Auto Warranties Seattle WA
If you are looking for protection for your vehicle you should look for reputable extended vehicle warranty providers. You shouldn't deal with a business that has bad business practices or a spotty customer service record.
Our review team has compared dozens of providers to find the most trustworthy extended car warranty companies available that all were highly rated in our top extended warranty for 2022 review (see methodology below). We'll go over each one in detail, with a focus on business practices and industry reputation. We'll also explore the factors that make a business reputable and how to select the right provider for your requirements.
What is it that makes an extended warranty business reputable?
Any trustworthy and reliable extended car warranty companies in 2022 should check the following boxes
Strong industry reputation
We turn to our sources of information, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and AM Best when considering a company's standing in the industry. The BBB assesses businesses based on their ability to react to and settle customer issues. If a provider holds an excellent BBB rating, there's a good chance it is able to communicate with contract holders promptly.
Some companies work with vehicle service contract underwriters to ensure claims payouts. To determine the underwriters' financial stability ratings, we check AM Best, which rates the financial capacity of a company to pay claims and to manage risk.
Certain extended warranty companies like Carchex are also supported by leading companies in the industry. The presence of prominent partnerships is a mark of a reputable provider.
Excellent customer satisfaction ratings
It is important to note that the BBB, Google and Trustpilot all provide customer review scores for extended warranty companies. We recommend using several review sites when deciding on the right service. It's not unusual to find poor reviews from customers on the BBB because customers trying to resolve complaints are more likely to write reviews on this website.
Positive reviews from customers are a great method of determining the level of service you'll receive from an extended warranty provider. Check for reviews that mention a quick claims process , and friendly service representatives. Beware of businesses who have complaints from customers about their bad practices, such as scam calls and misleading advertising.
Transparent business practices
Many reputable extended car warranty companies offer sample contracts online so customers can read coverage details prior to signing on the"dotted line. The most common complaint for contract holders is denials of claims.
By choosing a provider which is able to provide information on its agreements You'll be better able to know what's and isn't covered. However, you should always read the fine print regardless of which provider you select.
Long-standing company history
Based on our research, we've found the most reliable, reputable providers have been in business for more than a few years. The industry of warranty is extremely competitive, making it very easy for companies to come and go, particularly in the event of negative reviews from customers and have unsavory business practices.
Ease of use
It's also crucial to find an insurance plan that is simple to use. Does it pay the repair center directly? Are there additional benefits, such as assistance for roadside repairs and rental vehicle reimbursement? Do you have a 30 day refund guarantee if you are not satisfied? Each of our suggestions offers these benefits.
The most reputable extended car warranty company
When we were determining the five most reputable extended car warranty providers available We looked at the factors mentioned above, in addition to costs and choices for coverage. After we researched insurance companies in the industry, Endurance, Carchex, Protect My Car, CarShield and autopom! was the top choice 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 Help with roadside issues rental car reimbursement trip interruption
Protect My Car holds some of the highest customer review scores for any warranty service. Protect My Car is a BBB A+ grade from the BBB along with an 4.5-star rating on customer reviews at the time of the publication. Customers have weighed in on Trustpilot to rate it an average score of 4.5 rating with more than 2300 reviews.
Protect My Car's employees have been certified with the Association of Certified Vehicle Protection Professionals (ACVPP). The certification focuses on ethical business practices in the field of consumer protections, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and more. As per the Federal Trade Commission, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act "requires warranty providers of consumer products for consumers to offer specific information regarding warranties."
Customers of Protect My Car frequently have positive reviews about the customer service team as well as the simplicity of the claim process.
Protect My Car extended warranty plans
Protect My Car offers three options for coverage, and they can extend up to 10 years/125,000 miles. They include:
|
Protect My Car Plan |
What it covers |
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Supreme |
Similar to that of the vehicle's original factory warranty |
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Select |
Ideal for vehicles with more than 50k miles. It also provides 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 maintenance programs that are prepaid and referred to as Ambassador Maintenance Plans. An Ambassador Maintenance Plan includes a mix of car repairs and regular maintenance.
Average cost of an extended warranty on a car
On average, an extended warranty for a car costs between $1500 and $3500. Based on our survey of consumers that found 67% of those who responded were willing to pay between $1,500 and $2,500 for an extended insurance. Extended warranty costs are based on your vehicle, so comparing quotes will allow you to find the best price.
Does an extended warranty really make it?
Extended warranties are a good option for many car owners, but it is important to think about your specific situation when choosing an agreement. If you own a highly reliable car or plan to sell it prior to when the warranty on the factory expires, a car protection plan may not be worth the price. It is the same for those who have savings that are set aside for repairs to their vehicles.
But, you must think about adding coverage if the following situations apply to you:
You're looking for peace of mind
Vehicle repairs can be costly to cover out of pocket. After the expiration of your manufacturer's warranty the financial responsibility is yours for any mechanical or electrical malfunctions. Extended warranties foot the bill for repairs that are covered, which eases anxieties about the possibility of future issues.
You want a predictable auto budget
If you pay for a car service contract in advance by way of a monthly installment program, or even as part of the financing for your vehicle it is safe from having to pay for a repair bill that comes up following an unexpected mechanical malfunction.
You plan on owning your vehicle for a long duration
According to research by the IHS Markit IHS Markit, the median age of light vehicles that are operable within the U.S. was 12.1 years in 2021. Since most manufacturers' bumper-to-bumper warranties expire within 4 years/50,000 miles, you could be driving unprotected for more than 50% of its lifespan.
It is important to think about the cost of repairs to your vehicle. The more you anticipate to pay in repair costs the more likely you will be to be able to take advantage of extended warranty coverage. Here are the average annual repair costs for the most popular 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 polled 1,000 consumers who had experience purchasing or looking for an extended vehicle warranty plan. From this sample, approximately 75% had bought a dealership extended warranty 44% bought an extended warranty from a third party.
Survey respondents said pricing was the top aspect, followed by the duration of the warranty and the coverage levels. Overall, 64% of the respondents were happy with their extended warranty and 13% of them said they were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.
On the contrary 13% said that they were unhappy with the warranty. A few said that the warranty didn't cover anticipated repairs Some were concerned that the company tried to defraud customers of making repairs.
Are you considering an extended warranty offered by the dealership?
In addition to trusted extended car warranty providers Drivers can also purchase insurance from their vehicle manufacturers. Because these agreements are typically backed by automakers themselves, they may lessen buyers' concerns about reliability.
Manufacturer contracts guarantee certified technicians trained by factory and use of authentic parts to repair. However, they contain a number of limitations which include:
Limited repair shop choice
Many manufacturers require that their drivers visit the dealership or a branded repair center to receive repairs. While this may not appear to be a huge deal there are some automakers that have few dealerships nationwide. For instance, there are only about 100 MINI dealerships throughout the U.S.
Vehicle service contracts that cost a lot of money
You could face dealer markups in addition to the cost of your contract if purchase manufacturer-backed protection.
Less coverage options
Typically, manufacturers provide one to three car protection plans. Depending on your needs it is possible to purchase too little or purchase coverage that isn't needed.
Things to consider prior to buying an extended warranty from a third-party
A third-party warranty an outside company other than your vehicle's manufacturer will cover certain repairs. The primary benefit is that it's typically less costly than an extended warranty from the manufacturer.
However, a third-party plan may or may not provide the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts. If you visit an agent and buy OEM parts, you may need to pay for a part of the repair cost depending on the terms of your contract.
The most reputable extended car warranty providers will pay the repair shop directly, and the only thing you need to pay is the deductible. Some less-reputable providers will insist that you pay for repairs up front and provide receipts for reimbursement So beware of the ones that do.
Review the contract thoroughly before purchasing 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
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
In addition All extended warranties come with exclusions. They can cover specific components, such as cosmetic items or components for emissions, or maintenance items such as brake pads and oil replacements. Know what's not covered in order to ensure you don't get disappointed later on. One of the most frequent complaints about extended warranties is repairs not being covered.
Sometimes, a business doesn't guarantee a legitimate repair. In many instances the contract specifically does not cover the repair. Be sure to read the entire fine details, and don't depend on a salesperson to read every exclusion to you.
Are you able to purchase an extended warranty when you purchase the vehicle?
Some dealerships allow customers to purchase an extended warranty prior to when your warranty runs out, but others require that you purchase it at the time you purchase a brand new vehicle. But, nearly all third-party providers sell plans for cars which are outside of the warranty period that is provided by the manufacturer.
How can I cancel an extended warranty on the car
If you wish to terminate an extended warranty, must contact the contract administrator, and then submit an official cancellation request in writing. You may also need to present a notarized statement. Most reputable extended warranty companies provide 30-day money-back guarantee and prorated refunds beyond that point.
How do you find the best warranty provider
When you're considering extended car warranty providers, it is best to compare estimates. So, you can ensure you find the right coverage plan that is with your financial budget.