Auto Warranty Dallas TX
If you are looking for protection for your vehicle, it's best to look for reputable extended vehicle warranty companies. It is not a good idea to deal with a business that has poor business practices or a poor customer service track record.
Our review team has compared dozens of providers to find the most trustworthy extended car warranty companies available, all of which also ranked highly in our most comprehensive extended guarantee 2022 review (see the methodology below). We'll examine each company in depth, focusing on the business practices of each and their reputation. We'll also touch on the factors that make a business reputable and how to choose the right provider for your needs.
What is it that makes an extended warranty company trustworthy?
Any reliable and trustworthy extended warranty providers in 2022 must be able to tick the following boxes:
Strong industry reputation
We turn to AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and AM Best when considering a company's industry standing. The BBB assesses businesses based on their ability to react to and resolve customer concerns. If a provider holds a high BBB rating There's a high chance it is able to communicate with contract holders promptly.
Certain providers collaborate with underwriters of vehicle service contracts to guarantee payouts for claims. To assess the underwriters' financial stability ratings, we use AM Best, which rates the financial capacity of a company to pay claims and manage risk.
Certain extended warranty providers such as Carchex, are also endorsed by top companies in the industry. The presence of prominent partnerships is a mark of a reputable service.
High customer satisfaction ratings
There are three review sites: the BBB, Google and Trustpilot all have customer reviews for extended warranty businesses. We suggest using multiple review sites when choosing a service. It's not uncommon to see poor reviews from customers on the BBB because customers trying to settle their complaints are more likely to write reviews on this site.
Positive reviews from customers can be a good method of determining how you'll be treated by an extended warranty company. Look for companies with reviews that speak of a swift claims process and helpful customer service representatives. Also, beware of companies that customers say practice poor habits, like fraud calls and misleading advertisements.
Transparent business practices
Many reputable extended car warranty companies provide sample contracts online so customers can read coverage details prior to signing on the contract. A common issue for contract holders is claims denials.
If you choose a service with a clear explanation of the terms of its contracts, you'll be better equipped to be aware of what is and isn't covered. However, you should always be sure to read the fine print regardless of the company you choose.
A long-running company's history
Based on our investigation, we've found that the most reliable, reputable companies have been around for more than a couple of years. The market for warranty services is competitive, making it very easy for businesses to change their minds and go, particularly in the event of negative customer reviews and fraudulent business practices.
User-friendly
It's also important to find the right service plan that's user-friendly. Does it reimburse the repair center directly? Are there extra benefits like assistance with roadside emergencies and rental car reimbursement? Do you have a 30 day money-back guarantee in case you are not satisfied? All of our recommendations offer these advantages.
Top reputable extended car warranty company
In determining the top five reliable extended warranty providers available We looked at the factors previously mentioned, along with the cost and coverage options. After analyzing auto warranty companies throughout the world, Endurance, Carchex, Protect My Car, CarShield and autopom! was the top choice for reliability
#1 Make My Car Safe: The majority of Maintenance Plans
Available in all states, with the exception of Alaska, California, Hawaii, Missouri, Oklahoma and Washington Maximum mileage limit 125,000 miles
Additional benefits: Roadside assistance rental car reimbursement, trip interruption trip interruption
Protect My Car holds some of the highest customer review scores of any extended warranty service. It is awarded an A+ rating from the BBB as well as a 4.5-star rating on customer reviews at the time of publication. Customers have weighed in on Trustpilot to give it an average score of 4.5 ratings with more than 2,300 reviews.
Protect My Car's employees have been certified with the Association of Certified Vehicle Protection Professionals (ACVPP). The certification is based on ethical business practices, consumer protections, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and more. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act "requires the manufacturers of consumer goods in order to give consumers specific details about the warranties."
The customers of Protect My Car often report positive experiences with their service staff and the ease of the claims process.
Protect My Car extended warranty plans
Protect My Car offers three coverage options, which can extend up to 10 years/25,000 miles. This includes:
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Protect My Car Plan |
What Does It Cover |
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Supreme |
Similar to that of the vehicle's original factory warranty |
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Select |
The best choice for vehicles that have more than 50k miles. It also provides coverage one step lower than the Supreme plan |
|
Driveline |
Powertrain protection for cars between four to 10 years old and with more than 80,000 miles |
Protect My Car also has five prepaid maintenance programs called Ambassador Maintenance Plans. An Ambassador Maintenance Plan is a blend of car repairs as well as regular maintenance.
Cost of an extended car warranty
On average, an extended warranty for a car costs between $1500 and $3500. According to our survey of customers that found 67% of people have paid between $1500 and $2,500 for the extended guarantee. Extended warranties are determined by the model of your car which is why comparison of quotes can help you to determine the most affordable price.
Is an extended warranty worth it?
Extended warranties are beneficial for all car owners, but it's important to take into account your circumstances when deciding on the right contract. If you own a highly reliable vehicle or plan to sell it before the manufacturer's warranty expires, then a protection plan might not be worth the cost. It is the same for those who have savings set aside for auto repairs.
However, you should take into consideration additional insurance if any of the following scenarios apply to you:
You want peace of mind
Repairs to vehicles can be expensive to pay out of pocket. Once your manufacturer's warranty expires, you're financially responsible for any mechanical or electrical breakdowns. Extended warranties pay for repairs that are covered, which eases anxieties about the possibility of future issues.
You'd like a car that is predictable budget
If you pay for a car service contract upfront, through a monthly payment program, or even as a part of your vehicle's financing it is safe from having to pay for a surprise repair bill in the event of an unexpected mechanical breakdown.
You intend to own your vehicle for a lengthy time
According to research from IHS Markit IHS Markit, the median age of operable light vehicles in the U.S. was 12.1 years in 2021. Since most manufacturers' bumper-to-bumper warranties end after 4 years or 50,000 miles it is possible to drive unprotected for more than 50% of its lifespan.
It is also important to consider the cost of repairs to your vehicle. The more you can expect to be charged for repairs the more likely to be able to take advantage of extended warranty coverage. Here are some typical annual repair expenses for top automakers, based on RepairPal:
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Car Brand |
Average Annual Repair Cost |
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Honda |
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Acura |
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Lexus |
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Subaru |
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Ford |
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BMW |
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Land Rover |
What do consumers say?
Our team surveyed 1,000 people who have had the experience of purchasing or looking for an extended vehicle warranty plan. Of this sample, about 75% had purchased an extended warranty from a dealership and 44% purchased a third-party extended warranty.
The respondents to the survey stated that price was the most important factor, followed by the duration of the warranty and levels of coverage. Overall 64% of respondents were satisfied with their extended warranty and 13% of them said they were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.
On the contrary 13% said that they were dissatisfied about the guarantee. Some people said that the warranty on their vehicle didn't cover expected repairs Some believed the company was trying to avoid making repairs.
Do you think about an extended warranty with the dealership?
In addition to reputable extended warranty companies Drivers can also purchase insurance from their vehicle manufacturers. Since these contracts are usually supported by the automakers themselves, they may lessen buyer anxiety about reputability.
The contracts of manufacturers guarantee factory-trained technicians and use of authentic parts for repairs. However, they also contain a number of limitations that include:
Limited repair shop choice
Most manufacturers require drivers to visit the dealership or a branded repair center for service. While this may not appear as a major issue, some automakers have relatively few dealerships nationwide. For example there are less than 100 MINI dealerships throughout the U.S.
Service contracts for vehicles that are expensive
There could be markups from dealers on top of the cost of the contract if you purchase a protection plan that is backed by a manufacturer.
Fewer options for coverage
Typically, manufacturers offer one to three insurance plans for vehicles. Depending on your needs it is possible to purchase too little or pay for unneeded coverage.
What should you know prior to purchasing an extended warranty from a third-party
With a third-party warranty, a company besides your car's manufacturer covers certain repairs. The primary benefit is that it's typically less costly than a manufacturer's extended warranty.
A third-party plan may or may not include the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) spare parts. If you visit an agent and buy OEM parts, you might have to cover a portion of the repair expense based on the terms of the contract.
The most reliable extended car warranty providers will pay repair shops directly, so all you have to pay is your deductible. Some less reliable providers may insist that you pay upfront for repairs and then submit receipts to be reimbursed, so watch out for the ones that do.
Review the contract thoroughly before buying the plan. Look for specifications on:
Limits to the coverage of the labor rate
What is the definition of mechanical failure?
Maximum amount of money that can be paid per contract
OEM Parts Coverage
Inspections or waiting periods are required before coverage
Maintenance documentation is needed
Emergency repair procedures
Cancellations and contract transfers
In addition every extended warranty contract come with exclusions. These can include specific parts, such as cosmetic items or emission components, as well as maintenance items like brake pads or oil changes. Be aware of what's not covered to ensure you don't get disappointed later on. One of the most frequent complaints about extended warranties is repairs not being covered.
Sometimes, companies don't guarantee a legitimate repair. In many instances the contract explicitly excludes the repair in question. Check the fine text, and don't rely on salespeople to explain every clause you're not aware of.
Do you have the option of purchasing an extended warranty when you purchase a vehicle?
Some dealerships allow you to add an extended warranty prior to when your warranty ends, whereas others require you to get it when you purchase a brand new vehicle. But, nearly all third-party suppliers offer plans for vehicles that are out of the warranty period of the manufacturer.
How can I stop an extended warranty from the car
To cancel an extended warranty, you will need to notify the contract administrator, and then submit an official cancellation request in writing. It is also possible to submit a notarized odometer statement. Reputable extended warranty providers provide 30-day money-back guarantee and the prorated amount of refunds that are available after that.
How do you find the best warranty company for you
When you're considering extended car warranty providers, it is best to look at estimates. So, you can be sure to find the perfect coverage plan that fits to your needs and budget.