Auto Warranty St Petersburg FL
If you are looking for protection for your vehicle It is recommended to search for reputable extended vehicle warranty providers. You shouldn't be working with a company that has poor business practices or a unsatisfactory service to customers.
Our review team have compared dozens of providers to find the most trustworthy extended warranty companies and all of them were highly rated in our best extended car warranty for 2022 review (see the methodology below). We'll discuss each provider in depth, focusing on the business practices of each and their reputation. We'll also touch on what makes a company reputable and how to choose the best one for your needs.
What is it that makes an extended warranty company trustworthy?
Any reliable and trustworthy extended warranty company in 2022 ought to check the following boxes
Strong industry reputation
We look to our sources of information, 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 react to customer complaints and resolve them. If a provider holds a high BBB rating, there's a good chance it communicates effectively with contract holders in a timely manner.
Some providers work with vehicle service contract underwriters to ensure claims payouts. To check the strength of these underwriters' financial ratings, we use AM Best, which rates a business's financial ability to pay claims and to manage risks.
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 reliable company.
Excellent customer satisfaction ratings
There are three review sites: the BBB, Google and Trustpilot all provide customer review scores for extended warranty firms. We suggest using multiple review sites when choosing the right company. It's not uncommon to have poor reviews from customers on the BBB since customers who are looking to resolve complaints are more likely to write reviews on this platform.
Positive reviews from customers are an important method of determining the level of service you'll receive from an extended warranty company. Find companies with reviews that speak of a swift claims process and helpful customer service representatives. Also, avoid companies that customers say practice poor ways of doing business, including fraudulent calls and false advertising.
Transparent business practices
Many reputable extended car warranty companies provide sample contracts online so customers can review the coverage details before 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 able to know what's not covered. However, it's important to take the time to read the fine print irrespective of which provider you select.
Long-standing company history
In our study, we've discovered that the best, most reputable companies have been around for more than years. The industry of warranty is extremely competitive, which makes it simple for companies to come and go, particularly in the event of negative reviews from customers and have unsavory business practices.
Easy to use
It's also important to find a service 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? 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
When we were determining the five most trustworthy extended car warranty companies on the market, we considered the factors previously mentioned, along with cost and the options for coverage. After we researched insurance companies in 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 in all states, with the exception of Alaska, California, Hawaii, Missouri, Oklahoma and Washington The maximum mileage limit 125,000 miles
Extra benefits Help with roadside issues rental car reimbursement trip interruption
Protect My Car holds some of the top customer review scores of any extended warranty service. The company is a BBB A+ score with the BBB alongside an 4.5-star customer review score at the time of the publication. Customers have weighed in on Trustpilot to rate the company an average score of 4.5 ratings with over 2,300 reviews.
Protect My Car's employees are certified by the Association of Certified Vehicle Protection Professionals (ACVPP). The certification focuses the ethical conduct of business, consumer protections, and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and more. In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act "requires the manufacturers of consumer goods for consumers to offer clear information about warranties."
The customers of Protect My Car often report positive experiences with their service staff and the simplicity of the claim process.
Protect My Car extended warranty plans
Protect My Car offers three coverage options, which can be extended to 10 years/25,000 miles. This includes:
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"Protect My Car Plan |
What It Covers |
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Supreme |
Similar protection to the vehicle's original factory warranty |
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Select |
Ideal for vehicles with more than 50k miles. It also provides coverage a step below the Supreme plan. |
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Driveline |
Protection of the powertrain for vehicles that are between four to 10 years old and with more than 80,000 miles |
Protect My Car also has five pre-paid maintenance programs known as Ambassador Maintenance Plans. The Ambassador Maintenance Plan includes a mix of repairs to cars and regular maintenance.
Average cost of an extended car warranty
In the average, an extended warranty for a car costs between $1,500 and $3,500. According to our consumer survey, about 67% of respondents have paid between $1500 to $2,500 for the extended guarantee. Extended warranty costs are determined by the model of your car and the comparison of quotes will help you to determine the most affordable price.
Is an extended warranty worth it?
Extended warranties can be worthwhile for all car owners, but it's important to take into account your specific situation when choosing the right contract. If you have a reliable car or plan to sell your vehicle prior to when the factory warranty expires, then a protection plan might cost more than the expense. This is also true for drivers with savings that are set aside for repairs to their vehicles.
But, you may want to consider added coverage if the following situations apply to you:
You're looking for peace of mind
Repairs to your vehicle can be expensive to pay out of the pocket. After the expiration of your manufacturer's warranty the financial responsibility is yours for any electrical or mechanical failures. Extended warranties foot the bill for repairs that are covered, which eases anxiety over future issues.
You'd like a car that is predictable budget
If you pay for a car service contract in advance, through a monthly payment arrangement, or part of the financing for your vehicle it is safe from having to pay for unexpected repair costs in the event of an unexpected mechanical breakdown.
You plan on owning your vehicle for a lengthy period of time
According to research from the IHS Markit IHS Markit, the median age of a light vehicle that is operable across the U.S. was 12.1 years in 2021. Since most manufacturers' bumper-to-bumper warranties expire after 4 years or 50,000 miles and 50,000 miles, you could drive an unprotected vehicle for over 50% of its lifespan.
You should also consider the cost of repairs to your vehicle. The higher the amount you are likely to be charged for repairs, the more likely to be able to take advantage of extended warranty protection. Here are the average annual repair costs for popular 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 conducted a survey of 1,000 customers who had experience purchasing or looking for an extended vehicle warranty plan. In this sample, around 75% had bought an extended warranty from a dealership, while 44% had purchased an extended warranty through a third-party.
Survey respondents said pricing was the primary factor, followed by the length of the warranty and levels of coverage. Overall, 64% of the respondents were happy by their warranty and 13% of them said they weren't satisfied or dissatisfied.
On the contrary 13% of respondents said they were not satisfied with the warranty. A few said that the warranty did not cover repairs that were expected, while others said they believed the company was trying to avoid paying for repairs.
Do you think about an extended warranty offered by the dealer?
Alongside reputable extended car warranty companies, drivers can purchase coverage from the manufacturer of their vehicle. Since these contracts are usually backed by automakers 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 have a few restrictions that include:
Limited repair shop choice
Many manufacturers require that their drivers visit the dealership or repair center with a brand name to receive service. While this may not appear like a big deal however, certain automakers have comparatively few dealerships nationwide. For example there are only about 100 MINI dealerships in the entire U.S.
Service contracts for vehicles that are expensive
There could be markups from dealers on top of the cost of your contract if buy a manufacturer-backed insurance.
A broader range of options of coverage
Typically, manufacturers provide one to three insurance plans for vehicles. Depending on your needs, you may purchase too little or pay for unneeded coverage.
What to know before buying an extended warranty offered by a third party
A third-party warranty a company besides your car's manufacturer can cover 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 original equipment manufacturer (OEM) spare parts. If you visit an agent and buy OEM replacement parts, you may be required to pay a percentage of the repair expense based on the contract terms.
The most reputable extended car warranty companies will pay repair shops directly, so all you have to pay for is your deductible. Certain less reputable companies will have you pay upfront for repairs and provide receipts for reimbursement, so watch out for those companies.
Go through the contract carefully before you purchase the plan. Look for specifications on:
Labor rate coverage limits
What exactly is mechanical failure?
Maximum amount of money that can be paid per contract
OEM parts coverage
Waiting periods or inspections required prior to coverage
Documentation for maintenance that is required
Emergency repair procedures
Contract cancellations and transfer of contracts
Additionally every extended warranty contract have exclusions. These can include specific parts like cosmetics or emission components, as well as maintenance items like brake pads and oil changes. Understand what isn't covered to avoid disappointment down the road. One of the most frequent complaints about extended warranties is the fact that repairs aren't being covered.
Sometimes, companies don't guarantee a legitimate repair. However, in many cases the contract explicitly does not cover the repair. Read all the fine text, and don't rely on a salesperson to explain every exclusion to you.
Are you able to purchase an extended warranty following the purchase of the vehicle?
Some dealerships allow you to add an extended warranty prior to when your warranty runs out, but other dealerships require you to purchase it when you purchase a new vehicle. However, most third-party companies offer plans for cars which are outside of the warranty period of the manufacturer.
How to cancel an extended warranty on an automobile
If you wish to cancel an extended warranty, you need to notify the contract administrator and submit the cancellation request in writing. You might also have to submit a notarized odometer declaration. The most reliable extended warranty providers offer 30-day money-back guarantees and prorated refunds beyond that point.
How do you find the best warranty provider
When considering extended car warranty providers, it is best to check out rates. This way, you'll be able to ensure you find the right insurance plan that's within your budget.