You love your car. You take care of it, and you want to keep it running for as long as possible. While at it, you realize cars can be expensive to maintain. At any time, a component is bound to malfunction. That’s where an extended warranty comes in. An extended warranty is like an insurance for your car, covering repairs and maintenance after your manufacturer’s warranty expires. But in the face of a motley bunch of extended warranty companies out there, how do you know which one to choose? Here are five things to look for when choosing an extended warranty company:
- Cost
Obviously, you want to find a company that offers good coverage at a fair price. You don’t want to break the bank, but you also don’t want to skimp on coverage. The cost of an extended auto warranty depends on several factors. These include the kind of vehicle you’re driving, the length of the coverage, the level of coverage, and the company you choose. A pro tip is to not jump on the first good offer you receive. Take your time shopping and ask for quotes from different insurance providers.
So, how can you get a quote from extended warranty providers? The best ones make this process easy by letting potential clients do this online or through the phone. You just have to prepare essential information like the vehicle’s make, model, and year. You can then input this on the website or give these details to the insurance agent. Once you have your quote, compare this to quotes from other providers to find the best deal.
- Reputation
It’s essential to research and find a reputable company with a good track record. One way to gain excellent insight into a company’s reputation is to read reviews from customers. There are numerous review websites and forums like the Better Business Bureau to read about people’s experiences with different extended warranty companies. For example, if what CARCHEX is offering appeals to you, take the time to read as many CARCHEX reviews as possible. This can help you get a clearer picture of how the company operates. You can also try asking trusted friends and family members for recommendations.
- Services
Not all extended warranty companies are created equal. Some offer more services than others. When choosing an extended warranty company, be sure to ask about the kind of services they offer. The most common services offered by extended warranty providers include repairs, towing, and roadside assistance. However, the more reputable insurance companies provide value-added services like nationwide roadside assistance and car rental coverage. This means that if you break down anywhere in the U.S., help can come in the form of a tow truck. And if your car is in the shop for repairs, you can get a rental car free of charge. In addition, the best insurance providers have repair facilities across the country. This can come in handy as the last thing you want is to be stuck somewhere where there isn’t an accredited service center nearby.
- Covered Components
When choosing an extended warranty company, one important thing to look for is the covered components. All warranties differ in what they cover. Some warranties only cover specific parts of your car, while others offer comprehensive coverage. It’s important to know what isn’t covered before you sign up for a policy. This will help prevent any surprises from popping up.
- Convenience of Claims Procedure
When something goes wrong with your car, you want the claims procedure to be as convenient and seamless as possible. You don’t want to jump through hoops or wait on hold for hours just to get your car repaired. The best extended warranty companies have a straightforward claims procedure. They also have a vast network of repair shops so you can get your vehicle fixed as quickly as possible.
Other Things You Must Consider When Looking for an Extended Car Warranty Provider
You must consider a few other things when looking for an extended car warranty provider. The coverage amount is the maximum amount your insurer will pay for repairs or replacements. Be sure to choose a policy with a high coverage amount to ensure you’re fully protected.
Another is the deductible. This is the amount you have to pay out-of-pocket before the insurance company starts reimbursing you. The less your deductible is, the more expensive your premiums will be. So, be sure to choose a deductible that’s affordable for you.
Finally, read the terms and conditions of the policy very carefully. This will help you understand your coverage better and give you a better idea of what you can expect from the provider.
The Bottomline
When choosing an extended warranty company, be sure to consider the five things mentioned above. Doing so will help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs.
