Auto Warranty Los Angeles CA
When you're looking for protection for your car you should look for reputable extended vehicle warranty companies. It is not a good idea to be working with a company that has bad business practices or a spotty customer service record.
Our review team has evaluated many providers to determine the most reputable extended car warranty companies, all of which also scored highly in our best extended car guarantee 2022 review (see the methodology below). We'll discuss each provider in depth, focusing on business practices and industry reputation. We'll also touch on what makes a company reputable and how to select the most suitable provider for your needs.
What is it that makes an extended warranty company reputable?
Any reliable and trustworthy extended warranty providers in 2022 should check the following boxes
Strong industry reputation
We consider the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and AM Best when considering a business's reputation in the market. The BBB assesses businesses based on their ability to respond to customer complaints and resolve them. If a company has a high BBB rating, there's a good chance it communicates effectively with contract holders promptly.
Some companies work with vehicle service contract underwriters to ensure claims payouts. To assess these underwriters' financial strength ratings, we look to AM Best, which rates a business's financial ability to pay for claims and manage risk.
Certain extended warranty providers like 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
It is important to note that the BBB, Google and Trustpilot all have customer reviews for extended warranty firms. We suggest using multiple review sites when deciding on a company. It's not uncommon to see poor reviews from customers on the BBB, as customers looking to settle their complaints are more likely to write reviews on this website.
Positive customer reviews are a great method of determining the quality of service provided by the extended warranty company. Find companies with reviews that highlight a speedy claim process and friendly customer service representatives. Also, avoid companies who have complaints from customers about their bad habits, like scam calls and misleading advertising.
Transparent business practices
A number of reputable extended warranty companies offer the opportunity to view sample contracts on the internet so that customers can review the coverage details prior to signing on the dotted line. The most common complaint with contract holders is denials of claims.
If you choose a service with a clear explanation of its agreements and contracts, you'll be better prepared to understand what is and isn't covered. However, you should always take the time to read the fine print irrespective of the provider you choose.
Long-standing company history
In our study, we've discovered that the top, most trustworthy firms have been operating for more than a couple of years. The market for warranty services is competitive, making it easy for companies to come and go, particularly if they have negative reviews from customers and have unsavory business practices.
Ease of use
It's also crucial to find a service plan that is simple to use. Does it reimburse directly to the repair facility? Are there extra benefits like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement? Is there a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you are not satisfied? All of our recommendations offer these advantages.
A reputable extended warranty for cars. company
In determining the top five reputable extended car warranty providers available we looked at the elements above, as well as the cost and coverage options. After analyzing auto warranty companies throughout the market, Endurance, Carchex, Protect My Car, CarShield and autopom! topped our list for reputability
#1 Make My Car Safe: The majority of Maintenance Plans
Available All states, excluding Alaska, California, Hawaii, Missouri, Oklahoma and Washington Maximum mileage limit 125,000 miles
Additional benefits Assistance with roadside emergencies rental car reimbursement, trip interruption trip interruption
Protect My Car holds some of the highest customer review ratings of any extended warranty company. The company is a BBB A+ score from the BBB alongside an 4.5-star consumer review rating as of the date of the publication. Customers reviewed the company on Trustpilot to give it an average of 4.5 stars with more than 2,300 reviews.
Protect My Car's employees have been accredited through the Association of Certified Vehicle Protection Professionals (ACVPP). The certification focuses on ethical business practices and consumer protections, as well as and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and more. In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act "requires warranty providers of consumer products for consumers to offer clear details about the warranty coverage."
Protect My Car's customers often report positive experiences with the customer service team as well as the simplicity of the claim process.
Protect My Car extended warranty plans
Protect My Car offers three choices of coverage that could last for up to 10 years/25,000 miles. These include:
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Protect My Car Plan |
What Does It Cover |
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Supreme |
Similar protection to the original factory warranty of the vehicle. |
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Select |
The best choice for vehicles that have more than fifty thousand miles. Coverage is a step below the Supreme plan |
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Driveline |
Powertrain protection for vehicles between four and 10 years old with more than 100,000 miles |
Protect My Car also has five pre-paid maintenance programs known as Ambassador Maintenance Plans. The Ambassador Maintenance Plan is a blend of repairs to cars and regular maintenance.
Cost of an extended warranty on a car
On average, an extended warranty for a car cost between $1,500 and $3,500. According to our consumer survey approximately 67% of respondents paid between $1,500 and $2,500 to get an extended insurance. Extended warranty costs are determined by the model of your car, so comparing quotes will allow you to find the best price.
Is an extended warranty worth it?
Extended warranties are beneficial for all car owners, but it is important to think about your situation when shopping for an agreement. If you own a reliable car or plan to sell your car prior to when the factory warranty expires, then a protection plan may not be worth the cost. This is also true for those who have savings that are set aside for repairs to their vehicles.
But, you may want to think about adding coverage if you are in one of the following situations: you:
You're looking for peace of mind
Repairs to your vehicle can be expensive to pay out of pocket. After the expiration of your manufacturer's warranty you're financially responsible for any mechanical or electrical breakdowns. Extended warranties foot the bill for covered repairs, easing anxieties about the possibility of future issues.
You'd like a car that is predictable budget
By paying for a vehicle service contract upfront by way of a monthly installment arrangement, or part of the financing of your vehicle, you're protected against paying for unexpected repair costs after an unexpected mechanical breakdown.
You're planning to have your car for a long duration
According to research conducted by IHS Markit IHS Markit, the median age of a light vehicle that is operable within the U.S. was 12.1 years as of 2021. Since most manufacturers' bumper-to-bumper warranties end after 4 years or 50,000 miles and 50,000 miles, you could drive an unprotected vehicle for over the half-life of your vehicle.
It is important to think about the cost of repairs to your vehicle. The more you anticipate to be charged for repairs, the more likely you will be to benefit from extended warranty coverage. Here are some average annual repair expenses for top automakers, according to 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 conducted a survey of 1,000 customers who have had the experience of purchasing or looking for an extended vehicle warranty plan. In this sample, around 75% had bought extended warranties from dealerships and 44% bought an extended warranty from a third party.
The respondents to the survey stated that price was the top aspect, followed by the duration of the warranty and the extent of coverage. Overall, 64% of the people who took part were satisfied by their warranty and 13% stated they weren't satisfied or dissatisfied.
On the other hand 13% said that they were not satisfied with the warranty. A few said that the warranty did not cover repairs that were expected Some thought the company tried to get out of making repairs.
Are you considering an extended warranty with the dealer?
In addition to reputable extended car warranty providers Drivers can also purchase insurance through their car manufacturers. Because these warranties are generally guaranteed by the car manufacturers themselves, they may lessen the buyer's anxiety regarding reliability.
Manufacturer contracts guarantee factory-trained technicians and use of authentic parts to repair. However, they also contain a number of limitations that include:
Limited repair shop choice
Most manufacturers require drivers to go to the dealership or a branded repair center to get service. While this may not appear as a major issue, some automakers have relatively small dealerships throughout the nation. For example there are less than 100 MINI dealerships in the entire U.S.
Expensive vehicle service contracts
You could face dealer markups on top of the cost of your contract if purchase a protection plan that is backed by a manufacturer.
Fewer options for coverage
Typically, manufacturers offer one to three car protection plans. Depending on your needs, you may purchase too little coverage or buy coverage you don't need.
What should you know prior to purchasing a third-party extended warranty
Through a third-party guarantee, a company besides your car's manufacturer covers certain repairs. The main advantage is that it's typically less costly than an extended warranty from the manufacturer.
However, a third-party insurance plan may or may not provide OEM (OEM) repair parts. If you go to an agent and buy OEM components, then you could have to cover a portion of the repair cost depending on the contract terms.
The most reliable extended car warranty providers will pay repair shops directly, so all you pay is the deductible. Some less reliable providers may insist that you make payments upfront and then submit receipts to be reimbursed So beware of these companies.
Read through the contract thoroughly before buying the plan. Look for specifications on:
Limits to the coverage of the labor rate
What defines 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
Contract cancellations and transfer of contracts
Additionally All extended warranties include exclusions. They can cover specific components like cosmetics or emission components, as well as maintenance items such as brake pads and oil replacements. Understand what isn't covered to ensure you don't get disappointed later on. One of the top complaints regarding extended warranties is the fact that repairs aren't being covered.
Sometimes, a business doesn't provide a repair that is valid. However, in many cases, the contract clearly does not cover the repair. Read all the fine text, and don't rely on salespeople to explain every clause to you.
Can you buy an extended warranty when you purchase a vehicle?
Certain dealerships permit you to add an extended warranty before your factory warranty expires, while other dealerships require you to purchase it when you buy a new car. However, almost all third-party providers sell plans for used vehicles that are not covered by the factory warranty period.
How can I end an extended warranty the car
To cancel an extended warranty, you must to notify the contract administrator and submit the cancellation request in writing. You might also have to provide a notarized odometer statement. Reputable extended warranty providers provide 30 day money-back guarantees as well as prorated refunds beyond that point.
How to find the right warranty provider for you
When you're considering extended car warranty providers, it's best to look at estimates. This way, you'll be able to make sure you get the best insurance plan that's to your needs and budget.