1-800-335-2803
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is a vehicle service
contract/extended warranty?
Once the manufacturer's warranty expires, you have
nothing to protect you from expensive vehicle repairs. Most
vehicles come with a 3 year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper
warranty. Once that expires, you have no protection against
breakdowns or failures. Auto Warranty US's service contract
assures that for a specified amount of time and/or mileage,
both parts labor and sales tax (if applicable) required for
replacement or repair of covered mechanical systems in your
vehicle will be paid.
2. Why should I choose Auto
Warranty US over the others?
Auto Warranty US is
a division of one of the nations oldest and largest warranty
companies. You can buy from us with complete confidence.
When looking at extended warranty companies, this financial
stability is of the utmost importance. It's important to
know that we handle our own claims, we never send you off to
an unknown third party. Our experience is unmatched with
nearly 2 million plans sold, assets in excess of $165
million and over $500 million in paid claims. When looking
at extended warranty companies, financial stability should
be of utmost importance; after all, you will need them to be
there down the road to pay your claims.
We are NOT an Internet only company; we have a long history
of selling plans through wholesale channels such as car
dealers, manufacturers, banks and credit unions.
That's peace of mind. Others
rely solely on the Internet for all their business, that's
risky.
In addition to our financial stability, all our extended
warranties are insured. For even greater protection, they
are reinsured by an "A' rated A.M. Best insurance company
with over $3 billion in assets. Insurance provides peace of
mind but most important is the
financial stability of the administrator, as they
pay for your vehicle repairs. And if that's not enough, all
plans come with a money back guarantee. You'll be hard
pressed to find a more financially stable administrator than
us. We can't reiterate how important
that is.
3. Are the warranties insured?
A solid warranty company will offer you three layers of
protection, the administrator, the insurer and the re-insurer.
Insurance provides peace of mind; however the administrator is
the company that handles claims. They are often NOT the company
selling you your warranty. Their financial strength is the most
important factor in buying a warranty. We administer our own
warranties and have documented financial stability.
In addition to our financial stability, all our extended
warranties are insured. For even greater protection, they are
reinsured by an "A' rated A.M. Best insurance company with over
$3 billion in assets. Insurance provides peace of mind but most
important is the financial stability of
the administrator, as they pay for your vehicle
repairs. And if that's not enough, all plans come with a money
back guarantee. You'll be hard pressed to find a more
financially stable administrator than us.
We can't reiterate how important that is.
4. What is Wear and Tear coverage?
Wear and tear protection is the highest level of
coverage one can purchase. Auto Warranty provides coverage for
parts that break as well as those that wear out. It is a much
broader level of coverage than the mechanical breakdown only
plans offered elsewhere. All Auto Warranty US plans include
coverage for wear-and-tear failures.
Many extended warranties exclude repairs needed due to "wear and
tear." A large number of car repairs are needed because a part
wears out from a long period of use, not because it was poorly
built.
Many extended warranties define "mechanical breakdown" as a
defect in parts and workmanship as supplied by the manufacturer,
or a defect that makes the part unable to perform the function
for which it was designed. Often, they will state that the
gradual reduction in operating performance (wear-and-tear) is
not covered. Service contracts that exclude wear and tear will
not cover repairs needed because a part's performance has
gradually deteriorated because of normal wear and tear, unless a
mechanical breakdown has occurred.
The more miles on a car when a repair becomes necessary, the
more likely it is that the repair will be needed because a part
wore out, rather than because the part broke due to poor
manufacturing. Again, many extended warranties do not cover
parts that wear out.
Before buying an extended warranty, you should carefully review
what is covered and not covered to see whether wear and tear
claims are excluded from coverage. That way, if it is not clear
whether a repair is needed due to a manufacturing defect or
simple wear and tear, it is more likely that the service
contract company will pay for the repair. It is a mistake to
assume that a repair agreement will cover every repair your car
may need.
5. What is the no In-Service date
program?
Auto Warranty offers a no in-service date program. All
our traditional auto warranties begin on the day you buy them,
not the in-service date of the car. Quite simply, we offer you
more time than the others. If you purchase a 4 year /100,000
mile warranty today, it will expire 4 years from today or when
your odometer reaches 100,000 miles. Beware of plans that start
your coverage from the day the vehicle was purchased brand new
(in-service date). .
6. Do you cover damage due to
overheating?
We do NOT have an overheating exclusion in our
contract. While many warranty providers shy away from damage
caused by overheating, Auto Warranty US takes a much different
approach. Although damage sustained when a vehicle overheats can
be severe, we take care of all repair costs for covered
components provided the vehicle does not overheat due to
negligence and provided you act immediately to prevent
unnecessary damage when your vehicle overheats. In fact, if your
vehicle overheats and you require a tow or fluid replacement,
Auto Warranty US's FREE Roadside Assistance makes sure you get
taken care of... fast!
7. What benefits do you offer?
When you experience a mechanical breakdown, Auto
Warranty US is there with you even before you file your claim.
In addition to the most comprehensive coverage's and fastest
claims handling in the industry, your Auto Warranty US agreement
includes the most comprehensive peace of mind benefits package
in the industry. Assistance is available 24 x 7; you'll never be
stranded on the side of the road with no one to call. Best of
all, it's all part of your fully insured agreement.
Our plans provide protection for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week. All our plans include FREE membership in a nationwide
roadside assistance plan. Simply call the toll free number
anytime you need help. This benefit is extended to you for the
full term of your warranty agreement. This is a true roadside
assistance plan, not a limited reimbursement plan. Need a tow?
Flat tire changed? Lock your keys in the car? Run out of gas?
Just call the toll-free number and help will be on the way.
8. Where can I take my vehicle for
repairs?
Repairs can be made at the repair facility of your
choice (dealer, national chain, local mechanic) anywhere in the
United States or Canada. We have an extensive database with
thousands of repair facilities who have already accepted our
plans and can even help you locate a reputable repair facility
anywhere in the US. You will not find a plan more widely
accepted than ours.
9. How are claims paid?
Auto Warranty lets you use the repair facility of your
choice (dealer, national chain, local mechanic) and pays your
claim quickly and efficiently over the phone via our corporate
credit card. Simply present your Auto Warranty US Membership
Card to the service professional, who in turn will contact our
claims department. You simply pay your deductible (if any).
There is no paperwork, no need to lay out any money and no limit
on the number of claims you may have. We cover parts, labor and
even sales tax, if applicable. With over 50 people dedicated to
handling claims, we are proud that we process claims faster than
anyone else in the industry. We have done business with over
21,000 repair facilities across the country, call us to look up
yours.
10. How does the deductible work?
With Auto Warranty, each repair visit, no matter how
many items need to be fixed will only require payment of one
deductible. Many plans offer a zero deductible option where
you'll never reach into your pocket for a covered repair. Some
plans even cover the deductible on your manufacturer's warranty.
11. Do I really need an Extended
Warranty?
There are many reasons to purchase an extended
warranty. Your vehicle is one of your biggest investments. An
extended warranty will ensure it is always in the best
mechanical condition. With the complexity of today's vehicles,
one major repair often costs more than the extended warranty.
Hourly labor rates can top $100 or more per hour in some
markets.
Since our warranty is transferable, it increases the resale
value to potential buyers. Who wouldn't want to own a vehicle
that comes protected from repair bills? Our contract also
provides for a pro-rated refund for the life of your contract
should you sell your vehicle and elect not to transfer the
warranty to the new owner.
12. Why buy it now? I'm still
covered by the manufacturer.
A common misconception is that by waiting to purchase
extended coverage, you will get coverage for a longer time. Much
like life insurance a cost rise as we age, a cost for a car
warranty will rise as the vehicle ages and accrues mileage. You
will be offered the longest terms and the lowest rates for newer
vehicles with lower mileage.
We understand that you may have a warranty from the
manufacturer. Our coverage is simply an extension of that, not
double coverage. The manufacturer's warranty has been factored
into your price quote. The more factory warranty you have
remaining, the lower the cost and greater the length of the
warranty extension. In other words, you are paying for
tomorrow's coverage at today's rates. In addition, our Roadside
Assistance benefit, with $100 towing limits may prove to be
invaluable during the Manufacturer's Warranty period.
FACT: The newer your vehicle, the
lower the rates for extended coverage.
Waiting may also carry other risks. Coverage costs rise as
repair rates do. Labor rates have been steadily rising over the
past few years. It is not uncommon for a repair facility to
charge $100 or more per labor hour. As more repair data becomes
available for your vehicle, its costs may also rise. These
factors can cause the rates for your vehicle to rise should you
elect to delay purchasing coverage.
13. I've seen lower prices on the
Web. Why should I buy an Auto Warranty plan?
When customers question our pricing, we often find that
no one has taken the time to explain how extended coverage
really works. Without that knowledge, price is the only thing
one can base their decision on. Buying a warranty is all about
transferring your risk of costly repairs and having your claims
paid. Low prices may look good up front but they are often
coupled with low levels of service and many restrictive contract
clauses which will lead to many out of pocket costs for you on
each claim. Here are some important facts one must consider when
comparing different offerings.
We are not an online only company. Auto Warranty US is a
division of one of the oldest and largest independent automobile
warranty providers in the US. In addition to offering our car
warranties direct to consumers, over 2,200 manufacturers,
dealers, banks and credit unions choose to market our coverage.
As such, our coverage compares more favorably to those of the
major manufacturers (GM, Ford, and Chrysler) and not the
Internet coverage's. In addition, we handle our own claims (no
third party outsourcing) and have the most solid insurance
backing.
With the online companies, you will likely have further out of
pocket expenses with their plans. They operate much like HMO
plans do. Their contracts state that they will use certain
manuals to determine the labor rate they will pay. Your dealer
will likely charge more than that. You will be responsible for
paying the difference on every repair. We pay the labor rate the
dealer normally charges.
A review of the online companies shows very restrictive contract
language. Here are a few clauses you should be leery of:
At the sole discretion of the Administrator…
Parts may be used or recycled…
You must maintain your vehicle according to the severe
requirements of your manufacturer (that will double your
maintenance costs)
Burned/worn valves/guides, valve grinding, worn rings and burned
pistons are not covered. (These are classic wear and tear
failures)
Any covered part that has not failed; this includes seepage of
seals and gaskets.
The gradual reduction in operating performance is not covered.
National flat rate hourly guides
You will NOT find these restrictive clauses in an Auto Warranty
US contract.
Many repair facilities will not accept plans with those clauses.
As we sell primarily through dealers, you will not have these
problems with us. Dealers don't sell plans that cause them
problems when trying to get claims paid.
What about claims handling and customer service? These areas are
not as important to the low price companies. Handling your claim
will be hassle free with Auto Warranty US. No other company
handles claims faster or more efficiently. With over 50
dedicated Claims Advisors, we authorize claims in an average of
six (6) minutes or less.
If you'd allow us the opportunity, we can show you that our
rates will be less if you consider total costs over the full
life of the warranty. We may cost a little more, but we provide
more extensive coverage and benefits.
14. What if my repair facility won't
take your plan?
It is rare that a repair facility will not accept our
plans as we pay them immediately and utilize industry standard
manuals to determine pricing. When they find out they do not
have to bill us, they are eager to accept the business we refer
to them. In addition, they also want your routine maintenance
business, so it is rare that they will turn down the rest of
your business. We would be happy to call your repair facility to
establish a relationship before you buy. We also maintain a
database of tens of thousands of repair facilities that have
already accepted our plan; yours may already be there. In the
rare event a repair facility will not accept our direct credit
card payment; we will reimburse you promptly for the authorized
amount.
FACT: Honest and
reputable repair facilities will accept an Auto Warranty US
plan.
15. What if I want to cancel my
warranty?
Our agreement contains full details on refunds. You
have either 30 or 60 days to obtain a full and prompt refund.
After that, you are entitled to a pro rata refund of the unused
portion of your contract. Unlike some companies, we do not pro
rate your refund from the in-service date of your vehicle.
16. Is my warranty transferable?
Absolutely, for a modest ($50 or less) transfer fee,
you can transfer the warranty to another private purchaser of
your vehicle. Vehicles with extended warranties typically offer
much higher resale values because the buyer knows they are not
going to get hit with huge repair costs.
17. Do you have a payment plan?
Auto Warranty offers EZPay, a convenient payment plan
using your credit or debit card. Simply put as little as 10%
down and we will automatically bill your credit or debit card
for the balance in as many as 24 equal monthly installments.
Each monthly payment will have a $5 service fee added. We can
also customize a plan with fewer monthly payments if that fits
your needs. Unlike other companies, we will authorize and pay a
claim before your policy is paid in full.
Lower down payments (as low as 10%) and longer terms (up to 24
months) may be available for qualified vehicles. Please call to
discuss eligibility for special payment plans.
18. What happens with the money I
pay Auto Warranty?
Most of the money you pay us for an extended warranty
is deposited in a "claims reserve account". These accounts are
fully insured and are strictly designated to pay future claims.
With some of our competitors, they oversell their warranty and
when reserves are depleted, it then becomes very difficult to
get a claim paid.
19. How do I enroll my vehicle with
Auto Warranty?
You may purchase your agreement online using our
state-of-the-art, secure software. You may also call a Certified
Warranty Advisor who can take your application over the phone.
We'll simply need your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and
an accurate odometer reading. It takes only 7 minutes to protect
your vehicle from the high cost of future repairs.
Once enrolled, you will receive your contract booklet which will
include full details on coverage and the roadside assistance
plan. An Auto Warranty US membership card will also be included.
20. Where do I get my Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN)?
Your VIN is located in several areas and is a unique
17-digit identifier of your vehicle. The most common are:
On the driver's side dashboard
of your car
- On your insurance card
- On the title to your vehicle
- On the vehicle's registration card
- On a sticker inside the driver's side door
21.
Does Auto Warranty US have a privacy policy?
Yes we do. In short, any information you provide to us
will never be sold or shared with any other company. We only
send out relevant emails about your price quote, promotions and
valuable information about your vehicle. Requests to unsubscribe
from our list are handled immediately.
22.
Are you open 24 hours a day?
We provide 24x7 roadside assistance with all our
agreements. Just call the toll-free number in your agreement
booklet and help will be on the way.
Our Claims Department maintains some of the longest hours in the
industry. They are open Monday-Friday from 8 am-8 pm EST and
Saturday from 9:30 am -5pm EST.
Our Sales Department is open Monday-Friday from 9 am-8 pm EST
and Saturday from 10 am-4 pm EST. We are closed on Saturdays
during the summer. Of course, you can purchase from our secure
web site anytime.
Our Customer Service Department is open Monday-Friday from 9
am-6 pm EST.
Some warranty firms claim to be open 24 hours a day. They are,
but all they can do is sell you a warranty, not provide help or
process a claim.
23.
How do I know I can trust Auto Warranty US?
There are many factors one should consider before
selecting a warranty company. Longevity and a proven track
record are two important factors. Auto Warranty US is the
consumer division of one of the oldest and largest independent
automobile warranty providers in the US. In addition to offering
our car warranties direct to consumers, over 2,200
manufacturers, dealers, banks and credit unions choose to market
our coverage. Why pay the dealer's markup when you can buy
similar coverage direct from the source? We're much more than
just a web site selling warranties.
Auto Warranty US is a member in
excellent standing of the Better Business Bureau and has earned
the prestigious BBB Online Privacy designation.
Many of the 50 states have
licensing/registration requirements to make sure Auto Warranty
US companies are financially sound and/or properly insured. A
growing number of states, including New York, Florida and
California have very strict requirements when it comes to
issuing licenses. Auto Warranty's ability to market in all
states reflects our dedication to compliance, financial
stability and claims payment history.
For even greater peace of mind, all our products include a
written, money back guarantee.
CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE
YOUR QUOTE:
|
