You’re stopped at a red light with several cars behind you at a major intersection. The light turns green but nothing happens when you push the gas pedal. Ignoring the honks, you get out of your car and raise the hood. With a sinking feeling, you realize that the engine is kaput, and it will cost a lot to fix it, not to mention the towing fees, car rental costs, and other hidden repair costs.
With an extended auto warranty, this all-too-common event is fixed quickly and safely. And, best of all, it won’t dent your wallet.
Protection from Costly Repairs
An extended auto warranty is like “money in the bank”. It protects you from the costly repairs that are often required as your car ages and the manufacturer's warranty expires.
Some car owners even call it car repair insurance, because you pay a single fee upfront (which often can be financed) and the warranty company pays for your repairs down the road.
Like insurance, it’s important to find the warranty that best fits your type of car, budget, as well as your threshold for repair risk. To figure out what’s the best warranty for your driving style, start by answering these questions:
- How many years do you plan to keep your car?
- Will you purchase a new or used vehicle?
- How will an unexpected $3,000 or more repair bill impact your family budget?
- Do you want a warranty that comes with 24/7 roadside assistance, towing reimbursement, rental car reimbursement and other driver benefits?
- Do you want a warranty that covers your tires and wheels, if you run over glass or metal?
Well Worth the Money
Some car owners would argue that an extended warranty isn’t needed. After all, today’s cars are remarkably reliable and their quality continues to improve. But there are a lot of sophisticated components and high-tech systems in each vehicle that can cost several hundred to several thousand dollars to fix. So, while some extended warranty plans may seem pricey, check out the rising costs of auto repairs and you’ll see extended warranties can pay for themselves, and then some, over the life of the contract.
Buy from a Trusted Company
It makes sense to shop around for an extended warranty company, too. Not every extended warranty company has the financial stability to pay your repair bills when the time comes. So make sure you find one that’s rated an A or higher by the Better Business Bureau, has been around for a few decades, and is insured by an A-rated insurer (ideally by A.M. Best). We offer EasyCare, who carries an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, has been serving customers for over 26 years, and is insured by an A-rated carrier.
Buy Sooner Rather than Later
When you buy a warranty is important too. You can purchase a warranty from us when you purchase your car, or you can buy one afterwards, but don’t wait too long. The best time to buy a warranty is well before the manufacturer's warranty expires because as cars age, so do the chances for repairs, which will increase your warranty costs. So it’s best to buy a warranty while the car is still “young”.
Finally, know that buying an extended warranty is a wise business decision. A car is one of the biggest investments you’ll make. By protecting it, you can hold on to it longer and enjoy driving it every day (especially because you’ll know that your repairs are covered). In fact, more and more car owners are buying extended warranties. According to the National Automotive Dealers Association, 34.4% of new-car buyers bought extended-warranty plans in the first half of 2009, up from 23.5% in 1999.
So, make a smart decision for you and your family by protecting your budget with quality EasyCare coverage from our dealership.
