So, your factory warranty is about to run out, and your check engine light loves a good story. You are looking at that long auto warranty offer, chewing on your pencil, and reading reviews that sound like they were written by robots. What’s going on? Are these plans truly going to save you, or are you just going to get a headache in a pretty package? More information.
Let’s look at what people are genuinely saying in those reviews without all the fluff. Get ready.
Some people may tell you that their plan literally saved them thousands. They contacted when their transmission broke down, the provider paid for it, and they drove away happy. But reviewers also complain of refused claims, music that plays on hold for hours, and strange loopholes that seem to appear just as your automobile starts making a noise like high-tops in a gym.
Most of the time, rave reviews talk about how fast claims are processed and how much coverage there is. One guy undoubtedly fist-pumped and said, “They paid for two expensive repairs in six months!” Before they buy, the happiest consumers usually read the fine print with a magnifying lens. On the other hand, people who rush into situations are caught off guard. That’s a story that has been told for a long time and hurts like a stubbed toe.
Now let’s discuss about what isn’t covered and what is. This is where the devil lives. When you require repairs, lower-priced warranties frequently mean you have to pay more out of pocket. That affordable plan now seems a lot more expensive. Some consumers say they were astonished when their claim was denied because the repair wasn’t covered or was “pre-existing.” If you didn’t read the terms, get ready for a nasty shock.
Not all reviews are bad. A few people do say good things about customer service. You might read that a phone rep stayed late to help someone with a broken radiator. Others, on the other hand, remember horror stories about written answers and never-ending transfers. The point? You can never be sure how good customer service will be until you call and smoke is coming out from beneath the hood.
People regularly complain about robocalls and direct mailers, but there’s no way to avoid them. One person quipped that their mailbox required its own warranty because it got so many offers. People don’t like gimmicky marketing, and there are a lot of complaints about forceful sales practices in comment areas.
Then there’s the whole “any mechanic or only approved shops” thing. Some plans let you choose any retailer that is certified. Some make you go to certain mechanics, which can be a pain if you live in a remote area. Unless you like going three towns over simply to get your alternator fixed.
Finally, people who write reviews love to argue about whether these warranties are worth the money. Some people say yes if you drive a car with a lot of miles and expensive parts. Some people sum up the monthly costs and shake their heads. “If your car sleeps soundly every night, maybe skip it,” said one reviewer. It could be time to call if it wakes up screaming.
In the end? There are reviews everywhere. Like at a buffet, try a little of everything and skip what smells bad. Also, don’t ever buy anything you don’t comprehend. Because surprises are better left for birthday parties, not auto repairs.