Auto Extended Warranty Reviews
By
David Pilley on May 21, 2011
When you buy a car, the manufacturer guarantees that it will pay for repairs for a certain period of time. After the specified time, you might need to purchase an
extended warranty, or extended service contract. An extended warranty is not offered by the manufacturer, but from a company or a car dealer. An extended warranty is not “bumper-to-bumper,” and it will not cover everything in your car. Extended warranties usually cover the mechanical parts of your car, such as valves, pistons, fasteners, and retainers, and they do not cover glass, lights, upholstery, air bags, or windshield wipers. You can get a “mechanical breakdown” warranty or a “wear-and-tear” warranty, but it is suggested that you get a warranty that covers
both in order to be covered for as many possible repair jobs as you might need.
There are many different companies to choose from if you’re considering an extended warranty. Here are some companies to look at.
CARCHEX. This company is based in Baltimore and has been doing business since 2000. CARCHEX provides unbiased warranty options for used cars, and they have a wide variety of different options. The company has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and it is one of the few extended warranty companies that has accreditation from the BBB, having been so since 2009. Its partners include Carfax and Kelley Blue Book, and it is currently sponsored by JR Motorsports.
Warranty Direct. This company is the largest online provider of extended warranties, and it has been in business for 30 years. It is partnered with companies like Bank of America, American Express, and the radio program
America’s Car Show with Tom Torbjornsen. Warranty Direct also posts an A+ rating from the BBB, and it has been named to Forbes’ Top 200 Best Small Companies List three times. Warranty Direct’s PowerShield offers protection on used cars up to 175,000 miles, a great option for older cars since most companies don’t offer coverage once you’ve surpassed 100,000 miles.
Vehicle One. Also known as Universal Warranty, Vehicle One offers four different levels of coverage. The Premium option offers coverage of costs to repair or replace most mechanical parts of your vehicle, leaky seals and gaskets, and high-tech electronic system components. The coverage can last up to seven years, or until your vehicle reaches 100,000 miles.
General Motors Protection Plan. To get your GM vehicle covered by an extended warranty, your vehicle must still be covered under the original manufacturer’s basic warranty (3 years/36,000 miles), and you have three options from which to choose. The GM Major Guard option covers the most stuff, including engine replacement, transmission replacement, power steering pump, and even the power mirror motor. Current BBB rating is an A+, and you can visit your local GM dealership for complete details.
Note: It is essential to thoroughly research any program before providing your private information and enrolling in a program. Be aware that
auto extended warranty scams can be sometimes hard to spot, especially when they use seemingly trustworthy spokespeople.