Common Areas Of Concern On Warranty Plans
November 19, 2008
These days, we can get warranty plans on our dishwashers, our iPods, our television sets and our automobiles. But how many of these extended warranty plans are really necessary? Is it all just a scheme to milk a little more out of the consumer, while industry standards allow the “build-it-to-break” model to continue? When it comes to big ticket items like your vehicle, you may want to consider the benefits of extended warranty coverage.
One common problem people run into is to fail to read and understand the agreement before they get work done. Knowing the right questions to ask your warranty company is crucial, experts say. For instance, ask if you can get the work done at any shop, or do you have to look for a certain certification, or in some cases return to the dealer? Additionally, is your car covered for “wear and tear” damage or just mechanical failure?
You should have a comprehensive list of all the parts that are/aren’t covered! Sometimes you’ll get a “bumper to bumper” warranty that covers everything except for the wear items, like brakes and tires, while other times you’ll get a “power train” warranty, which covers the engine and transmission. While it’s rare to find a company that offers coverage for everything, you should ensure that some of the most expensive repairs will be taken care of.
Another thing to watch out for with warranty plans is when they start. Some people assume if they buy extended warranty coverage that it will automatically begin when their manufacturer’s warranty expires. However, more often than not, the coverage begins the day you purchase it. If may be thinking, “Well, why can’t I just wait and buy my extended auto warranty later?” Yet auto warranty companies aren’t stupid. They jack up the prices the longer you wait and the older your car is, which gives you less coverage as the years progress. For instance, if you were to buy your coverage from Warranty Direct within the first 100 miles of driving your new car, then you’d be covered for 7 years or 100,000 miles for $1,100; whereas, if you waited until your manufacturer’s warranty expired after 3 years, then you’d only get 4 years of coverage or 100,000 miles for $1,950.
Some people need warranty plans, while others can get by simply saving money each month for anticipated repairs. Regardless, the best way to protect your investment is to get regular oil changes, air filter changes, fluid top-ups and tire rotations. Don’t let things wear down until they wreak havoc on other parts of your vehicle. Before you visit your dealership to buy a car, do a little bit of internet research and get an extended warranty quote. You’ll be happy you had that bartering chip later.
Entry Filed under: Uncategorized. Tags: automobile warranty, buy extended warranty coverage, extended auto warranty, extended warranty coverage, extended warranty plans, extended warranty quote, warranty company, warranty plans.
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