Consumer Auto FAQs
Vehicle service contracts, also called vehicle protection plans, offer you protection against the high cost of repairs in the case of a mechanical breakdown. These plans complement a manufacturer’s warranty program.
Do you plan on keeping your vehicle past the expiration of your manufacturer’s warranty? If so, you may want to consider a vehicle protection plan. Unexpected repair costs may occur, along with the possibility you may lose the use of your vehicle for some time. A vehicle protection plan offered by your dealer gives you peace of mind and protection in the event of an unexpected mechanical failure.
Your coverage depends on the plan you buy. In general, most of the mechanical, electrical and electronic components of your vehicle are eligible for coverage. Depending on the plan, your coverage may include the following: parts and labor for the engine, transmission, drive axle, steering, electrical system, suspension, brakes, fuel pump, air conditioning, interior and exterior parts of the vehicle.
Depending on the coverage you choose, additional benefits may include:
- Towing to the nearest qualified repair facility
- Jump starts to charge a weak or dead battery
- Flat tire changes
- Tire repair or replacement when your vehicle tire(s) incurs damage from a road hazard
- Trip interruption reimbursement for motel or meal expenses
- Vehicle fluid delivery to provide gas or fluids
- Lock-out assistance to unlock a vehicle
- Rental reimbursement
- Transfer benefit if you sell your vehicle while the service contract is still in force
- Concierge Services could include:
- Hotel or motel reservations for a stranded customer requiring overnight accommodations
- Rental transportation
- Personal assistance including emergency phone call support to relatives and police
Your cost will vary based on many factors, including the type of vehicle you are purchasing and the plan you select. Your dealership will review all of the options with you
Yes, protection is available for a new, used or lease vehicle. Once you decide the specific vehicle that you will purchase, your dealer will show you a plan that is right for you
Your dealership does not actively promote vehicle service contract companies on the Internet. Just as with any purchase decision, you should ascertain that you are dealing with a reputable company that will stand behind the products it sells. Your dealership is knowledgeable in vehicle protection plans and can explain to you all the important points that ensure you are buying a quality product from a reputable company.
Yes, your plan is transferable. Your dealer will provide information about how a transfer in a private party sale works. Click here to learn more.
Absolutely! For your convenience, your vehicle protection plan may be financed along with the purchase of your vehicle. Ask your dealer’s finance manager for more information
A standard manufacturer’s warranty is for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you plan to own your vehicle for longer, or plan to finance your vehicle for more than 36 months, then a vehicle protection plan will help offset the high cost of certain mechanical breakdowns. Components used in today’s vehicles are extremely complex and expensive to repair. Some repair facilities charge over $100 per hour for service repairs. That can add up. Purchasing a protection plan from your dealer provides you security against the high cost of certain mechanical repairs.
Once you choose the repair facility (dealer, national chain, local facility), they work directly with our claims processing team to ensure your claim is paid quickly and efficiently. Simply allow the repair facility to contact our claims department and we will take care of the bill. You pay your deductible (if any). There is no paperwork, no need to lay out any cash and no limit to the number of claims you can have.