Car Warranties San Francisco CA
When you're looking for protection for your car you should look for reputable extended car warranty firms. It is not a good idea to deal with a business that has bad business practices or a unsatisfactory service to customers.
Our review team has compared dozens of providers to find the most reputable extended warranty companies, all of which also were highly rated in our top extended guarantee 2022 review (see methodology below). We'll discuss each provider in depth, focusing on their business practices and reputation. We'll also discuss the factors that make a business reputable and how to pick the right provider for your requirements.
What is it that makes an extended warranty company reputable?
Any reliable and trustworthy extended warranty company in 2022 must 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 evaluates companies based on their ability to respond to and resolve customer concerns. If a company has an excellent BBB rating, there's a good chance it communicates effectively with contract holders promptly.
Certain providers collaborate with vehicle service contract underwriters to guarantee claims payouts. To check the strength of these underwriters' financial ratings, we use AM Best, which rates an organization's ability to pay for claims and manage the risk.
Certain extended warranty providers like Carchex are also supported by top companies in the industry. These partnerships are an indication of a reliable company.
Customer satisfaction ratings are high.
There are three review sites: the BBB, Google and Trustpilot all offer customer reviews for extended warranty companies. We recommend using several review sites when deciding on the best company. It's not uncommon to have low scores for customer reviews on the BBB because customers trying to resolve their issues tend to leave reviews on this site.
Positive reviews from customers can be a good way to gauge the quality of service provided by an extended warranty company. Find companies with reviews that mention a quick claims process , and friendly service reps. Beware of businesses that customers say practice poor practices, such as scam calls and misleading advertising.
Transparent business practices
Many reputable extended car warranty companies have sample contracts online so customers can look over the details of their coverage before signing on the dotted line. The most common complaint with contract holders is claims denials.
By selecting a company that readily offers information about its agreements You'll be better able to understand what is and isn't covered. But, it is important to read the fine print regardless of the company you choose.
Long-standing company history
Through our extensive study, we've discovered that the best, most reputable firms have been operating for more than a couple of years. The warranty industry is highly competitive, making it very easy for businesses to change their minds and go, especially in the event of negative customer reviews and unsavory business practices.
Ease of use
It's also crucial to find an insurance plan that is user-friendly. Does it reimburse directly to the repair facility? Do you have additional benefits such as roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement? Are there a 30-day money-back guarantee to use if you are not satisfied? All of our recommendations offer these benefits.
A reputable extended warranty for cars. company
When identifying the five most reputable extended car warranty firms available We looked at the factors previously mentioned, along with the cost and the options for coverage. After researching auto warranty companies throughout the market, Endurance, Carchex, Protect My Car, CarShield and autopom! were the top picks for reliability
#1 Guard My Car: The Most Maintenance Plans
Accessibility: All states except Alaska, California, Hawaii, Missouri, Oklahoma and Washington Maximum mileage limit: 125,000 miles
Extra benefits: Roadside assistance rental car reimbursement, trip interruption trip interruption
Protect My Car holds some of the best customer reviews scores that any other extended warranty service. It has an A+ grade with the BBB alongside a 4.5-star consumer review rating at the time of publication. Customers reviewed the company on Trustpilot and gave it an average score of 4.5 stars with over 2,300 reviews.
The employees of Protect My Car are certified by the Association of Certified Vehicle Protection Professionals (ACVPP). The certification is based the ethical conduct of business in the field of consumer protections, and 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 clear information regarding warranty coverage."
The customers of Protect My Car often report positive experiences with the customer service team as well as the ease of the claims process.
Protect My Car extended warranty plans
Protect My Car offers three options for coverage, and they can extend up to 10 years/25,000 miles. They include:
|
"Protect My Car Plan |
What It Covers |
|
Supreme |
Similar to that of the vehicle's original factory warranty |
|
Select |
Best suited for vehicles over 50,000 miles and offers coverage one step lower than the Supreme plan |
|
Driveline |
Protection of the powertrain for vehicles that are between four and 10 years old , with more than 100,000 miles |
Protect My Car also has five prepaid maintenance programs called Ambassador Maintenance Plans. An Ambassador Maintenance Plan covers a combination of car repairs and regular maintenance.
Average cost of an extended warranty on a car
An extended car warranty cost between $1,500 and $3,500. Based on our survey of consumers approximately 67% of those who responded paid between $1,500 and $2,500 for an extended insurance. Extended warranty costs are based on your vehicle and comparing quotes will allow you to determine the most affordable price.
Does an extended warranty really make it?
Extended warranties are beneficial for many car owners, but it's important to take into account your circumstances when deciding on a contract. If you have a trustworthy vehicle or are planning to sell your vehicle before the warranty on the factory expires, then a protection plan may cost more than the expense. This is also true for those who have money put aside for auto repairs.
But, you may want to think about adding coverage if you are in one of the following situations: you:
You want peace of mind
Vehicle repairs can be costly to pay for out of pocket. When the manufacturer's warranty expires you're financially responsible for any mechanical or electrical breakdowns. Extended warranties cover the cost for repairs that are covered, which eases anxieties about the possibility of future issues.
You want a predictable auto budget
When you purchase a service contract in advance, through a monthly payment program, or even as a part of the financing for your vehicle and insurance, you're not responsible for unexpected repair costs in the event of an unexpected mechanical breakdown.
You're planning to have your vehicle for a long duration
According to research by IHS Markit, the average age of operable light vehicles across the U.S. was 12.1 years by 2021. Because the majority of manufacturers' bumper-to-bumper warranties expire after 4 years or 50,000 miles, you could be driving an unprotected vehicle for over the half-life of your vehicle.
It is also important to consider your vehicle's repair costs. The more you can expect to be charged for repairs the more likely to get extended warranty protection. Here are some average annual repair costs for the most popular automakers, as per RepairPal:
|
Car Brand |
Average Annual Repair Cost |
|
Honda |
|
|
Acura |
|
|
Lexus |
|
|
Subaru |
|
|
Ford |
|
|
BMW |
|
|
Land Rover |
What do consumers say?
Our team conducted a survey of 1,000 customers who have had the experience of purchasing or searching for an extended car warranty plan. From this sample, approximately 75% of them had purchased extended warranties from dealerships and 44% bought an extended warranty from a third party.
The respondents to the survey stated that price was the most important aspect, followed by the timeframe of the warranty as well as the extent of coverage. Overall, 64% of the respondents were happy about their warranties extended, and 13% stated they were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.
On the other hand, 13% said they were dissatisfied regarding the warranties. A few said that the warranty didn't cover expected repairs, while others said they thought the company tried to avoid the cost of repairs.
Should you consider an extended warranty with the dealership?
Alongside reputable extended car warranty companies customers can also buy coverage from the manufacturer of their vehicle. Because these warranties are generally guaranteed by the car manufacturers themselves, they can reduce buyers' concerns about reliability.
Manufacturer contracts guarantee certified technicians trained by factory and use of authentic parts for repairs. However, they also come with a few limitations that include:
Limited repair shop choice
The majority of manufacturers require that drivers visit the dealer or a branded repair center to receive repair. Although this might not sound as a major issue, some automakers have relatively small dealerships throughout the nation. For instance there are just over 100 MINI dealerships throughout the U.S.
Expensive vehicle service contracts
There could be markups from dealers in addition to the cost of your contract if buy a manufacturer-backed insurance.
Fewer options of coverage
Typically, companies only offer one to three car protection plans. Depending on your needs you could purchase too little or pay for unneeded coverage.
What to know before buying an extended warranty from a third-party
With a third-party warranty, a different company than the manufacturer covers certain repairs. The main advantage is that it's generally less expensive than a manufacturer's extended warranty.
However, a third-party insurance plan might or might not include original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts. If you go to an authorized dealer and purchase OEM components, then you might have to cover a portion of the repair expense based on the terms of the contract.
The most reliable extended car warranty companies will pay the repair shop directly, which means all you have to pay is your deductible. Some less-reputable providers will have you pay upfront for repairs and provide receipts for reimbursement Beware of these companies.
Review the contract thoroughly before purchasing the plan. Find the specifications for:
Labor rate coverage limits
What defines mechanical failure
Maximum payout per contract
OEM Parts Coverage
Periods of waiting or inspections are necessary prior to the coverage
Documentation for maintenance that is required
Emergency repair procedures
Contract cancellations and transfer of contracts
Finally every extended warranty contract include exclusions. This can be a case of specific parts, such as cosmetic items or emissions components, and maintenance items such as brake pads or oil changes. Understand what isn't covered to be sure you aren't disappointed in the future. One of the biggest complaints about extended warranties is that repairs aren't being covered.
Sometimes, a company doesn't provide a repair that is valid. In many instances the contract specifically does not cover the repair. Read all the fine print, and don't count on salespeople to explain every exclusion to you.
Can you buy an extended warranty after purchasing a vehicle?
Certain dealerships permit customers to purchase an extended warranty before your factory warranty expires, while others require you to get it at the time you purchase a brand new vehicle. However, almost all third-party providers sell plans for vehicles that are out of the warranty period of the manufacturer.
How to cancel an extended warranty on a car
If you wish to end an extended warranty you must to contact the contract administrator and send the cancellation request in writing. It is also possible to present a notarized declaration. Reputable extended warranty providers offer 30-day money-back guarantees and the prorated amount of refunds that are available after that.
What is the best warranty provider for you
If you are considering extended warranty for your car providers, it is best to compare quotes. This way, you'll be able to be sure to find the perfect coverage plan that is to your needs and budget.