Automotive Warranty News, BLOG

One Way To Avoid Car Warranty Scams Online

2009-06-08T09:46:00.003-04:00

Thinking about an extended car warranty but heard things that concern you? Consumer trust is essential in the rapidly expanding online marketplace. Unfortunately, there are con artists who try to pass themselves off as legitimate, reputable online businesses in every industry. Their scams not only harm individuals financially; but also destroy consumer confidence in Internet commerce.

Here is one quick way to check out an online extended warranty merchant who you’re not familiar with: Ask the company for its physical location (address and phone number) so that you can check on its reliability with outside organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other consumer agencies. If a company refuses to supply you with this information, simply return the favor and refuse to do business with them.

Car Warranty Robo-Calls Fed to Take Action

2009-05-11T09:16:00.002-04:00

Unfortunately, 140,000 complaints to the Better Business Bureau from angry consumers about those incredibly annoying car warranty phone calls didn’t create enough of a buzz... to stop those warranty scammers who call consumers repeatedly at all hours of the day and night.

However, according to the APS, those exasperating vehicle warranty rip-off artists have finally called the wrong guy. Sen. Charles Schumer, of New York, announced at a news conference this week (May, 2009) that he wants “a more concerted effort at the federal level to stop and punish auto warranty companies who engage in this practice”. This will include the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) wielding more power through the Do Not Call Registry. We Agree, Good Luck Senator Schumer! NOTE: Auto Service Warranty, Inc. is NOT a Telemarketing Company! Even we are getting these types of calls. :-(

Auto Dealer Financing Fact or Fiction

2009-04-19T09:01:00.003-04:00

FICTION: In order to qualify for auto dealership financing, you must purchase an extended warranty at the time of purchase. Salesmen often hint that spending more money on an extended warranty or other add-ons will help you qualify or save on financing at the car dealer.

FACT: Don’t fall for this sales ploy. Purchasing add-ons or an extended auto warranty will never increase your chances of being approved for dealer financing. Qualifying for financing depends on three numbers and only three numbers: the purchase price of the vehicle, your down-payment or trade-in and your credit score. Take your time and look for the best warranty coverage, from a reliable company and at a fair price.

Diesel Cars - Time To Buy A Diesel Car?

2009-03-09T09:26:00.004-04:00

Diesel cars... has their time come? The gasoline prices of last summer are still fresh in the mind of many consumers around the nation and many potential buyers are finding themselves wondering what the green fuel-efficient alternatives are out there.

Is It Time To Buy A Diesel Car? Gas-electric hybrids have received a large amount of attention recently; but a diesel powered car may be a good alternative for now. Maybe a VW, BMW, Renault or even a Turbo Mercedes Diesel?

Diesel autos have gained a lot of popularity around the world. They account for approximately 50% of new cars in Europe. However, U.S. car shoppers have been slow to gain interest. Even though fuel mileage levels can be around 40% higher with diesels than gas powered cars, diesels only account for 2% of the new cars in the U.S.

You need to know that there is a whole new generation of diesel powered vehicles on the market that are quiet, clean, and much more performance than in the past. For example, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 sedan will prove that this recent diesel technology can be luxurious in addition to giving you 37-mpg.

So rest assured, that the new diesel cars have come a long way and are becoming a real option for more and more drivers. Especially now with more and more models for consumers to choose from. Of course, once you purchase one, think about protecting your investment with an extended warranty in order to avoid budget busting repair costs.

The Best Time to Buy a Car

2009-02-09T09:02:00.001-05:00

Car Buying? Knowing the best time to buy a car can give you a huge advantage. The sales staff at most car dealerships operate on a quota system, where they receive a bonus each time they hit their next sales goal for that month. So, if a car dealer is coming up on the end of the month and he's a few cars short of that next target, he or she has an incentive to get the sales manager to knock down the price of a car in order to hit that car buying quota.

Car Buying Tips: There's another reason to look for a deal near the end of the month. Car dealerships themselves also have monthly quotas to hit. If they meet or exceed their sales goals, the manufacturer may allocate more vehicles to that dealership. That gives that car dealership a larger inventory and more vehicle choices for their buying customers. If they don't meet their goals, the manufacturer may cut back on that dealership's incoming inventory of vehicles until the excess inventory is sold.

Car Buying Help: Car sales managers are more prone to shave a little off the car's price if the end of the month is looming and their sales goals have not been met. This is good information to know when buying a used car or buying a new car or truck.

So when is the Best Time To Buy A Car? Happy Hunting!

How To Buy a Car Battery

2009-01-12T09:04:00.001-05:00

Picture this, you’re a bit late for an appointment; you jump into your vehicle, turn the key and nothing happens. To make matters even worse, you’re sitting in the parking lot with a car load of groceries. You turn the key again, nothing. Who hasn’t experienced a DEAD BATTERY at the most inconvenient moment? Here is a tip that should help prevent this from happening.

The average life span of a battery is 3 to 5 years. When it’s dead, it’s obvious. Wouldn’t it be great to have a little “heads up” before it dies? Each time you have your oil changed, ask for a “load test” on the battery. That simple analysis will indicate how well your battery is holding a charge.

Buying FRESH Car Batteries

Think of choosing a replacement battery like shopping for a quart of milk, you want a fresh one. We recommend not buying a car battery more than 6 to 10 months old. How you can tell? All batteries have a date code that the manufacture must stamp on the lid or case telling when it was made. Here’s the secret of deciphering their code. The first 2 characters are the most important. Jan is “A” Feb is “B” and so on. The numbers stand for the year. For example a “6” would indicate a battery built in 2006. D8 would signify a battery made in April 2008. More on where to buy a car battery.

How To Evaluate an Auto Repair Facility

2008-12-08T09:11:00.003-05:00

Here are two bits of advice... from a retired mechanic to help you find a good car repair shop. The first thing to look for is Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification from places like AC Delco, Ford Motor Company or Bendix. While ASE certification does not indicate that they're really good... it does indicate that the technicians go on their own time, or the business has given them the incentive to study, to take the course and go and show their skills are worthy of certification.

You should also take a look around to see that a car repair shop has all the right equipment in place (like a proper tire mounting machine with rubber mounts that don't scratch your wheels or an alignment rack with laser measurements) to do the job well. Updated, proper diagnostic equipment is also important. A shop that has invested in the proper equipment to service today's automobiles is usually a shop that you can trust, because they are not going to buy that expensive equipment and then have people who are not qualified to use it.

Who will pay next time you have a major auto repair? Protect your investment with an extended warranty. Get a Free Rate Quote!

Buying an Extended Warranty from Dealership?

2008-11-10T09:24:00.000-05:00

BUT will the car dealership be there when you need them? In 2009... for the first time in American history, consumers have to be concerned about the survival of their car dealer. Most professional analysts project that at least several THOUSAND dealers will be out of business in the coming year... and no one is sure which ones... will survive these economic times.

Many individuals choose to purchase an extended warranty from the dealership... just for the convenience of returning to that dealership for repairs. Have you considered what would happen if you find the doors closed when you return? Bankruptcy is all to common these days. Will the car dealer where you bought your warranty be one of the thousands closing?

Even if you purchased your extended warranty from the dealership, the warranty itself may be from a third party. Feeling safer? Not yet, that third party may be an outstanding, reliable company. However, there is a great probability that the dealer has a considerable period of time BEFORE he has to pass your dollars along to the actual warranty company. In these tough economic times, would you be shocked to find that the dealership used that time and your cash to help solve their own cash-flow problems? Stranger things have happened. Imagine... forty warranties... at an average cost of $2,500 each... in just one month that adds up to $100,000 in Cash. A tempting number to hang onto if it means keeping the doors open.

Be sure your extended warranty provides you with peace of mind you expect from it. For additional security Auto Service Warranty Inc. allows car repairs to be done at ANY dealership or certified repair facility.

Trouble ahead for US Car Manufacturers

2008-10-13T09:17:00.002-04:00

Low sales... combined with this Summer's HIGH cost of gas going OVER $4.00 a gallon in many places... and an economy already sputtering... spells trouble for the US car manufacturers. Banks and lenders by getting ever tighter and tighter with their credit approvals have compounded things even further.

Good car buying opportunities should be right around the corner though. So those with the means and a credit score to match will be able to take advantage of some Great Deals waiting for them. However we expect more and more drivers will be keeping their cars longer in the coming years while this economic storm blows over... making an extended warranty very comforting to have.

How Extended Auto Warranty Eligibility Is Determined

2008-09-08T09:08:00.003-04:00

The 10 – 120k Rule: So... you’ve been shopping around for an extended warranty for your car or truck and you are more confused than ever. One company has offered you a fair price and a 36,000 add-on mile plan. Another company offered you a better price, but only 24,000 miles – but they include towing and trip interruption insurance. The last company offered five years and 100,000 miles at an even lower rate. It’s tempting to go for the longest time and most miles, but it may not be the smart decision and here is why.

There is a rule of thumb in the extended warranty business. The actuaries, they are the “bean counters” who study the repair history of all makes and models and then set the rates. These experts want the full-service plans to end either on the 10th birthday of the vehicle or somewhere around 120,000 miles. Every reputable company in the country follows this rule. Any company that breaks this basic rule is courting disaster and may not be around when you need them.

There is nothing wrong with searching for the lowest priced auto warranty quotes online and you definitely need to compare coverage; but beware when it sounds just a little too good to be true. It probably is...

Where can I take my vehicle for repairs?

2008-08-11T09:49:00.002-04:00

Consumers buy extended auto warranties for their cars and trucks for peace of mind. True peace of mind should include business or leisure travel away from home. That’s why the best warranty companies, like Auto Service Warranty, Inc., allow you to choose your repair facility. You can go to any dealership, national chain (like Sears, PepBoys, etc.) or a favorite local mechanic anywhere in the United States or Canada. Since we also include free roadside assistance and towing up to 150 miles in the U.S. or Canada, you're totally covered no matter where you might find yourself in trouble.

We also 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.

Repair facilities are happy to do business with you and us since we pay your claims quickly and efficiently over the phone with our corporate credit card. You simply give your extended warranty information to the service professional and they will contact our claims department directly. Call Auto Service Warranty and speak with an extended warranty specialist who will be happy to answer all your questions and give you a quick quote.

Snowball Effect of the Financial Meltdown

2008-07-14T09:03:00.004-04:00

Some of the worst months in the automobile industry since World War II. Two factors have dramatically impacted your buying power. First... regardless of the huge federal bailout, banks are hoarding their cash and financing is tougher than ever. It is not uncommon for many dealerships to ask for thousands of dollars down - on top of the customer's trade.

Second... car dealerships are saddled with large inventories due to the economic slowdown; so they are being especially stingy with trade-in dollars. This situation leaves many owners with only one option... keep that car or truck as long as possible.

The downside of an older vehicle is... of course... the cost of repairs. That's where an extended warranty becomes a life saver. For approximately $350 per year (the cost of an average warranty) you can keep "Betsy" running for three or four more years and sleep like a baby knowing that you are covered. Lastly... Auto Service Warranty provides in-house financing as a courtesy and everybody qualifies. Zero % interest... zero fees. How's that for service?

Avoiding the "Auto Warranty" Scam

2008-06-09T09:54:00.002-04:00

Dealerships often save this intimidating trick for customers with less than perfect credit. Please remember that even clients with the worst credit have rights. If you run into a finance manager who starts playing games with the APR... telling you that you must buy the extended warranty... or claiming that the APR goes up if you don't buy the warranty... run for the hills or ask them to put in writing. Tell them the contract must state that the warranty “is required to be approved for your loan"... so you can show it to your State Attorney and the Better Business Bureau. Watch how quickly they back off.

One of the best ways to avoid this situation altogether is not to finance at the dealership... especially if you have bad credit. Look for the best deal online or at a credit union and then search for an extended auto warranty separately online.

Many... like Auto Service Warranty... have 0% interest and zero-fee financing plans to match their already lower prices. Lastly... only the uniformed roll the financing of a warranty into a car loan. Over the life of the loan... you often end up paying two... if not three times the original cost.

The "Forced Auto Warranty" Scam

2008-05-12T09:13:00.001-04:00

This is an old trick... but unfortunately still common. You're ready to sign papers when the finance manager says you must buy a $2,500 extended warranty from the dealership “…because the bank requires it... or you won't get the loan". BEWARE! In truth... your FICO score... and only your FICO score... determines the financing deal you are offered.

In a case like that... there is only one reason the dealership wants to sell you an extended warranty... and that is to move more money from your pocket to theirs. Buy the right extended warranty... for the right reasons.

Buying a Warranty for Used Cars - Part #2

2008-04-14T10:05:00.002-04:00

Buying a Warranty for Used Cars... continued: Next, don't let anyone pressure you into signing on for an extended warranty before you're ready and you're sure you need one. An extended auto warranty is a contract which covers the cost of certain repairs and problems after the vehicle's factory warranty expires.

Before you consider any warranty, take a close look at your car's original warranty.

How much coverage is left? One year? Two years?
A thousand miles? Ten thousand miles?

For example, new cars from Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Volvo, Saab, Mercedes, Lincoln, Lexus and Jaguar are sold with four-year or 50,000-mile warranties. Cars from Infiniti have four-year or 60,000-mile warranties. However many, but not all ,factory warranties get transferred to used-car buyers at the time of purchase. So be sure to check.

Once you determine just how much warranty is left on your used vehicle, you'll need to think about how long you plan on keeping the car. Read our blog on Monday, February 12, 2007... Who should not buy an extended warranty?

Buying a Warranty for Used Cars - Part #1

2008-03-10T09:14:00.002-04:00

Just snapped up a great used car and thinking about purchasing an extended warranty?

Proceed with caution. Extended warranties are enormous moneymakers for dealerships. That's why they are so likely to use their best "strong-arm" tactics to pressure you buy one. One wrong move could cost you hundreds, even thousands of dollars.

Also, be aware that some dealers may try to sell you a dealer warranty instead of a manufacturer's warranty. Often with a dealer warranty, all the repairs and services on the car have to be done at a single dealership, theirs. So, if you have car problems while traveling out of town, you may be out of luck. Therefore many feel it's best to steer clear of dealer warranties.

Stay tuned for Part #2 of "Buying a Warranty for Used Cars"

Know Your Rights as a Potential Extended Warranty Customer. Shop Smart!

2008-02-12T09:20:00.004-05:00

The best extended auto warranty company is one with satisfied customers. Clients are perfectly willing to pay for value. However, beware of their wrath when they sense unfair play.

Potential extended warranty customers have the right to know all of the details and parameters of a contract prior to purchasing.

Rule number one: No surprises!
The Customer Service Representative should not spend all their time telling the customer what they want to hear. Clearly explaining the rules regarding wait periods, maximum payouts and behaviors that might void their contract is also imperative.
A sample copy of the contract should be available to potential customers as well as a patient representative to explain and answer any questions.

The easiest way that I know of to predict a company’s future behavior is to take a good look at their past. Many extended auto warranty companies list links to sites that monitor their on-line performance, like “Web Assured” or “Safe Shopping Network”. Take the time to view these sites, and Compare!

How-To Find Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?

2008-01-14T09:20:00.004-05:00

The Vehicle Identification Number or VIN number is the unique 17-digit identifier often needed for used car buying. It can be located on most vehicles in several areas.

The most common places to find your VIN number:

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

Sounds simple, but when you don't know where it is,
it can be very frustrating. :-)

What Does Extended Warranty Wear and Tear Coverage Really Mean?

2007-12-10T09:16:00.002-05:00

Most used car warranty policies are not maintenance contracts and that is okay. That just means that you are responsible for routine maintenance items like oil changes ¤ brake pads ¤ windshield wipers etc.

Many buyers and just as many warranty salespeople... confuse this coverage with "wear and tear" coverage. There is a clear distinction and understanding the difference can be valuable to you.

"Wear and tear" is the expected reduction in performance of a part due to the cars age ¤ mileage and/or use. This coverage should be clearly defined in any warranty contract and it should read something like this: "It is the company's responsibility to repair or replace any part that no longer meets the manufacturer's specs whether it is broken or not." Look for this simple statement and be assured that you will never face the rejection of a claim on the grounds that the failure can be attributed to "wear and tear".
See Auto Service Warranty coverage « here.

Does Your Extended Warranty Cover Overheating Damage?

2007-11-12T09:15:00.003-05:00

While many extended warranty companies shy away from damage caused by overheating, Auto Service Warranty 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 Service Warranty's FREE Roadside Assistance makes sure you get taken care of... Fast!

What is the No In-Service Date Program?

2007-10-10T09:10:00.004-04:00

...and why should I care? One major warranty company (that shall remain nameless here) offers a no in-service date program. What's the DIFFERENCE?

Auto Service Warranty (ASW) offers vehicle warranties that BEGIN on the day you buy the warranty and not the in-service date of the car. Quite simply... ASW offers you MORE time than the others.

When 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 being offered by other national companies... that start your coverage from the day the vehicle was purchased brand new, the (in-service date).

Compare your extended auto warranty coverage.

No Extended Warranty for Your Car?

2007-08-13T12:34:00.000-04:00

People regularly ask me why some extended warranty companies refuse to offer them a contract on their high performance car. For example it's pretty difficult to find any warranty company foolish enough to offer coverage on certain vehicles built by Land Rover (possible quality issues, frequent and expensive repairs), Jaguar (expensive repairs), Mercedes AMG ($20,000 for an engine) and many turbo engine models like Porsche etc.

If a warranty company turns you down they should be honest about why. Be more concerned with the company that is crazy enough to cover these cars. First of all you can bet they won't cover wear and tear failures and the foremost thing on their minds will be trying to somehow get out paying your repairs.

My best advice for you if you have a high end car which no warranty company will touch, is to create your own claims reserve account and don't be stingy. Then you can be your own extended warranty.

Where is Your Auto Service Contract Honored?

2007-07-09T12:33:00.001-04:00

Will you be traveling or perhaps moving to another state? Is the contract honored across the United States and Canada? What are the restrictions or limitations on emergency repairs when you are traveling?

Asking these questions up front can save many headaches when you are on the road. Auto Service Warranty allows you to take your vehicle anywhere in the U.S. and Canada for repairs. There are also no restrictions on emergency repairs and roadside assistance whenever you travel in the U.S. and Canada.

Is Your Extended Waranty Transferable?

2007-06-11T12:25:00.000-04:00

Another much overlooked but important perk is the transferability of the contract. Also you will always want to be sure that you can transfer your extended warranty contract to a new owner if you decide to sell the vehicle before the warranty expires.

Not only will prospective buyers feel safer purchasing from you, but they will probably be willing to pay more for the peace of mind a warranty offers. Don't forget to ask about this standard perk. You'll save yourself aggravation and maybe even make a few more dollars when you decide to sell.

Rental Car Reimbursement

2007-05-14T12:22:00.001-04:00

Envision this: You take your vehicle into the shop and the mechanic announces that it will take 2 to 3 days to repair. You have work to do... places to go and people to see! You can't be without your car.

Some auto warranties offer a free rental reimbursement service that will pay for a rental car for 4 days if your own vehicle is ever in the shop for more than a day. Don't overlook this perk while shopping for just the right extended warranty.

If your vehicle has a "salvaged title" by all means let the warranty company know. Otherwise you may make a costly investment only to find out that a salvaged title voids your warranty.

REMEMBER to: Always check a used car's VIN# prior to buying and get the accurate status of the vehicle.