Longevity and dependability are essential for any car owner. No matter what kind of vehicle you have, getting timely repairs can make all the difference when it comes to how long it lasts and how much you can rely on it. Not everyone has the ability to take care of unexpected, expensive auto repairs right away, though, which is why many drivers choose to have a vehicle protection plan to help cover mechanical fixes.

When you buy a new car from a dealership, it will come with a factory warranty or manufacturer’s warranty that will protect you from design flaws or problems in production, but once this warranty is up, you are financially responsible for any repairs that have to be made. An extended warranty or vehicle service contract is a way to continue automotive coverage on your used car so you can get necessary repairs done as soon as possible.

There are a lot of different options when it comes to your extended coverage, with choices available from the dealer, brokers, administrators, and direct providers. You can evaluate these options by reviewing their claims process, contract terms, and pricing transparency. By knowing what to look for in an extended warranty or vehicle service contract, you can find the perfect one for your needs.

Types of Providers: Dealer, Broker, Administrator, and Direct

When the time comes to find an extended car warranty company, it is crucial that you know the differences between each one and what that means for you as a consumer. Brokers have a similar process in that they simply connect customers with different providers for individual services. Because of this disconnected system, you may interact with more than one company throughout the repair or claims process.

Administrators are companies that manage your extended warranty contract, and they may also work with a wide range of different service providers to help you get repairs. While some administrators are transparent, others may outsource customer service, which can be an issue. For drivers who prefer working with a single administrator, a direct provider may offer a more streamlined experience. Direct vehicle service contract providers, such as Endurance Warranty Services, do most of their own administration and service, and you will usually end up dealing with the same team when you need to get repairs done.

Claim Process Transparency: Who Authorizes and Pays?

​The claims process is one of the most important things to consider when purchasing an extended warranty plan. When you have to actually use your extended coverage options, you want to be sure that you will be able to start a repair claim and get it approved as quickly and easily as possible. The key information to find out from a provider is who authorizes the claim.

In some cases, the repair shop may have to wait for the third-party administrator to approve the claim before repairs can start. If your plan works with many third-party companies to provide coverage, this may take a long time and introduce delays. Direct providers may be able to manage claim authorization without third-party involvement, which can simplify communication.

A transparent warranty provider will have its claims process laid out in transparent, easy-to-understand terms. Knowing exactly what you will have to do in order to get your claim approved and how long it will take will help you make the right choice for your extended coverage. Ask about things like 24/7 customer support, claims tracking, and relationships with certified repair facilities. These qualities can help support a smoother repair experience.

Contract Essentials: Limits, Exclusions, and Diagnostics

​Even the best auto protection plans are only as good as the fine print and the specific terms of your contract. Coverage limits are the first things you should look for. Some contracts, for example, will only pay for repairs up to a certain amount of money. Exclusions are also important. Make sure you know exactly what your contract does and doesn’t cover so you don’t end up having to pay a surprise bill after getting a repair done. Diagnostic exclusions are also incredibly important, as some providers won’t pay to have your vehicle’s issue diagnosed. By understanding your contract and its specific language, you can better understand what may be covered under your plan.

Shop Choice, Labor-Rate Caps, and Parts Sourcing

​Flexibility is an important factor to consider when evaluating a vehicle protection plan. Some providers will limit the number of shops you can go to, which could be an issue when you have to get repairs. Limited options could lead to inflated labor costs, and if your contract has labor-rate caps, it may increase your out-of-pocket costs depending on shop rates and contract limits.

Parts sourcing is another crucial aspect to consider when purchasing an extended warranty or vehicle protection plan. Some extended auto warranty companies will only allow shops to use aftermarket or remanufactured parts in order to keep costs affordable for the consumer and the provider.

Pricing Practices and Why Quotes Differ for the Same Car

The prices of different extended warranties or vehicle service contracts can vary from provider to provider, even when looking for coverage for the same vehicle. This is due to the way quotes are calculated. Many providers will use objective qualities, such as the vehicle’s age, mileage, and condition. However, some pricing models may vary based on sales structure, so it’s helpful to understand how a quote is generated.

Finding the Best Extended Car Warranty: A Checklist

Before you decide which plan or warranty provider is best for you, it can be helpful to go through a checklist and see where it falls on the spectrum of quality. Things to look for should include:

• Waiting Period – Do you have to wait before you can use your coverage?
• Direct Provider – Does the company sell and provide its own coverage, or does it outsource?
• Clear Claims Process – Is there a set time limit for getting a claim approved?
• Comprehensive Contract – Are all the included components or exclusions laid out in clear, concise language?
• Flexible Repair Shop Choice – Do you have multiple options for getting repairs done?
• Transparent Pricing – Do you know how much you will pay for your premium and services?
• Reputation for Quality – What do customer reviews indicate about past experiences?
• Customer Service Access – Is there a portal or phone number you can use to get questions answered?

Get Coverage You Can Trust With Endurance Warranty

When the time comes to get extended coverage for your vehicle, the provider you choose can influence your overall experience. Endurance is a direct provider offering a variety of plan options for many types of vehicles and drivers. Whether you have an older high-mileage car or a top-of-the-line luxury or exotic vehicle, there is a plan for you. Endurance offers plans that may include eligibility for vehicles, such as Canadian Gray Market cars, vehicles with a salvage or rebuilt title, and cars used for commercial purposes like rideshare or delivery.

On top of expansive coverage and customizable options, Endurance also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a suite of extra benefits. These perks include things like towing services, 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and travel interruption protection. For a small activation fee, you can also get the added Endurance Elite Benefits, which include tire repair or replacement, key fob replacement, windshield coverage, and more.

If you’d like to explore coverage options, get in touch with the Endurance team at (800) 253-8203 for a FREE quote. You can also see your price and plan recommendations instantly through our online store.

For more auto-expert resources, be sure to check out the Endurance Warranty blog. There, you will find DIY tips and tricks, provider comparisons with companies like CarShield and CARCHEX, and much more.