Extended Auto Warranty FAQ
Got a question about our extended auto warranties? Check out our frequently asked questions (FAQ). You're likely to find your answer right here. It you don't happen to find what you are looking for, Ask Us A Question!
1. What is a vehicle service contract / extended warranty?
Most new vehicles come with a 3 year /36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper (comprehensive)
warranty. This is what is known as a "manufacturer's warranty". An Extended
Vehicle Service Contract / warranty, is a contract that provides coverage that goes
beyond the 3 year / 36,000 mile limit of the manufacturer's warranty. You are assured
that for a specified amount of time and/or mileage, the parts, labor and sales tax
(if applicable) required for replacement or repair of covered mechanical systems
in your vehicle will be paid.
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2. What is the "Original Manufacturer's Warranty"?
The 'Original Manufacturer's Warranty' is the initial warranty that is provided
by the manufacturer for a new vehicle. For most Manufacturers the "Original" warranty
is limited to 36 months or 36,000 miles whichever comes first. Also, most US manufacturers
also provide a warranty on all federally mandated emission's components for 5 years
or 50,000 miles and a corrosion warranty for 6 years or 100,000 miles. The purpose
of the Manufacturer's warranty is to 'guarantee' that the brand new vehicle you
just purchased has no manufacturer defects.
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3. Is this an insurance policy?
Technically, a warranty or a Vehicle Service Contract
(VSC) is not an insurance policy. While they do protect against various forms of
loss and often they are insured, they differ in their legal construction from insurance
policies. An insurance policy is a direct agreement (contract) between the insured
party (consumer) and an insurance company. Some insurance companies do offer this
type of a policy, which is called "Mechanical Breakdown Insurance". A warranty /
VSC, on the other hand, is provided by a dealer or administrator and is a contract
between the dealer / administrator and the consumer. All quality warranties / VSC's
are backed by an insurance policy which allows the consumer direct access to the
insurance company if a valid claim is not paid. The name of the insurer with their
address should appear on the warranty / VSC.
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4. Are our warranties insured?
All of our warranties are fully insured by AM Best A+
rated insurers. For more detailed information, contact us at insurance@autowarrantybroker.com.
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5. Why should I choose AWB over the others?
Auto Warranty Broker meets or exceeds all of the standards that you would expect from a quality,
financially stable Warranty Company. However, since we are brokers, you become our client, not just a "commission".
Our promise is that we will represent your interest for the life of the contract. This advocacy can be
very important when you have a problem with the administrator or the insurance company.
Additionally, our Roadside Assistance, Car Rental and Travel expense benefits are
all part of one insured contract. This is another industry exclusive.
Lastly and most importantly, it is our corporate philosophy to make our products available
at wholesale rates. We believe the Internet provides a unique opportunity for consumers
to research products and then to purchase without paying for the expense of numerous
layers of middlemen.
Also see About Us
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6. Do you cover damage due to overheating?
Yes. AWB will cover damage due to overheating
provided the vehicle does not overheat due to negligence and provided you act immediately
to prevent unnecessary damage when your vehicle overheats. Often this is a difficult
decision. When you are driving on a hot crowded highway it isn't pleasant to pull
off to the side. However, you must in order to protect your vehicle from further
damage. This is why we provide you with Roadside Assistance. One call and help will
be there for a tow or fluid replacement.
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7. What is In-Service date?
The in-service date is the day that your vehicle was first
driven by the first (original) owner when it was brand new.
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8. What Benefits do you offer?
Plus, all of our automobile plans include roadside assistance
for the life of your warranty contract. This includes car rental reimbursement and
travel interruption protection all as part of one insured contract.
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9. Where can I take my vehicle for repairs?
Repairs can be made at the licensed repair
facility (including the dealership) of your choice anywhere in the United States or Canada.
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10. What is the procedure if I have a claim on my vehicle?
Simply take your vehicle
or have it towed to the nearest licensed repair facility. After they diagnose the
problem with the vehicle, they will call our claims administrator toll-free and
receive repair authorization for all your covered repairs. All claims are paid by
Corporate Credit Card.
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11. How can I be assured that my claims will be paid in the future?
It is important
to make sure that your warranty is insured. All of our products are fully insured
by A rated (Excellent) insurance companies. To assure that you claims are handled promptly
and professionally all of our payments go directly to the repair facility via corporate
credit card.
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12. How does the deductible work?
With Auto Warranty Broker, each repair visit (no matter
how many items need to be fixed) will only require payment of one deductible.
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13. Does AWB cover parts and labor?
AWB plans cover 100 % of all covered components,
parts and labor charges less the deductible.
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14. How do I enroll my vehicle in the AWB warranty plan?
You can purchase online on
our secure site or you can call us at 1-800-372-0665 if
you have any further questions before you enroll. Schedule
a telephone call back from one of our representatives or
simply ask us a question by submitting an online Ask
a Question form.
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15. I want to enroll my vehicle online. How can I be assured that it is completely safe
to use my credit card?
We have taken every measure to make your online purchase
safe and secure. The pages on our website that require you
to enter credit card information are hosted on a secure
website. All of your credit card information
is encrypted before it is sent over the Internet using Secure
Sockets Layer (SSL) Technology.
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16. I have not had any problems with my vehicle so far. Do I really need an Extended
Warranty?
Every vehicle on the road is open to the possibility of a mechanical failure.
The older the vehicle gets and the more miles that are put on it, the more likely
a breakdown is. It makes sense that the manufacturers warranty is only there to protect
you for a limited amount of time. Components such as computer-related items could
fail regardless of your driving habits. With the complexity of vehicles today one major repair often costs more than an extended warranty itself. An extended service
plan will be there for you when you need it the most once the manufacturer is no
longer there to protect you from high repair costs.
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17. Why buy it now?
I'm still covered by the manufacturer?
The earlier you purchase
your warranty, the less expensive it is. This is just like life insurance. The older
a person is the, more expensive the insurance. As your vehicle ages and accrues mileage,
the price for protection rises. Prices may also increase due to increasing labor
and parts prices. It simply makes sense to lock in today's low prices and protect
yourself from tomorrow's rising repair rates.
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18. If my vehicle is out of the manufacturer's warranty, can I still get coverage?
Even
after the manufacturers warranty expires on your vehicle, you are still eligible
for our extended coverage.
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19. Can I buy this same type of coverage through my dealer?
Of course you can purchase
similar coverage through your dealer. The idea behind an Internet purchase is to
skip the store and buy directly from the source. Also, only through the Internet
can you thoroughly research without having to filter through sales pitches and buying
pressure.
By going through your dealer, you can
count on paying as much as 60% more for similar coverage
and be required to
have the repairs done at the dealer facility. With AWB, you have the freedom to go for repair service wherever you like
throughout the United States and Canada. A dealer wants the business of your repairs
and often includes a clause in your contract that "only work done at you dealer" is
covered. Many dealer plans also have "wear-and-tear" and overheating exclusions
and do not provide the extensive benefits that AWB does. Most dealer coverage begins
at the in-service date. We do NOT. We offer you longer and more comprehensive coverage
for substantially less money.
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20. Do I have to go back to my original dealer for repairs?
At AWB the choice is yours.
If you prefer your dealer, then we encourage you to go to them. You can take your
vehicle to any licensed repair facility of your choice. This is a real bonus especially
if you are in need of a repair when away from home.
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21. What happens if my dealer does not want to accept the AWB plan?
We pay repair facilities
immediately and utilize industry standard manuals to determine pricing. When repair
facilities discover they do not have to bill us, they are generally eager to accept
the business we refer to them. In the rare event a repair facility will not accept
our direct credit card payment, we will reimburse you promptly for the authorized
amount.
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22. I've seen lower prices on the Internet. Why should I buy an AWB Warranty plan?
The lowest price often does not provide the best value; a closer look will reveal a
different picture. AWB offers the best value in extended warranties. We are aware
of no other company that offers you coverage as comprehensive as ours, with fewer
exclusions, contractual benefits and the financial stability of our administrator
company.
When comparing companies, make sure you are getting the same benefits and
coverage. Make sure you are able to look at the contract before you purchase. Be
certain that less money does not equate less coverage.
Our customers tell us they
are looking for comprehensive coverage and benefits, and a documented financially
stable company. No other company can match our reputation, comprehensive coverage,
outstanding benefits and longevity. We continue to lead the industry. Our sign-and-drive
roadside assistance, car rental reimbursement, towing and trip interruption benefits are all part of
one insured contract. You might find a lower price but you won't find a better value.
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23. What if my vehicle breaks down and I am not near my home?
Our program allows you
to take your vehicle to any licensed repair facility throughout the United States
and Canada. Wherever you may be, our claims department can be reached through our
toll-free telephone number for you or the repair facility.
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24. Where is my Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?
Your VIN can be located in several places.
1. Your VIN is printed on your vehicle Registration card.
2. Your VIN is printed on you vehicle Insurance card.
3. Your VIN number is stamped on a tag on the dashboard near the windshield.
4. Your VIN is printed on a sticker that is attached to the driver-side door edge just below the latch.
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25. What if I want to cancel my warranty?
Our contract contains full details on our
refund provisions. You have a full 60 days after purchase to obtain a full refund.
After that, you are entitled to a pro-rated refund of the unused portion of your
contract. Unlike some companies, we do not pro-rate your refund from the in-service
date of your vehicle. This is important because if you keep the warranty for 6 months
and you prorate from in-service date, you will probably get charged for 36 months
of use. With AWB we will charge only for the 6 months.
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26. What if I trade my vehicle?
When you are enrolled in our program, you have coverage
throughout the ownership of your vehicle. If you decide to trade in you vehicle,
simply call us and we will calculate a pro-rated refund. The refund is based on mileage
and the amount of time the policy is in force, minus a nominal cancellation fee. Your
refund can be used as a deposit for coverage on your new vehicle. This ensures you
will always be protected.
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27. What if I sell my car?
Is my warranty Transferable?
Absolutely. For a modest transfer
fee you can transfer the warranty to another private purchaser of your vehicle.
Vehicles with extended warranties typically offer much higher resale values because
the buyer knows they are not going to get hit with huge repair costs.
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Yes, you may renew your warranty at the prevailing renewal rates.
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29. Do you have a payment plan?
AWB offers a 0% interest, no fee payment plan.
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30. Do you offer coverage on salvage or junk titles, rebuilt
vehicles or vehicles damaged by a flood?
Our program is not available on vehicles with salvage or junk title,
flood title, rebuilt or reconstructed title, or on vehicles where the odometer has
been tampered with, or on vehicles that have been declared "a lemon".
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