Posts Tagged ‘warranty’

Economy on the Up as New-Car Demand Increases

Thursday, March 24th, 2011

Consumers have been told today that when it comes to insuring cars, older doesn’t necessarily mean cheaper. Those who would usually avoid buying brand new in fear of a hefty insurance hike are urged to compare car insurance – they might just be very pleasantly surprised.

Those who would usually avoid buying a brand new car in fear of a sharp insurance increase are urged by the low cost car insurance comparison website to shop around and compare car insurance before they decide not to buy – they may be in for a nice surprise.

Peter Harrison, car insurance expert at moneysupermarket.com, told consumers: “It’s common belief that a new car will be more expensive to insure than an older model, but our research reveals there are some occasions where this is not the case, and also on the positive side where the premium for a new car does show as more expensive, the price differences are much smaller than many would expect.

“This month’s Budget will be critical in determining consumer and business confidence and the ongoing stability of the market. We’re looking for certainty on motoring taxes, a freeze on fuel duty and measures that support business investment and access to finance and credit.”

The SMMT’s predictions have been announced just as car insurance comparison website MoneySupermarket.com also releases a report highlighting that when it comes to insuring a new car, newer doesn’t have to mean a higher insurance premium.

The leading low cost car insurance comparison website has today publicised their study into the price comparisons between insurance policies from numerous insurance providers for 10-, 5- and 0-year-old models, dealing with 2010’s five most popular models in the report.

Peter Harrison, a car insurance expert at MoneySupermarket.com, divulged:

“It’s common belief that a new car will be more expensive to insure than an older model, but our research reveals there are some occasions where this is not the case, and also on the positive side where the premium for a new car does show as more expensive, the price differences are much smaller than many would expect.

For firm favourites like the Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Astra it is interesting to see it’s actually cheaper to insure a 2011 model than one five and even ten years older.”

According to the findings, the UK’s most popular model, the Vauxhall Corsa, can be insured for an average of 573.50 if bought brand new, compared with 562.04 for the ten-year-old model, while Ford Fiestas, which lie second-in-line to the Corsa, can be insured for an average of 633.66 in the first year and 671.72 at ten years – a staggering 38.06 more to insure the much older car.

“Receiving 12 months’ free cover is a great perk when buying a new car, and we can all do with a little extra help with our finances at the moment, but once this offer runs out is it vitally important to be savvy and shop around for a better deal.”

Running out of money? Why not get low cost car insurance from moneysupermarket.com car insurance uk.

How To Shop For Reputable Extended Auto Warranty Protection!

Wednesday, January 19th, 2011

Having a dependable auto warranty for a used car these days is extremely important! Newer cars and trucks are starting to be more and more pricier to service and maintain. With many more Americans struggling with a bad economy, it makes good economic sense to invest a few dollars in a good extended auto warranty for your used car instead of spending thousands of dollars to purchase a new car.

One of the main reasons why people get new cars is because a new vehicle comes with a factory warranty which gives people peace of mind when it comes to safety and dependability. But the cost of getting a new vehicle can far out weigh the expense of keeping their current late model automobile and simply buying a good auto warranty just in case of a major problem going wrong with the vehicle.

Buying a new automobile is known as the worst investment you can make, as opposed to buying a auto warranty that will actually add value to your current car and is usually transferable if you decide to sell your automobile. Not to mention you will be covered for most major mechanical breakdowns and most likely will not have to ever spend a penny on vehicle repairs again!

There are a lot of different types of auto repair warranty plans for used cars. Some contracts are better than others. Obviously the more components that are covered in a warranty plan the more its probably going to cost. There are power train warranty plans that warranty only lubricated parts of the engine and transmission. So if the motor or transmission in your automobile happen to break, you may consider yourself covered if it’s a breakdown due to an internally lubricated part of the transmission or motor.

The next step higher for used car warranty plans usually cover the powertrain as described above as well as other systems such as pumps, cooling system components as well as steering system parts and certain parts of the air conditioning system. Extended service contract plans in this category are somewhat popular because they offer many different covered components and are normally reasonably priced.

The price of the auto service warranty plan does not only depend on the covered components but also depends on the actual car that is going to get the warranty. If you are searching for an extended service contract on a 2002 Ford Taurus with 40,000 miles on it, the price of the auto repair warranty plan would probably be less costly than purchasing an aftermarket auto warranty on a 2004 Infinity Or Lexus. Parts and regular service on a Mercury Sable are much cheaper than parts and service of a high line vehicle like a Lexus or Mercedes! That is easy to understand! So it should reflect a bit in the price of the extended service contract plan.

You can also find Bumper to Bumper auto service warranty plans that protect almost 97% of the automobile. A bumper to bumper auto warranty will cover everything that is protected in the mid level auto warranty including much more. Usually they cover all electrical systems such as window switches, all electronic components of the car, power seat mechanisms, power window mechanisms and door lock switches. These plans usually cover all vehicle sensors such as O2 sensors, TPS sensors, Traction control modules and just about any electronic system you can think of in your car. This type of auto service warranty coverage usually costs the most and for good reason. You practically get Bumper to Bumper protection and never need to worry about spending money to fix your automobile in case of a mechanical breakdown!

When an auto warranty company sells a used car warranty contract to a driver they usually offer different ways to buy. You can pay for the warranty contract in all at once at the moment of purchase or you may also come across a big majority of aftermarket auto warranty companies that would accept a small down payment and take monthly installments as low as $40 per mo. in some cases. Monthly payment plans this cheap make it affordable for the regular working person to own wonderful aftermarket auto warranty protection for their used vehicle investment.

Go out and get yourself a auto repair warranty quote right now. You can simply visit a website called UworkUdrive.com and get a extended auto warranty quote in minutes! They are connected to some of the best auto warranty companies in the country and have an extremely high satisfaction rating by consumers!

Looking to find the best deal on aftermarket auto warranty, then visit www.UworkUdrive.com to find the best advice on auto repair warranties for your vehicle.

Used Car Warranties Can Save You Money

Saturday, November 27th, 2010

There are still many consumers that are a little hesitant to sign up for a car warranty program. And since the economy is struggling so much, it is no wonder that people are finding more ways to save money. But even though an extended warranty on your vehicle will be an extra monthly expense, the savings it can offer are well worth it, and it can actually save you money on your automobile. There are many reasons that getting this kind of coverage can be a great idea in tough economic times.

For a while there were a lot of scam programs out there in the car warranty industry. This kind of gave the whole industry a bad name, and some people are still afraid to get their cars covered by one of these policies. But now more than ever, there are great companies that offer reasonable packages for extended warranties, and thousands of other people are using them. But I still recommend that you only buy from the larger companies.

Before you are able to be covered by a used car warranty, a person from the company has to come out and inspect your vehicle to make sure that it is not a time bomb with all kinds of problems. If the inspector sees that your automobile is in good working order, then you should be able to get coverage right away and have the peace of mind that even if something breaks down, you will not have a big bill to pay.

One thing that used to drive me crazy about driving an older car was knowing that it was going to break down sooner or later, and it was probably not going to be at a convenient time. Well most auto warranties come with free roadside assistance, so it doesn’t really matter where your car breaks down. You can get a free tow and get the repairs done for free as well, as long as you have an extended car warranty that is.

Little repairs are not the only things that these warranties will cover. The main point in having this kind of protection is to hedge against huge bills at repair shops. This is why you should at the very minimum get a policy which covers your engine and transmission. The cost for a bad engine can be well above $2,000, so this alone should be reason enough to convince anyone to get a used car warranty.

If your car is a fancy sports car or just an expensive luxury car you may not be able to get a warranty on it. The reason for this is that the repair costs are way too high for the warranty companies to justify covering them. In essence, they would be losing money. But as long as you have a standard vehicle that can be purchased for less than $40,000 you should be able to get coverage.

Don’t think that just because your car is old or has high mileage that you can’t possible get a warranty on it. It might cost you a little more, but you can get a used car warranty even on an older automobile. These cars are more likely to break down so the premiums are higher, but the benefits of having a warranty when the car breaks down are higher as well.

Want to find out more about getting a used car warranty? Then visit this site on how to choose the best used car warranty for your needs.

There Are Benefits Of Getting Certified Pre-Owned Autos

Thursday, October 21st, 2010

It is not usual for one to come around pre-owned car that is sold having an original manufacturer’s warranty. This is where certified pre-owned automobiles come into play. For many who do not know, certified pre-owned cars often have an extensive coverage that goes beyond what the dealership characteristically provides you with. Manufacturer’s certified automobile programs have now received much popularity and are available at numerous used auto dealerships.

The biggest advantage that comes to mind about certified used automobiles is that you are getting a second hand car that has been thoroughly examined and has been discovered to be so excellent in condition they may have received an extended car warranty. To be able to receive certified used car warranty, the automobile needs to meet remarkably good standards with the manufacturer of the vehicle. What’s interesting is that after obtaining a certified used vehicle, you’ve got 3 days or 3000 miles to confirm if the car meets your requirements. If during this time you find that the car isn’t the right one for you, you could go back to the dealer and pick a better one. Also, a certified used motor vehicle has a sticker on the glass stating the vehicle has passed the stringent regulations to become certified used, along with the selling price obviously noticeable to prevent confusion.

Along with the warranty which is given, there are additional benefits to obtaining certified used vehicles. Certified pre-owned vehicles give potential buyers additional benefits that they typically only get once they buy a new car. They’re inclusive of receiving roadside support, cheaper car loan rates, loaner’s automobiles all through maintenance, no cost servicing together with oil changes and examinations plus shuttle services.

Nevertheless, the most important advantage is the warranty that you receive. Whenever you obtain a certified used car you receive a wide-ranging, long-term warranty that may be also inexpensive which helps you save 100’s of dollars on the automobile every single year. The attraction of complimentary oil changes and examinations also are likely involved to make this deal a far more appealing one.

But, whenever you research for a certified pre-owned car, make sure you locate a local dealership that has a substantial range of authentic certified pre-owned vehicles. Next, look for a sales rep that knows what he is discussing when it comes to the auto that you’ve chosen. Ultimately, receiving a certified pre-owned car could very well be the finest decision you possibly can make!

Don’t get caught paying big bills for minor automobile issues. An extended used car warranty is the solution. Read more informative posts at our website, plus receive a free extended used car warranty quote.

Auto Repairs Are Often Insured Under Vehicle Warranty

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

Having to pay for vehicle repair jobs can be very costly. The good news is that often you will get your auto repair work costs insured under your car warranty. This runs specifically true for new vehicles but you can even have it for second-hand automobiles too.

The price tag on service for the engine, engine block, transmission, clutch, axles and such may become very costly. If your car includes a drive train or power train warranty on it, these vehicle service costs can be drastically decreased or entirely paid for by the warranty. This will save you cash in the long run.

Numerous car warranty firms provide wear and tear car warranty for new cars and some small level of coverage for pre-owned automobiles. With the wear and tear vehicle warranty, you can have items that aren’t protected on the drive train, power train or standard warranty repaired. For instance, when you have electric windows for your automobile. The regular warranties will not include the car maintenance costs to have the worn out motor changed. On the other hand, if you have the wear and tear car warranty, you can get the motor for the power window fixed at a lower price because you simply have to include the deductible.

It’s very irritating to have a flat tire at any place, not to mention on a crowded highway. If you have roadside assistance then the maintenance charge for repairing the flat tire or even swapping the tire completely will be substantially reduced than without any kind of curbside warranty protection.

A bumper-to-bumper vehicle warranty could also save you money on auto service requirements. While many individuals think that bumper-to-bumper suggests the whole vehicle is included, this is a misunderstanding. The majority of the automobile maintenance problems are going to be taken care of but problems that come from deterioration are not usually included. The drive train or power train warranty only handles a small percentage of the car parts. Including a bumper-to-bumper automobile warranty will assist to greatly reduce automobile repair charges for various other portions of the automobile.

Sustaining your vehicle by the vehicle warranty requirements is the best way to reduce substantial automobile maintenance costs. If a car is properly maintained, there is certainly much less over-all deterioration of the vehicle which in turn ends in less car repair issues. It is important to remember to check the transmission liquid, engine oil filter, engine oil levels and air pressure in the tires. Furthermore, you will have to have the oil changed often. This makes your vehicle not only run more smoothly but will lessen the over all automobile repair costs for the automobile whether it’s second-hand or brand new.

Some people argue that the expense of keeping a car is expensive. After all, you need to change the engine oil, switch the engine oil filter and stuff like that. However, running the vehicle without the maintenance can wind up messing up things for example the motor, the transmission and perhaps the clutch system. They’re extremely expensive repairs that most warranties of any type won’t include because the primary upkeep had not been performed.

Don’t get caught paying huge fees for minor car problems. An extended used car warranty is the key. View more important articles at our website, plus get a free extended used car warranty quote.

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Extended Car Warranties: What To Watch Out For

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

Extended warranties are an option to extend the service which car dealers present to buyers. However, most car buyers are not well informed and do not even know if they need one. Extended warranty policies can not only be expensive, they can be disappointing if you find out that they do not cover what you thought they did. The costs do vary depending on the policy and the length of time. And, knowing the rules is vital when filing a claim.

Should you purchase or not? The first step when purchasing a vehicle is to decide whether you need the extended warranty plan or not. Many people purchase the extended warranty without knowing enough about what they are choosing and end up losing money. This is simply because they do not understand the coverage that it offers. Another mistake that people often make is that they think the extended warranty plan must be bought from the dealer where the car was purchased. This is not the case, but, car buyers are often led to believe this because the car dealer themselves convince them this is the truth.

How will diagnostics be handled. This can be a very gray area. Suppose you are a customer that is having trouble with their speedometer and take it to the dealership to have it covered under the vehicles extended warranty which you purchased. However, the problem cannot be diagnosed without a diagnostics which costs several of hundreds of dollars. In cases like this the extended warranty many times does not include diagnostic testing which the repair can be as minor as a faulty wire that is a few dollars and the owner of the vehicle ends up paying hundreds out of pocket. This is where knowing what options on extended warranties comes in handy and making sure you choose one that covers such scenarios.

What’s the Deductible? Extended warranties, unlike car insurance, typically work the same way. Car insurance deductibles can save you a tremendous amount of money. For example you have a plan that has a $100 deductible that costs you $2000. You would expect to pay $100 as a deductible , so you would expect to pay around $1000. You may find that that is not the case at all and you need to actually pay $2100.

Confirm whether it is a captured warranty. A captured warranty is a extended warranty plan that is sponsored by a the vehicle manufacturer and offered through specific sellers at special pricing. The flip side to the captured warranty is that it only allows you to have the vehicle serviced at the specific dealer. Should you receive poor service, then you are stuck.

The first step is to look for a place where you can get a free quote on an extended car warranty. You can find some great deals on these vehicle extended warranties here.

Avoiding Scams When Getting An Extended Auto Warranty

Saturday, August 28th, 2010

Because extended auto warranties are often misunderstood, they open the doors to all kinds of unscrupulous businesses. To make sure that you do not fall victim to such scams, it helps to understand more about what extended warranties entail. In that way, you can know that the extended warranty that you purchase is a sure deal.

Familiarize Yourself with the Terms of an Extended Warranty

The first way to protect yourself against potential scams is to become more informed about extended warranties. An extended warranted is not a duplicate warranty that only comes into effect after the auto manufacturer’s warranty expires; instead, it is an extension of the original warranty. The purpose of an extended warranty is to protect you against the expense of costly repairs. Typically, the more costly repairs are needed after the manufacturer’s warranty expires. It is therefore important that the extended warranty you get is a comprehensive policy. You don’t want the surprise of submitting a claim only to have them reject it on a technicality.

Research the Different Extended Warranty Options Available

When looking into extended warranties, take the time to research the different options available. A good way is to ask friends and colleagues what companies they use. In this way, you can get objective feedback on companies that are reputable or companies that you should avoid. Another good way to research the reputability of the extended warranty company is to read online reviews. The Web is a great resource for getting objective customer feedback.

Get Online Quotes to Compare with Dealership Offers

While you are online, you can also compare the different offers made and find out who is offering the best deal. What you may find is often that online companies offer more competitive rates than dealerships. This is valuable information you can use to negotiate a better warranty if you do want to go through a dealership.

Read the Fine Print

Before signing off on any extended warranty agreements, make sure you are familiar with what is covered and what is not. Also make sure that the start date of the policy is clear so there are no gaps between when the manufacturer’s warranty expires and the extended warranty kicks in. A good policy will include roadside assistance and even minor repairs. Also make sure that the warranty company will pay directly for the repairs. Policies that ask you pay out first and then get reimbursed defeat the purpose of having the warranty in the first place. The reason you want the warranty is so that maintenance costs are covered without you having to dip into your pocket.

Make Sure you Have a Comprehensive Extended Warranty

Most extended warranties are made up of two different components. One is mechanical breakdown which is when you will find yourself stuck on the side of the road. The other is general wear and tear which inevitably happens over time. Moving parts in the vehicle need to be replaced from time to time, and this generally forms part of your regular service check. Make sure that whatever policy you choose has both of these components. Without the wear and tear coverage, you may end up not having a properly serviced car and could end up having it break down. At the same time, having a policy that provides you with roadside assistance for a mechanical breakdown is essential.

Avoid Companies that Process Claims Through Reimbursements

Many less-than-reputable companies like to make promises that they have no intention of keeping. Often, they will state that you first need to pay for the cost of repairs and then ask you to submit the claim saying that they will reimburse you. The problem with these companies is that too often they find a reason not to pay the claim and you never recoup your costs. A reputable company will pay the licensed mechanic or repair shop directly. After all, that is what you are paying a monthly premium for.

Be Careful of Email Offers

Frequently, scammers use emails to entice customers to purchase their policies. They often offer low-priced warranties and promise guarantees that they seldom fulfill. Be wary of offers that sound too good to be true; they probably are. If you purchase one of these types of extended warranties, chances are that either they’ll reject your claim or be out of business a few months down the line. Then you will be left without a warranty with expensive repairs to take care of.

Endurance Warranty.com has been helping car owners save money and gain peace of mind for almost twenty years. You won’t find a more affordable or more comprehensive group of extended auto warranty plans anywhere. Nor will you find more knowledgeable or friendly staff to help you find the warranty for you. Visit online today.

8 Major Factors In Determining If Your Car Should Have An Extended Warranty

Friday, August 27th, 2010

Many people question the real value of having an extended warranty on their car. They often underestimate the cost of vehicle repairs and think that the manufacturer’s warranty is more than adequate. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. The sad reality is that motor vehicles are incredibly complicated. With all the moving parts and environmental factors, the only guarantee is that you car will need repairs at some stage. If you unsure as to whether an extended warranty is really worth your while, here are some factors to keep in mind.

Manufacturers Know the Limitations of the Vehicle. Do You?

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that there is a reason why manufacturers and car dealers only provide a limited guarantee. Manufacturers know the effect that general use has on the vehicle and that over time wear and tear will occur, even if you are diligent about looking after your car. Most often, expensive repairs are needed after the manufacturer’s warranty expires. For this reason, an extended warranty can be very valuable.

Can You Afford the Cost of Repairs and Maintenance if You Don’t Have a warranty?

Motor vehicles need to be serviced regularly to ensure they are in good running order. Sometimes these services can be routine and relatively inexpensive. At other times, services can involve major repairs which can get pricey. If you have a savings account with money set aside for such eventualities, perhaps you will not benefit from an extended warranty. But the reality is that if you have a savings account, the chances are that you would far rather spend the money on a vacation or purchasing something special for yourself. Spending savings on repairs can be very demoralizing.

What Sort of Mileage Do You Put on Your Car?

If you only use your vehicle occasionally, the chances are that there will be less wear and tear on your car. If it is securely parked in a garage, then it is less exposed to various environmental elements. If, on the other hand, you spend a lot of time of the road and clock up a lot of mileage, chances are that your vehicle will need a service and repairs more often. In that case, it makes sense to take out an extended warranty.

How Expensive Are Services and Replacement Parts for Your Car?

Often, the replacement parts for luxury and imported cars are very expensive. If you do not have an extended warranty and the manufacturer’s warranty lapses, you may find yourself in for a nasty surprise. Repairs could run into the thousands of dollars and if you don’t have the cash readily available, you could be without a car for some time. When purchasing a car and considering an extended warranty, this is an important factor to keep in mind.

Can You Afford to Be Without Your Car?

Consider how your life would be affected if you didn’t have a car for several weeks. Most people would find traveling by public transportation frustrating, when they are used to having their own mode of transport. Think about this; if you don’t have an extended warranty and your car breaks down, can you afford to be without it while you save up for the repairs?

Do You Need Roadside Assistance?

If your car breaks down on the side of the road, are you confident enough in your ability to be able to handle the situation? Perhaps you can change a tire but what if it is something more complicated than that? Most extended warranties will offer roadside assistance which includes towing if they can’t get your vehicle going again. This can be a very valuable benefit.

How Long Do You Plan to Keep Your Car?

Some people only purchase and drive relatively new cars. Once the car is paid off or the warranty expires, they usually trade in their car for a newer model. Even if this is the case, keep in mind that an extended warranty can increase the resale value of your car. A buyer who know there is a maintenance plan will be more willing to pay your asking price.

When Is the Best Time to Purchase Your Extended Warranty?

Most people think that they only need to purchase an extended warranty when their manufacturer’s warranty expires. This is because it is often perceived that an extended warranty is an additional insurance policy. In reality, an extended warranty is as the name implies. It is an extension on your existing warranty. Because of this you will benefit from more affordable rates if you purchase your warranty earlier rather than later. Warranties that have already expired or are about to expire will be more expensive than warranties that still have a year or two on them.

Endurance Warranty.com has been helping car owners save money and gain peace of mind for almost twenty years. You won’t find a more affordable or more comprehensive group of extended car warranty plans anywhere. Nor will you find more knowledgeable or friendly staff to help you find the warranty for you. Visit online today.

Extended Vehicle Warranties: One Size Does Not Fit All

Monday, August 16th, 2010

Back in the old days when there used to be a Soviet Union, some strange things would happen from time to time with defectors who escaped to the U.S. They would actually get paralyzed in grocery stores, unable to make decisions about which of several hundred cereals they would buy. For some people who never had much choice beyond buying or not buying whatever was on the shelf that day, this much choice and that many options brought them to a halt.

If you are shopping for a new or used car, and want to add an extended warranty, you should immediately wonder about a car dealer or warranty firm that seems to have just one policy rather than a selection. It could be a matter of the dealer trying to sell a preferred (and high-profit) plan, or it really could be that the third-party firm you are dealing with is not quite as experienced or full-service as it claims. The fact is, you should be able to select from among a range of different extended warranties, from different providers. It does not matter if a car dealer does not help you with this, since nothing says you have to buy the warranty when you buy the car.

Various types

All of the reputable extended warranty firms offer a wide range of plans to cover new and used vehicles of all types (including boats). The bumper-to-bumper plans are normally quite popular, and are backed by both auto manufacturers and companies that have been in business for some years. It is not necessarily true that younger firms are questionable, but longevity in an industry that has had problems with some unreliable operators is a good sign. As always, check out every aspect of the firm (and read the whole warranty policy).

The bumper-to-bumper plans are not always quite as inclusive as the names imply, so if you really want coverage of (alphabetically) the air conditioner, brakes, cooling system, drive axle, engine, fuel system, seals/gaskets, supercharger, steering, suspension, transfer case, transmission and turbocharger, you need to make sure what you want is listed. Full-service and full-coverage plans can also include reimbursement for roadside and during-repair expenses (towing, rental car, etc.).

Soup to nuts (or not)

In addition to towing and car rental coverage, you can get plans that cover changing flat tires, giving your battery a jump, delivering emergency fuel or other fluids, attempting to open your locked vehicle and other services. Although there is not much that extended warranty firms have not heard of and covered, it is also possible to negotiate specific services, especially when you are dealing directly with a third-party warranty firm and not a dealer network or car manufacturer.

Conversely, there are also simpler plans, all the way down to what you (not they) might call bare bones coverage. The most common of these is the drive train coverage plan, which covers the engine, transmission and one or two other major, named systems. The last sentence ends on a very important term (named systems), as you need to remember that nothing will be covered that is not expressly stated in the written service contract. This should go without saying, but this is something that should not be overlooked. Again, if a salesperson told you that you are covered for unicorn damage, but it is not in the written agreement, then you really do not have unicorn coverage.

Bottom line

As with any other major purchase, you need to do some research, ask some questions, get advice from experts if you need it and take care with your decision. You have to make a rough calculation of cost benefits, and there are some handy calculators online that help you develop cost figures for car maintenance and repairs. If you want to retain your car past the manufacturer warranty period, and have good information on the repair record of the particular make and model, you should be able to arrive at a good approximation of the value of the coverage.

Finally, do not succumb to pressure tactics by salespeople. There is no law that says you have to buy the warranty when you buy the car, or says you have to buy it from a dealer or any other certain place. You are in the driver’s seat, so make sure you stay in control of the purchase of both the car and any additional warranty coverage you decide you need.

Whether you have a car, truck, SUV, or van we can find the best possible extended car warranty for your money. Do not let your limited warranty expire without shopping for continued coverage first. Visit 5starwarranty.com online today for more information.

Identifying Reputable Providers Of Vehicle Extended Warranties

Saturday, August 14th, 2010

The consumer protection movement really took off in the 1960s and 1970s, when state governments (and the federal, too) began creating agencies charged with fighting scammers and ripoff artists operating in the marketplace. The public took to this new attitude wholeheartedly, and local and network news programs began hiring consumer advocates who would take on scofflaw firms on behalf of individuals and the public at large. The result is a very high awareness in American society of the rights of consumers and the proper operation of businesses.

The Internet has not changed, but amplified the situation. Today there is such an avalanche of information that it can be difficult to know what is true and what is not. This has made the job of consumer advocates even more involved, in government and media as well as in private firms doing “consumer reports” in print and on the Web. It is particularly important for consumers to take time and exercise caution with the purchases that loom largest in our lives, namely, houses (the most expensive thing most people will ever buy) and vehicles (the second-most costly for most folks).

How to tell good from bad

There are some general rules of both business and human behavior that come into play in all kinds of interactions, particularly economic ones. The basic common sense that you would use to determine truth or falsehood also apply when you are researching the companies behind the car warranties that you are being offered as you shop for your new ride. The first thing to remember, of course, is not to hurry. You do not just go out and buy the first car you like and add the first warranty you are offered. In fact, you have to leave enough time to research the dealers, the cars and the warranties that you may decide to buy.

When looking for a good car dealer, you start, of course, with referrals, and then branch out to newspaper ads, the Web and window-shopping. As you start making a list of possible purchases, note also the names of the dealers and start checking them out with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and online complaint sites. Then you need to check out each specific car you like, with Carfax or another reporting service. Finally, after you have sat down with a salesperson, you should request copies of any extended warranties that are on offer (and if you cannot get one, take your business elsewhere).

Then do it all again

When you have a complete list (dealers, specific cars, warranty provider names) you can return to your first step, research, and plug in what you’ve learned. When it comes to the dealer and the car, you use your own good sense as well as that of a mechanic friend or hireling. When it comes down to rating the extended warranty firms, that will take a bit more digging, but it is worth it. Remember, too, that it is absolutely in the interests of reputable warranty companies for you to do this. The car warranty industry, like any other, has had its share of miscreants, and is quite serious about driving the fly-by-night firms out of town (better yet, out of business).

What do you look for? For one thing, transparency. Just as you should beware of dealers who will not show you a Carfax report or give you a copy of an extended warranty, you should avoid warranty firms that will not answer questions on the phone or send you more information. In addition, you will check the company names with the BBB, consumer reporting sites, government oversight agencies and, of course, the handy-dandy Internet. All you have to do is enter the name of the company followed by the word complaints, and you should get all kinds of information, especially on the questionable firms that get the vast majority of consumer complaints.

Bottom line

Again, it really is in the best interests of reputable extended warranty firms for you to take the time to check them out. Do not let the salesperson at any dealership, new or used, tell you that you can only buy one particular warranty package. The fact is, you can buy your extended warranty from any company that you like. This will be a result of the research you do, as well as your own good sense and the solid advice of more experienced auto and insurance people. In fact, your insurance agent can also be a good resource for you, so run the facts and figures by your agent if they have experience in the area.

Bottom line? Do not just use your head. Use the heads and experience of all kinds of folks who know more about it than you do. Although it takes a little time, you will be glad you did when you save 30-40% over the dealer’s offer with a solid, dependable third-party warranty firm.

Whether you have a car, truck, SUV, or van we can find the best possible extended car warranty for your money. Do not let your limited warranty expire without shopping for continued coverage first. Visit 5starwarranty.com online today for more information.