Shopping online for extended warranty coverage isn’t as easy as shopping for, say, an MP3 player or even the car itself. Generally, when we’re looking for consumer goods on the web, we consult a trusted nonprofit publication like Consumer Reports; however, when it comes to extended warranty coverage for autos, Consumer Reports issued a report that they’re ALL a lousy deal! It’s easy for them to say, but some people aren’t that great at saving huge chunks of money or who worry incessantly “What will I do if I have a breakdown?” For these folks, finding a warranty company is critical for peace of mind. Even without Consumer Reports, there are many sites offering a free online warranty quote, in exchange for a little information, of course.
When you’re dealing with a warranty company online, there are a few things to look for. Be sure they’re BBB approved and that you can find their address or executive names somewhere on the site. Check to see if the warranty company is backed by an insurer or financial backer, which will guarantee that you’ll be covered even if the company suddenly goes belly up. You can then cross-check the financial backer with the AM Best website to see how reliable they are. Your State Insurance Commission can also tell you if any complaints have been filed with the company. Your warranty quote should deliver a clear, comprehensive detailing of what you will get for your money. If they can’t provide you with the level of detail you need or if they seem vague, then look elsewhere.
If you’re planning to keep your car for a long time, then getting a warranty quote or two is probably a good idea. Keep in mind that your car will be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty automatically for the first few years. Some manufacturers are extending their traditional 3 year/36,000 miles warranties to 5 year/100,000 miles extended warranty coverage. Often, when a manufacturer’s warranty is about to expire, owners will consider trading the car in for a new one. However, this plan isn’t feasible for everyone. Some people prefer to hang onto their Cars until they can’t drive them anymore, sometimes for a duration of at least 10 years.
Are you afraid of searching for a warranty quote because you don’t want to provide personal information or receive spam email? You can check MyCarIsCovered.com for a quick, free quote that only asks for vehicle make/model/mileage/state. Generally, it’s difficult to find free quotes without providing some sort of personal information because the businesses are, first and foremost, sales-oriented. This is how many businesses get juicy leads for solicitation purposes. However, on the bright side, if you’re willing to invest a little extra time, then you can research company websites that have ballpark prices and coverage details to comparison shop. Then you can follow up with the ones that seem legit. A little bit of reading can go a long way towards saving you thousands of dollars!