The car warranty industry is filled with options. There are numerous auto protection plans that provide varying degrees of coverage for vehicles, but which one is right for your car? How can you tell a good auto protection plan from a bad one? How do you compare costs, coverage options, perks, contracts, and everything else available to you from each plan?
It’s good that you’re doing research on car protection plans, because they really are an essential way to protect your vehicle (and more importantly, your wallet). If you are wondering what makes a good car protection plan, these are the essential things you should be looking for in terms of coverage and perks.
Comprehensive Coverage of Auto Systems
The coverage you get is an obvious place to begin. What good is an auto protection plan if it doesn’t provide comprehensive coverage of your vehicle? The trouble is some plans really don’t provide comprehensive coverage.
Before you choose an auto protection plan, make sure you understand what it protects. Good auto protection plans will provide coverage for all the major systems in your vehicle, including:
- Engine components
- Transmission components
- Transfer case components
- Drive axle components
- AC/heating components
- Suspension components
- Steering components
- Cooling components
- Fuel components
- Brake components
- Electrical components
Coverage for Your Vehicles Brand
Some auto protection plans only cover certain vehicle manufactures. When shopping for a plan, make sure the vehicles you want to cover are included in the plan. The best companies will provide comprehensive coverage for all major vehicle manufacturers.
No Long-Term Contracts
Why lock yourself in an extended contract if you don’t have to? Will you have your current car a year, two years, or five years from now? This is how long many auto coverage companies force you into contracts in order to cover your vehicle. One of the best features a company can offer is a no-obligation, pay as you go plan that you can cancel at any time. This gives you the flexibility in coverage you need for your car without committing a set amount of money for a year or more. Keep in mind that committing to an annual plan can save you money in the long run, but never feel like you have to commit to an extended contract just because a company says you have to!
An Easy Claims Process
Using your auto protection plan may be inevitable, so it might as well be a simple process. Getting the help you need repairing your car shouldn’t have to be a headache, but it can be if you don’t have the right coverage.
When shopping for a protection plan, ask about the claims process. How does it work? What repair shops do they partner with? Where are those shops located? A good auto protection plan should have a claims process that:
- Gives you 24/7 roadside assistance and towing
- Provide continuation of journey (giving you a rideshare to help you get to your destination safely)
- Provide rental car benefits
- Keep you up to date with the claims and repairs on your car all the way through the process
- Let you choose the mechanic or dealer to repair your car
Look for an auto protection company who partners with any ASE certified mechanic or dealer and pays them directly, so you don’t have to pay out of your pocket for the repair!
