Extended Service Contracts

[Philip Strong]

Anybody out there have any thoughts / knowledge on extended service (warranty) companies? In particular, any feedback on the Total Shield company / products?

Thanks for any info.

Phil

[Bob Pl]

I would only buy the mfg contract

OR

buy the 3rd party from the dealer that you are going to bring the car to. Many will sell both in house and 3rd party.

Bargain, there is hugh markup on these.

[Bill Martin]

And they have a terrible reputation. Many think they're all scammers.

I had one years ago who would put you on hold for 1 hr+. My mechanic finally refused to use them, and they got away without paying.

[Giovanni Jaramillo]

Anybody out there have any thoughts / knowledge on extended service (warranty) companies? In particular, any feedback on the Total Shield company / products?

Thanks for any info.

Phil

So far so good on this one: Nationwide Auto Warranty which is sold through retailers. Buy it through Warranties 4 Wheels. I paid $2,750 for 5yrs or 75k mi additional on my odometer (this includes all electronics). I've used up half and will surpass it soon when I have my transmission replaced.

But like others said, do your research as when I had my E36, I had one (Warranty Gold) and they were paying (used up half) 'til they went bankrupt and the class action suit is still being worked out.....this was 6yrs ago.

The company was recommended by my car broker who helped me with my out-of-state purchase and who has brokered some sales with other fellow auto-xers (Tom Tanquary). Broker is Paul Kramer in Costa Mesa (Orange County): Auto Kennel

[Bob Pl]

And they have a terrible reputation. Many think they're all scammers.

I had one years ago who would put you on hold for 1 hr+. My mechanic finally refused to use them, and they got away without paying.

What Bill is describing is why you only buy from the dealer YOU ARE GOING TO GET SERVICE FROM. They have already established a working relationship with the ins company.

[Craig Naylor]

Except the Dealers are part of the scam.

Pasadena VW: that will be $340(ish) please
Me: But my deductible is only $200
Pasadena VW: Yes, the work did not exceed the deductible.
Me: Help me with the math here, since when does $340(ish) not exceed $200
Pasadena VW: When we bill the Ins. company at a discounted rate of $80 per hour, but since that didn't exceed the deductible, you get to pay full shop rates of $120 per hour, and full retail price on the parts. (Actual bill for Insurance rates came to pennies less than the deductible)

No amount of reasoning with the Service manager worked. They wouldn't give me my keys till I paid the full price, something about a mechanics lien???. I actually walked of, leaving the car overnight, and came back for a second attempt the next day. Still no budge, and added that they would start adding storage fees if I left it a second night.

I paid, disputed the charge, lost in the argument with the credit card company too.

[Bob Pl]

Except the Dealers are part of the scam.

Pasadena VW: that will be $340(ish) please
Me: But my deductible is only $200
Pasadena VW: Yes, the work did not exceed the deductible.
Me: Help me with the math here, since when does $340(ish) not exceed $200
Pasadena VW: When we bill the Ins. company at a discounted rate of $80 per hour, but since that didn't exceed the deductible, you get to pay full shop rates of $120 per hour, and full retail price on the parts. (Actual bill for Insurance rates came to pennies less than the deductible)

No amount of reasoning with the Service manager worked. They wouldn't give me my keys till I paid the full price, something about a mechanics lien???. I actually walked of, leaving the car overnight, and came back for a second attempt the next day. Still no budge, and added that they would start adding storage fees if I left it a second night.

I paid, disputed the charge, lost in the argument with the credit card company too.

That certainly does reek of scam, I have had better luck with my dealers. I think I would have been tempted to let a small claims court judge decide that one. But maybe not worth the extra time/fees.