Consumer s Guide to Extended Vehicle Warranties and Service Contracts

Transcription

1 Consumer s Guide to Extended Vehicle Warranties and Service Contracts

2 Table of Contents 1. Vehicle Warranty Basics Benefits of an Extended Vehicle Warranty How to Decide if an Extended Vehicle Warranty Is Right for You How to Choose an Extended Vehicle Warranty Provider How Repairs and Payments Are Handled Payment Options, Transfers and Cancellations Why Choose Warranty Direct? We're In It for the Long Haul We're Different by Choice Strong Ratings and Track Record Contact Warranty Direct Today

3 1. Vehicle Warranty Basics Most new vehicles purchased in America come with a warranty - typically an agreement between the manufacturer and the customer that, if vehicle parts or systems break, malfunction, or otherwise require repair or replacement within a certain period of time (typically 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first), then the manufacturer will repair or replace the parts under the terms and condition of the warranty at no cost to the customer. Vehicle service agreements (also known as extended warranty plans) are designed to offer similar peace of mind by extending the length of time a customer can expect to receive such coverage. Vehicle service agreements differ in terms of scope and coverage. Some vehicle service agreements offer comprehensive coverage similar to a manufacturer s warranty, while others agreements offer coverage of certain parts such as engine and transmission. Given the variety of vehicle service agreements, you can select the options that are right for your needs and budget. 3

4 2. Benefits of an Extended Vehicle Warranty Depending on the plan you buy, and what company you buy it from, an extended vehicle warranty may offer many benefits including: Peace of mind knowing that if costly repairs are needed, your plan will likely cover those expenses * The cost of the service contract is typically less than the cost of major repairs You are able to keep your vehicle in good condition so that you can get maximum use of it, maintain its value, or perhaps sell it later. Providers like Warranty Direct allow you to get any needed repair work done at the garage or facility of your choice, and use industry standard guidelines to protect you from any unreasonable charges A number of available plan provide roadside assistance, so if your vehicle breaks down away from home, a repair or towing service will come to you at no extra charge Providers like Warranty Direct allow you to transfer your extended warranty to anyone who buys your vehicle in the future making it easier to sell For high-end cars like Mercedes and BMW, repairs can be so expensive; buying an extended warranty is a no-brainer. For many other makes and models, it is also an excellent value and a wise purchase. * Subect to the plan s terms and conditions 4

5 3. How to Decide if an Extended Vehicle Warranty Is Right for You Today most cars, trucks and vans are made so well that repairs during the manufacturer s warranty period (typically 3 years or 36,000 miles) are usually minor. But once that manufacturer s warranty expires, the burden is on you to pay for any repairs, which can run into the thousands of dollars as the years and mileage add up - unless you are protected by some sort of extended vehicle warranty or service contract. So unless you trade your vehicle(s) before the manufacturer s warranty runs out, purchasing an extended vehicle warranty or service contract may be a wise decision. With a vehicle service contract, you will have the assistance you need when an unexpected repair bill occurs. Between the end of the manufacturer s warranty, and the retirement age of your vehicle, an extended vehicle warranty makes good sense for millions of people. 5

6 4. How to Choose an Extended Vehicle Warranty Provider Extended vehicle warranties (service contracts) are available from many providers, both online and offline. Not all providers, however, are the same and you have be careful and review the information about the contract and provider carefully. Here are some key questions to consider in selecting an extended vehicle warranty provider for you and your family: Who takes care of the claims? - A lot of online businesses simply sell some other companies' vehicle service contracts (extended car warranty plans). Companies that sell and administer their own plans (like Warranty Direct) are better equipped to provide reliable, consistent service and support because they know their own plans Are you getting an exclusionary plan? Manufacturer s warranties are called exclusionary plans because they exclude only a few items or situations. (Many of Warranty Direct's extended auto warranty plans are also exclusionary plans.) This is a sign that you're receiving the maximum amount of coverage available. Plans that list only certain items which are covered may not be the comprehensive plan you need; they may be supplemental or partial plans instead that leave blind spots in your plan that could cost you time and money. What parts, labor, and other expenses are covered? - Never assume that a vehicle service agreement (extended warranty) includes both parts and labor costs. You could end up paying for the time the mechanics spend repairing your vehicle. Considering that hourly rates can be between $70 and $100 or more per hour, these costs can quickly add up. Additionally, think about what other expenses you may incur if your vehicle is in the shop for a while. Car rental fees are another expense that can be costly unless provided by your warranty. Who are you really working with? When you purchase an extended vehicle warranty plan, you're entering a contract between you and an administrator. Just like any contract, you need to feel comfortable that the administrator is going to be responsive and timely in the handling of your issue. 6

7 Is the company financially strong? Will they be able to pay your claim when you make it? (A variety of resources can be helpful in this respect, including the Better Business Bureau and Dun & Bradstreet.) Consider things like: - What's their track record when it comes to customer service? - Are they properly licensed and registered to do business in your state? (You can call a Warranty Direct representative to discuss state specifics.) - What companies do they do business with? (Warranty Direct s parent company does business with major corporations like American Express, Bank Of America, US Bank, and 21 st Century Insurance, to name a few.) How will the company handle claims? Let's be honest, a vehicle service contract that can only be used in certain places, or that makes you pay for the repair and then file for reimbursement doesn't really offer peace of mind; it makes things more difficult. Make sure you know what you'll need to do in order to reap the benefits of your extended auto warranty plan. Nationwide coverage, the ability to choose the repair facility of your choice, and direct payment to repair facilities are all options that make Warranty Direct's plans truly beneficial. What are you actually getting? Like so many other things in life, vehicle service agreements (extended vehicle warranties) fall into that category of "you get what you pay for" - so shop smart. Don't let sticker price be your deciding factor. Look at what you actually get for the money and factor in the possible out-of-pocket costs that are likely to come along if you re thinking about a cheaper plan. 7

8 5. How Repairs and Payments Are Handled Some extended warranty companies require you to pay for repairs out of pocket, and then submit documentation to get reimbursed. But Warranty Direct makes it as easy on you as possible. You can choose any dealer, national chain, or local mechanic to perform the repairs on your vehicle with your Warranty Direct vehicle service plan (extended warranty contract). This is one of the best aspects of being a Warranty Direct customer. Simply bring the vehicle to the repair facility of your choice, and present your Warranty Direct membership information to the service professional so that they can contact our claims department. We'll pay for any covered repairs via our company credit card over the phone. All you pay is your deductible (if any). There is no paperwork, no limit on the number of claims you can file, and no need to pay first and then work to be reimbursed. Nearly every repair facilities accept our extended auto warranty plans. Warranty Direct makes a habit of paying approved claims as soon as possible and bases pricing on industry standard manuals. In fact, many repair facilities are eager to do business with us once they learn that they do not have to bill us. Still, if you are concerned that your repair facility will not accept one of our plans, we'd be happy to contact the facility and establish a relationship before you purchase a plan. Should you find that a repair facility will not accept our vehicle service agreement for any reason, we will send you a prompt reimbursement for the covered amount. With Warranty Direct, each repair visit, no matter how many items need to be fixed, will only require payment of one deductible. Many Warranty Direct vehicle service contracts (extended warranty agreements) offer a zero deductible option where you'll never reach into your pocket for a covered repair. Be sure to ask a Warranty Direct representative for details ( ), or visit our website at WarrantyDirect.com. 8

9 6. Payment Options, Transfers and Cancellations Because our top priority is always to make sure you and your vehicle are covered, we gladly offer a variety of payment plans so that you don't have to wait for coverage. Our EZPay plan allows you to put down a small down payment of the plan's total cost and then have your credit card, debit card or checking account charged for as many as 18 equal monthly installments for the balance depending on the length of coverage you purchase. Or, if you prefer, we can customize a plan for fewer monthly payments. No matter which payment option you choose, we will pay any covered claim regardless of whether your vehicle service agreement is paid in full. If you ever sell your vehicle, your Warranty Direct service contract is transferrable to the new owner. This can be a big incentive for a buyer to select your vehicle over another. Although we're certain you'll love your Warranty Direct extended car warranty plan, we are more than happy to offer a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with your vehicle service contract (extended auto warranty). Most plans can be canceled within 30 days for a full refund. After that time period, a pro-rated refund will be issued for the unused portion of your contract. 9

10 7. Why Choose Warranty Direct? We're In It for the Long Haul There's a saying we have here at Warranty Direct: We'll be there for our customers from the first mile to the last mile of their vehicle service contracts (extended auto warranties) and every mile in between. It's not always easy, but it's always the right thing to do, which is why we do it. We're Different by Choice Unlike a lot of extended vehicle warranty companies that just want to offer the lowest rates or the bare minimum level of coverage, Warranty Direct has made it a point to be one of the best vehicle service contract providers in the industry. That drive for excellence can be seen in everything we do, and in everything we offer our customers: Respectful and Responsive Service: whether you're a first-time buyer or a long-time customer, we will always listen and respond to your issues and concerns One Point of Contact: you'll only deal with one company when it comes to your Warranty Direct plan - and that's Warranty Direct. We manage all our own vehicle repair claims and perform all of our own customer service so that you can deal with the same expert team every time. [how are you defining one company?] Nationwide Coverage: even with varying requirements and regulations, Warranty Direct is licensed and registered, to do business in all 50 states and Canada. Unmatched Experience: over 30 years in business isn't just impressive in the auto warranty industry; it's impressive in any industry. More Benefits: free roadside assistance, car rental reimbursement, trip interruption protection, unlimited number of claims they're all standard extras on any Warranty Direct plan. (Continued on next page) 10

11 Strong Ratings and Track Record We are extremely proud of our A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau, based on a 30- year track record of serving more than 2.5 million customers and paying nearly $1 billion in car repair claims. We are also licensed and registered to do business in all 50 states, which is a direct reflection of our ethical business practices and high standards of service. As well, we are verified and/or recognized by the following companies: Dun & Bradstreet The Better Business Bureau WebAssured.com Forbes Magazine's Top 200 Companies List Contact Warranty Direct Today To learn more about the different vehicle service contract options from Warranty Direct, simply call us toll-free at or visit our website at 11