, regardless of which company you purchase the policy from.
12. What's included with the purchase of an extended warranty?
Almost every extended auto warranty purchase includes free roadside assistance during the full coverage term. If you have a break down anywhere in the United States or Canada, one phone call will provide you with assistance for fuel, flat tires, a dead battery and more. This benefit also includes a per day allowance for alternate transportation (rental car) and an allowance for a hotel and meals if the breakdown is more than 100 miles from your home. Please refer to contract for details.
13. Do the coverage plans cover Wear & Tear?
Not all companies offer Wear & Tear coverage. If
Wear & Tear Coverage, is available, here is the definition. Wear & Tear refers to a covered component that is worn beyond the manufacturer's recommended tolerances. In other words, the part does not need to break in order to qualify as a covered repair. Instead, if it wears out prematurely, it's covered! If Wear and Tear is not covered in the contract, then, most likely you're being offered a mechanical breakdown warranty. There are many components in your vehicle such as: Piston Rings, U Joints, CV joints, Wheel Bearings, Suspension Bushings, Tie Rod Ends and
several engine parts that usually wear out instead of breaking, in which case, they would not be covered under a mechanical breakdown warranty. A mechanical breakdown warranty is typically what other companies are offering. Please refer to your contract for details.
14. Do the coverage plans cover parts and labor?
Yes, full retail rates are paid for all labor and parts required to repair a covered component. This includes payment for fluids in conjuction with a covered repair.
15. Are seals and gaskets covered by the extended auto warranties?
Seals and Gaskets coverage is included with all of our plans, but is not available with vehicles over 100,000 miles.
16. Are after-market components covered?
No. After-market items are not covered by any warranty company. Only factory installed components are eligible for coverage.
17. Will the warranty cover vehicles for commercial or agricultural purposes?
Yes, vehicles used for commercial or agricultural purposes do qualify for coverage (except for uses specifically prohibited). A surcharge is added to the plan's total cost for commercially used vehicles, which you will select when calculating a quote. You must designate the vehicle for commercial use when purchasing our extended auto warranty.
18. Where can I have repairs done?
You can have your vehicle repaired by any licensed repair facility in your area. You may take it in for repairs at your original dealer, your favorite repair shop, or any national chain that performs vehicle repairs such as Firestone or Goodyear as long as the repair shop is A.S.E Certified. All covered repairs are paid direct to the service center with a corporate credit card so you don't have to file a claim and wait for reimbursement.
19. Will a dealership honor the warranty?
Absolutely! Full retail prices are paid on all labor and parts for a covered repair, so a dealership will welcome the additional business. All claims are paid directly to the service center using a corporate credit card so you don't have to wait for reimbursement when you file a claim, you'll only pay your selected deductible amount.
20. What do I do if the service center won't honor the warranty?
There's absolutely no reason a reputable repair facility shouldn't accept your warranty coverage, because full retail prices are paid on all labor and parts for a covered repair and they are paid prior to doing any work. If for some reason you are told that the warranty will not be honored, call the toll-free number found in your agreement and let the administrator talk to the service center. If the service center still won't accept the warranty plan, we recommend you bring your business elsewhere. You can also give us a call and we would be happy to direct you to a reputable service center.
21. What if my vehicle breaks down while I'm away from home?
With every extended vehicle service contract sold, free roadside assistance is included providing for trip interruption among other benefits. You receive compensation of up to $50 per day for hotel and meals if you find yourself stranded and are more than 100 miles from home. You will also receive up to $50 per day for alternate transportation (rental car). Coverage also includes bringing your fuel, changing a flat tire, and more. So, there is no need to worry because help is only a phone call away!
22. How do I make a claim for covered repairs?
Simply take your vehicle to the service center of your choice, or have it towed with the free roadside assistance benefit included with your warranty. Show your extended service agreement to the Service Department, and they will call the administrator at the toll-free number listed in the agreement to authorize the repair. Your only out of pocket expense is the deductible. The repair facility is paid directly over the phone using a corporate credit card.
23. How are claims paid? Do I have to wait for reimbursement?
All covered claims are paid direct to the service center using a corporate credit card. Thus you do not have to pay for the repairs, file a claim and wait endlessly for reimbursement. In fact, most service centers will not accept extended service agreements unless the company pays direct.
24. Is the deductible paid on each repair visit or each repaired component?
Your deductible is the only out of pocket expense you incur for a covered repair. But more importantly, you only pay one deductible per repair visit, not per part. Be careful when researching other warranty companies because some charge a deductible per repaired component.
25. Is the extended warranty transferrable if I sell the vehicle?
Absolutely! All extended warranties that we offer can be transferred in the event you sell your vehicle to another individual. In fact, your used vehicle may be worth more because you can transfer your extended warranty into the new owner's name.
26. What happens if I trade in the vehicle for a new one?
If you trade your vehicle into a dealer, your extended warranty cannot be transferred to the dealer. Instead, you receive a pro-rated refund of the warranty's purchase price based upon the term and mileage remaining on the agreement. Some conditions may apply, so please read the section regarding this topic in your agreement.
27. Why should I purchase my warranty from Auto Protection?
Our relationships with multiple insurance companies allows us to select the plans with the best pricing and most comprehensive coverage available. In other words, we do all the shopping for you, finding the best rates and passing the savings on to you! Most all major credit cards are accepted and 0% interest financing programs are also available up to 12 months. There are no vehicle inspections required and only a 30 day/1,000 mile waiting period before your coverage plan begins.
28. Why not buy from the dealership?
The main reasons you shouldn't buy a warranty from a dealership are price and flexibility. Dealerships use the sale of warranties to increase their profits and will often finance the warranty's price with your vehicle. So not only are dealership prices higher, but you also end up paying interest on your warranty purchase, making it even more expensive. Additionally, a dealership's warranty is typically restricted to being valid only at the location where the warranty was purchased. A warranty from Auto Protection does not have these restrictions, and since dealership "high expenses" are eliminated, you get better coverage at a much lower price.
29. Why are the prices you quote so much lower then the competition?
Once again, our relationships with multiple insurance companies allows us to select the plans with the best pricing and most comprehensive coverage available. Our direct relationship with you, the consumer, means we eliminate the middleman, allowing us to offer next to wholesale prices. In addition, the efficiencies of Internet marketing and delivery further reduces our cost of doing business, and again, we have already selected plans from multiple A+ rated insurance companies in advanced, to get you the best coverage at the lowest price available. Combining these advantages results in substantial savings that we pass along to the consumer.
30. How do I know if the insurer will be around to pay my future claims?
Most of our extended auto warranties are insured and reinsured by insurance companies rated A+ "Superior" or higher by A.M. Best Company, the world's oldest and most authoritative source of insurance company ratings and information. In addition, our partner insurance companies ratings, payment history and financial stability are continually monitored so that we only offer you choices from companies that have a proven track record of stability and reliability. And remember, all claims are paid directly to the repair facility with a corporate credit card so you don't have to wait for reimbursement.
31. How can I be certain the extended warranties are reliable?
We make sure that you receive comprehensive auto protection against high repair costs with every plan we offer. Every warranty is valid at any reputable repair facility in the United States, including dealerships. In addition, our partner insurance companies ratings, payment history and financial stability are continually monitored so that we only offer you choices from companies that have a proven track record of stability and reliability.
32. Who insures the auto warranty policies?
Because we maintain relationships with several warranty insurance companies, our representatives will select a plan and determine which policy is best suited for your vehicle make, model and year, presenting you with the most affordable plan available. In other words, until you've completed the process we won't know what plan to select for you. Be assured that Auto Protection only issues policies that have a proven track record of stability and reliability.
33. How do I get started?
Use the form on the top of this page to get your free auto warranty quote!
