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I'm looking into getting a warranty for a company work van. My boss doesn't want to spend the extra money for a GM factory extended warranty, so can anyone suggest a good extended warranty company? I live in California, if that makes any difference.
I was looking at Warranty Direct, but heard that they may be affiliated with Warranty Gold that went bankrupt. Not sure if I got my facts straight.
If anyone can suggest any good warranty companies, I'd appreciate it.
My wife drives a 2003 Audi A4 1.8T that is approaching 50K miles. As far as I know, Audi does not offer an extended warranty program, though the dealer did recommend once through a company called Fidelity Warranty Services. The car has already been in the shop a couple of times for warranty repairs, and each time the repairman has strongly suggested an extended warranty. I know you all will suggest against a third-party warranty, but does anyone know whether Audi has offered a factory-backed one?
I found a website, audiofnapierville.com selling 'Audi Pure Protection', a service contract backed by Audi. It appears to be administered by the same company that owns Fidelity.
Cool. Now, for the big question - what is the benefit to buying an Audi-backed third party warranty? It's still a third party warranty, right? Or is it just better because I can always go to Audi and say, "Hey, look at these guys you're doing business with - they're lousy..."
An Audi-backed third party warranty? No such thing according to my definition of third party. A third party is any company that is not an auto manufacturer. It's an Audi vehicle, backed by Audi. If the price is right and it gives you peace of mind, buy it.
Audi sells it as "Audi Pure Protection" but it's really administered by Fidelity Warranty Services in Florida (a subsidiary of JM&A). So, while Audi sells it and supports it, the ultimate decision on whether to pay for claims comes from Fidelity.
Hmmmm, seems like a tough one. I'd read the fine print to see who stands behind it. If it's Audi, I'd say it's OK. But if Fidelity is one of those RRGs (Resource Retention Groups), I'd stay away. Bankruptcy laws are so liberal with RRGs. That was the situation with Warranty Gold.
And, Audi can approve repairs that another 3rd party service contract might not. I had a customer with nearly 100k miles on his truck. The seat springs broke on the driver's seat. I called in the claim to GMPP, it was not covered. He called GMPP and complained. GMPP paid for the seat repair. The other service contract companies would have told him to take a hike.
Also, Audi is not likely to require the use of aftermarket or salvaged parts for repairs. Their labor rate is set (for GMPP, it's the same as GM Warranty's rate), parts prices are the same, the claims process is streamlined. Granted, you don't deal with claims directly, but you do deal with the service advisor who does. Somebody tells me they have GMPP, I know exactly what needs done. If they have another company, I have to ask what the company name is, what's their phone number, what's your deductible, etc.
You will have more anxiety dealing with an aftermarket company than with a manufacturer backed company.
The best thing it to ask you service advisor which warranty companies they most often deal with and which work the best with them (least hassles, haggling over mechanic hourly rate, etc...) and then get that one.
I purchased a 7yr - 100,000 mile warranty for my 99 Intrigue for $1200 back in 1999. It was called "The Plan". Well I just had an oil leak fixed (rear main seal) that was $1100 and brought my extended warranty fixes up to almost $3000.
In 1999 labor rates were $54 an hour and now they are $97.50!
I've never had any problems with this warrany and the best part was it had a zero deductable if you returned to the selling dealer, $50 otherwise. I have not paid anything besides the original $1200 for repairs.
I think extended warranties are great if you are planning to keep your car for that long.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and hopefully respond. I just purchased a Nissan Quest 2004 19,000 miles, still under the three year warranty. I am actually pretty clueless when it comes to all of this and want to know any advise about buying the extended warranty they offered me. I was thinking about extending it to 100,000 miles and I believe they quoted around 1,800. Is that reasonable? Should I stick with buying a warranty from a Nissan dealership? Are the preferred warranties better than the basic warranties? Do you usually get your money's worth? Should I pass on the warranty all together? Sorry for all the questions but I am really clueless and I was reading all these reviews in here and it seems like people really know what they are talking about. Thanks so much!!
I just bought a 2002 RL with 47000 miles. I'm looking for Acura extended warranty. Any good deals there? I called some dealers and they quote 1200 or more.
Skimming these posts I am wondering about the need to purchase an extended warranty as well for my 2002 Volvo XC70. I just had the car in for dealer repairs as my original warranty is almost up (about 500 miles yet to go). Service guy telling me that modules are uber-expensive to fix and likely will go between now and 100k. I bought this car and love the car since I always wanted one since the age of 18. Nevertheless, I am a woman with limited knowledge about car repairs, and I do not have lots and lots of money to spend on car repairs. So... what do you suggest? I drive a lot for my job. Many of you seem to feel that $200 per month they are going to charge me for dealer warranty is better suited for a savings account for future repairs than for warranty. Advice welcomed and requested as soon as possible since I have very little time to make this decision. TY in advance.
What you're buying is piece of mind. If an unexpected repair of about $1K or more would hurt you financially but you can afford the extra monthly payment of the warranty, then by all means, buy a manufacturer backed plan. Shop around on the net for the best deal and ask your local dealer if they'll match it, they're negotiable.
I've never bought one as I only buy Hondas or Toyotas and have never had an expensive repair. But I have with other makes and would never buy a Chrysler product without also getting the warranty.......IMHO.
I know alot of folks on here have been burned by aftermarket warranties and Platinum in particular so this may be of interest
It appears that the guy behind the Platinum warranty problems has re-appeared as predicted...according to Used car news, a trade paper for primarily used car dealers, Anthony Hodel founder of Platinum warranty has opened up a new warranty business called www.warrantyausedcar.com... which is owned by a company called Automotive research corp.
According to the paper they tracked the details from the Nevada formed corp back to a satellite office in Ohio, Mr. hodel's home state....they also determined that Hodel is the actual owner of automotive research corp.
Audia8q, This is very good information and I am sure that many people are becoming aware of the pitfalls when purchasing from unregulated Risk Retention Groups (RRG's).
I heard today from a colleague that 1SourceAutoWaranty.com is now going into bankruptcy. A claim for this colleague was partially paid by 1Source, but the check bounced to the repair facility. He told me that he called 1Source and they referred him to the Hawaii Insurance Commission. I guest this is where the RRG is domiciled.
The criminal thing about this whole deal is that they are still selling on the Internet with a promotion that ends today.
ONLY PURCHASE A MANUFACTURER'S BACK SERVICE CONTRACT or A DIRECTLY INSURED SERVICE CONTRACT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have 1 Source for my 1996 GMC Jimmy and they had paid for so many repairs that the guy said he couldn't wait until Feb. 2006 when it would not be under warranty anymore. Unfortunately, something else went wrong with the Jimmy and when my service station called to have the repair approved, the same thing happened. He got referred to the Hawaii Insurance Commission (thank godness it was an affordable repair), but still this stinks that it should have been covered. So definitely go with a MFG's backed service contract.
Just wanted to reiterate what was already said here about AAA service contracts. They're OK as long as you don't exceed the original contract price. After that, long waits for inspectors to come out to inspect and denial off all but dangerous conditions (which they could be liable for). Try getting an A/C compressor repaired, covered leaks authorized or anything else that won't send you over a cliff after you go over the initial premium. What's the point in paying $1800 for a service contract that stops paying at $1800. Save your money in the bank and you'll be a lot happier.
Warranty Direct is Bad News. Call the claim line to test the company before you buy. You get looped through endless choices of unanswered phone lines and unfulfilled call back promises.
Then when you finally get a human, you are told that you must call "Claims", even though that's who you dialed. Dealing with Warranty Direct is watching a Capital One TV Credit Card commeercial. The answer is always NO, no matter the question. In the 5 years that we have had the Warranty Direct policy on our R/V, we have made 5 claims. Only 1 was partially paid and then only after a prolonged fight.
To make a long story very short, I have a flood vehicle that was left to me. Its a 2005 Malibu Maxx LT with 21,000 miles on it. Nothing wrong with it right now but it will develop problems down the road. My question is, am I allowed to buy a GMPP plan for a flood vehicle?
Hi ocous. I am not positive so you will have to check with a GM dealer to be certain, but I suspect that you will not be able to get a GMPP plan on a vehicle that was damaged in a flood, at least if it says so on the title.
I went in today and asked my local dealer(good guy) and the factory warranty is null and void due to the flood on the title. I just have to be on my toes and keep up with the mx on the car, which I usually do anyway. Thank you car man.
Has anyone heard of or done business with AUL Administrators consumer protection service contract? I bought an 2001 Audi A6 Quattro with a 3yr/36,000 warranty for $1800. To me it seems confusing are extended warranties really worth it and it this company reputable?
Have you read much of this forum? No one recommends any 3rd party after market warranty, only manufacturer backed ones.
But to answer your questions, I've never heard of AUL. Good luck getting them to pay if you have a claim. Some are so bad that dealers won't wait for them to pay and would have you pay up front first.
Any Dc dealer can offer you a 3 year interest free Max Care 5 year,100,000 mile $0 deductible for around $1,600. The issue for the dealer is that they don't get a dime until the contract is paid up. If a dealer is really wanting a deal this is a solid tool to get what you want. The Service Contract must be separate from the purchase price contract of the car or truck. As you might expect some may insist you put it into the purchase contract (they get more interest out of you) some dealers will say this is only available from DC. DO NOT BUY THIS FOR ONE SECOND! Dealers can do anything that the Service Contract people can do, and the price is something you can bargain over. I paid $1540. for the DC Service contract on my 2005 Jeep Liberty Diesel in Dec. 05. Good luck hope this helps someone.
Hi joshuae. I don't know the dealer cost of the specific warranty that you are interested in, but I do know a good web site that you can use to get a price quote for it. Remember that you do not necessarily have to purchase your vehicle's warranty from the dealership that you bought it at or the one that you plan on having your service work done at. Take a look at ToyotaWarranty.com and get a price quote for the warranty that you want. Once you have this price, give the dealer that you plan on having your service work done at a chance to beat it. while you do not necessarily have to purchase your vehicle's extended warranty there, all things being equal it doesn't hurt to.
Anyone know of a Florida dealer that will discount a Honda Care extended warranty. I have a new civic coupe on order & would like to get some dicount on an extended warranty. There are dealers on the internet that do discount them, but they won't sell them to Florida Residents. Really smells of price fixing!
I purchased a new Honda CR-V last night and decided to get a seven year 100k mi service contract too. I had not researched the contracts and wasn't really planning on getting it but I decided to go ahead when I saw that I can get a full refund within 30 days. I was surprised today to see that what the dealer sold me was not the Honda branded Hondacare plan. The plan is underwritten by Universal Underwriters Service Corp. Any body have any info on this? mofish
Hi smurcho. I believe that the reason Florida dealers won't negotiate the price of extended warranties and that the out of state dealers who do negotiate won't sell to Florida residents is that your state has a law that prevents the discounting of extended warranties. I've heard that Florida considers extended warranties to be a form of insurance and that all policies most be sold for the same price there. It's a strange law, but I guess that's the price you pay for having beautiful weather all year round.
Hmmm, that's the first I've heard of that. I've never researched the Hondacare warranty here in Florida, but I checked in to both Chrysler's and GM's warranty and didn't see any of that.
I have been comparing the Completecare contract I purchased from the Honda dealer for my new Honda CRV to the Hondacare plan and have found some differences. Hondacare-full refund if cancelled within 60 days. Completecare-30 days. HondaCare-Original OEM or Honda approved remanufactured parts. Completecare-may use used parts. Hondacare-Rental Car Coverage, $35/day $210 max. Completecare-$30/day $180 max. Hondacare-covers window sash and window run channel (seals). Completecare-no seals covered. I also found that Universal Underwriters Insurance Group has been in business for eighty years and is owned by Zurich International (A top rated Insurance Co.) The cost is within $20 of each other. I am still deciding wether to switch, stay, or cancel.(Ref #1341)mofish
There's no one here that would recommend anything but a manufacturer backed extended warranty. Some of us have been burned by warranty companies that went belly up.
Completecare may use used parts? That should tell you something.
If you just jump to the Honda Extended Warranty discussion and read the posts from a few pages back you'll get all the info u need. That's what I did a few months back and instead of giving the dealer 1500+, I got 6year/120K/0 ded on a 05CRV SE for 950.00 from Bernardy Honda in MA (aka hondawarrantyinfo.com). There are a few Honda dealers around the country that would sell HondaCare much below the stiff offered in the Finance office. Just read the thread, it's very helpful. Good luck
Has anyone dealt with getting a refund on an EW at the expiration of the term/mileage? I read this thread going back almost a year, but didn't see anything similar. I know it sounds like an urban myth, but I actually have one of those on my 01 Galant, with the papers that state so. It looks very tricky, the refund is supposed to be paid back by a third party (an ins group). To my amazement the 800 number on the contract was valid, talked to a live person, that promised they'd walk me through the refund process once I hit the mileage (100K), and would be less demanding than the Conditions for the Refund stated in the contract. Does anyone have any experience with this, and any traps I might want to avoid? Thank you, will keep u updated.
We don't permit info about specific salespeople to be posted, but hopefully farout will be happy to provide the dealership info.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
So, extended warranties are a good thing? Isn't it like double insurance on something? A new vehicle has the Factory Warranty for 3/36 - why would you purchase another contract for the same coverage? Or isn't it the same?
Comments
I was looking at Warranty Direct, but heard that they may be affiliated with Warranty Gold that went bankrupt. Not sure if I got my facts straight.
If anyone can suggest any good warranty companies, I'd appreciate it.
Thanks.
http://www.gmoutlet.com
Avoid the aftermarket ones.............
Thanks,
Jake
The website is pretty good. It is "audiofnaperville.com".
Thanks again,
Jake
--Jake
Also, Audi is not likely to require the use of aftermarket or salvaged parts for repairs. Their labor rate is set (for GMPP, it's the same as GM Warranty's rate), parts prices are the same, the claims process is streamlined.
Granted, you don't deal with claims directly, but you do deal with the service advisor who does. Somebody tells me they have GMPP, I know exactly what needs done. If they have another company, I have to ask what the company name is, what's their phone number, what's your deductible, etc.
You will have more anxiety dealing with an aftermarket company than with a manufacturer backed company.
In 1999 labor rates were $54 an hour and now they are $97.50!
I've never had any problems with this warrany and the best part was it had a zero deductable if you returned to the selling dealer, $50 otherwise. I have not paid anything besides the original $1200 for repairs.
I think extended warranties are great if you are planning to keep your car for that long.
I'm looking for Acura extended warranty.
Any good deals there?
I called some dealers and they quote 1200 or more.
I've never bought one as I only buy Hondas or Toyotas and have never had an expensive repair. But I have with other makes and would never buy a Chrysler product without also getting the warranty.......IMHO.
It appears that the guy behind the Platinum warranty problems has re-appeared as predicted...according to Used car news, a trade paper for primarily used car dealers, Anthony Hodel founder of Platinum warranty has opened up a new warranty business called www.warrantyausedcar.com... which is owned by a company called Automotive research corp.
According to the paper they tracked the details from the Nevada formed corp back to a satellite office in Ohio, Mr. hodel's home state....they also determined that Hodel is the actual owner of automotive research corp.
This is very good information and I am sure that many people are becoming aware of the pitfalls when purchasing from unregulated Risk Retention Groups (RRG's).
I heard today from a colleague that 1SourceAutoWaranty.com is now going into bankruptcy. A claim for this colleague was partially paid by 1Source, but the check bounced to the repair facility. He told me that he called 1Source and they referred him to the Hawaii Insurance Commission. I guest this is where the RRG is domiciled.
The criminal thing about this whole deal is that they are still selling on the Internet with a promotion that ends today.
ONLY PURCHASE A MANUFACTURER'S BACK SERVICE CONTRACT or
A DIRECTLY INSURED SERVICE CONTRACT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What's the point in paying $1800 for a service contract that stops paying at $1800. Save your money in the bank and you'll be a lot happier.
Then when you finally get a human, you are told that you must call "Claims", even though that's who you dialed. Dealing with Warranty Direct is watching a Capital One TV Credit Card commeercial. The answer is always NO, no matter the question. In the 5 years that we have had the Warranty Direct policy on our R/V, we have made 5 claims. Only 1 was partially paid and then only after a prolonged fight.
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Thank you car man.
But to answer your questions, I've never heard of AUL. Good luck getting them to pay if you have a claim. Some are so bad that dealers won't wait for them to pay and would have you pay up front first.
Car_man
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The issue for the dealer is that they don't get a dime until the contract is paid up. If a dealer is really wanting a deal this is a solid tool to get what you want. The Service Contract must be separate from the purchase price contract of the car or truck. As you might expect some may insist you put it into the purchase contract (they get more interest out of you) some dealers will say this is only available from DC. DO NOT BUY THIS FOR ONE SECOND! Dealers can do anything that the Service Contract people can do, and the price is something you can bargain over. I paid $1540. for the DC Service contract on my 2005 Jeep Liberty Diesel in Dec. 05. Good luck hope this helps someone.
Car_man
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mofish
Car_man
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Completecare may use used parts? That should tell you something.
Does anyone have any experience with this, and any traps I might want to avoid?
Thank you, will keep u updated.
The Sandman
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Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle