After Market Warranty

[flynnr]

Looking for ideas for good after market warranties...I have an 05 CTS with 51K and pondeering the thought of even buying a warranty...is it worth it??

[yomommas]

yes it's worth it. these cars have EXPENSIVE problems. sorry, but i don't know where to get a good one from. although i will be following this thread to find out.

[sterling]

Ditto on aftermarket warranty recommendations

[Grendel_Blitz]

Hey gang,
I just picked up my '04 V three weeks ago and I have spent all of this time researching the crud out of extended warranties so I guess I could give "some" insight to this thread as I wish I had it all in one place.

Here goes and please bear with the amount of info here as I intend to be thorough:::

My Caddy came out of warranty (ended in May of 2008) so I need to pick up a true aftermarket post-policy. If you are considering an extended warranty and you still have any time left on your factory warranty, I would highly recommend the GMPP as this is as close to a bumper to bumper as one would have with their true factory warranty.

All others BEWARE and ask as many questions as possible. First off, do not even consider this waranty company as they are truely theives ( Auto Repair Warranty ). The sales person Marty, is a tue "a-hole" and they are blasted all over the net for not following through with their claims services.

Now, to get back on topic, there are two companies that I have had extensive conversation with both via email and on the phone. I would recommend these but again BE SURE TO ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS as the legal language can become vague and seem like you may be getting coverage on pieces and parts that you will not.

The first being CarChex and the second being AAAuto Warranty as they both gave me very good insight and heavily explained their policy options based on what I was looking for.

It is good to understand that if you are looking for a bumper to bumper coverage (and please note that these are not a true bumper to bumper as a factory b2b warranty) or drive train coverage. I am seeking a bumper to bumper type of warranty so this informatin will mostly pertain to this.

The b2b are typically more pricey as they have more coverage options on many more vehicle areas. Most companies should offer deductible types based upon the type of policy one is seeking (with a $0 deductible the price will increase and decrease with the higher amount of out of pocket cost you will pay). Also, make sure a contract is an exclusionary bumper to bumper (that is what is going to be as close to the manufacturer b2b warranty that you can get) If it is a listed component contract (it lists out every part piece by piece), then it is not a bumper to bumper and should be carefully looked over as many key vehicle areas will be OMITTED from coverage.

############################
HERE ARE SOME VERY IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK ANY AGENT THAT YOU ARE IN COMMUNICATION WITH::::

1) Will WARRANTY COMPANY pay a claim directly or will I need to do so and then be reimbursed?

2) Are parts and labor covered in a claim?

3) What is the PER HOUR LABOR RATE that will be covered before I would come out of pocket?

4) Are all switches and gaskets covered in addition to the mentioned related parts?

5) There is a reference that is repeated throughout the contract “all internal lubricated parts”.
What does this mean exactly?

6) Are gaskets and seals covered? (sorry, this was listed twice)

7) What is the Maximum for the LIMIT of LIABLILTIY? Is it Actual Cash Value (ACV)?

8) Is there a proof of maintenance clause or similar? I ask because I purchased this car from a wholesaler and there is no maintenance record other then the CarFax record which I have.

9) Is this an exclusionary bumper to bumper type plan?

10) Which repair shops/dealerships am I able to take a vehicle to for service/repairs? Does WARRANTY COMPANY specify or am I able to choose?

11) Will I need prior authorization for any repair work or towing service, and if so, how do I obtain authorization - How long it will take to do so - and can I obtain authorization outside of normal business hours?

12) Most importantly: Can you please explain the definition of “BREAKDOWN” in this policy?

Example: If I have a rear end go bad or a transmission issue; will this general type of fix be covered?
Example 2: If a lifter fails and I begin to hear a ROD KNOCK noise, (this is not a total breakdown but the pieces are not working according to manufacturers specifications) ARE THESE PARTS COVERED?

IN ESSENCE: If a covered part begins to deteriorate without actually breaking down (i.e. begins to fail as to its normal working purpose), will these parts be covered or do they need to completely die (break) to be considered? This becomes very important because if a part needs to completely fail before being fixed, this could leave me in a compromised situation as to proximity and personal safety.

############################

Well, that is a lot of typing but I hope it may help the forum denizens.
If anyone can add to this, I would also appreciate reviewing it as I will make my warranty selection within a weeks time.

Please feel free to ask me any questions as well (not sure if I have enough posts to use the PM function yet - not sure how many I need...).

All the best!!!

~ Grendel_Blitz

\m/

[Coma]

That is some serious postage!

[Grendel_Blitz]

Originally Posted by xocomaox

That is some serious postage!

Three weeks of research so I hope it can help someone out there.
I scoured the net looking for this as well as spoke to folks with extended warranty's and got the good and the bad...

~ G_B

\m/

[Kohmonster]

Ditto on the GMPP as first choice. I've also had good luck with Warrantech (which I purchased thru my GM dealer oddly enough).

If you plan on keeping the car for the long haul, which you must or you wouldn't be looking at extended warranties, I'd recommend ponying up for the most extensive coverage.

[Jon]

Avoid aftermarket warranties at all costs. Even if they are honest and decent, ya know how many aftermarket warranty companies go belly-up?

GMPP or just save your money. I was planning to get a GMPP with 0 deductible. Then I realized I was just throwing thousands of dollars away only to HOPE my car breaks down so I can use the warranty. My factory warranty goes out this coming March and once that's gone I'm putting my money into the mods I've always wanted.

[Strko75]

What about Warranty Direct?

[z06bigbird]

As G. Blitz said, there are a ton of things to watch out for with extended warrs. I also take a copy of the proposed warranty to a local (or favorite) service mgr for his/her input.

[Grendel_Blitz]

Oh, another thing that I experienced in my dealings with a few places (including the pirates that I mentioned)...

If it sounds too good to be true then it probably is.

If they start dropping their price and placing a time limit on it to buy, they are pressuring for a sale. Most places that do this are in it for the quick cash. (granted, this type of business is built on high cash reserves that pay out much less than they take in but their are a few places out there that can be worthwhile)

I just checked out Warranty Direct and they have a nice site for their business (I am an Interactive Designer), and I sumitted an Instant Quote and for a high level of coverage, their policies are REALLY expensive.
One can probably find the same coverage for less with a reputable company.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Shop around; do lots of homework (Google a place regarding complaints, reviews and claims being paid), and be smart!

All the best to everyone out there.

~ Grendel_Blitz

\m/