They say, “You will get what you paid for.” What about extended warranties for cars? Do you want to spend your hard-earned cash on an extended car warranty? Is this a money-pit disguised as a security net? You can find here for more info.
Imagine driving along the freeway with your radio on, and suddenly, the car starts to audition for sound effects in a horror film. You’re heart is racing, as your mind races towards one question that will make you cringe: “How much WILL THIS COST ME?” The whispering of an extended warranty for your car comes in to play. It suggests that it will protect you.
Extended car warranties, or service contracts as they are sometimes called, are strange creatures. These are meant to pay for certain repairs once your original warranty expires. Are they all roses and sunshine? There’s more.
Here’s the classic bait-and switch. Have you ever felt like Alice going down the rabbit-hole with a sales pitch? You might run into this when you dive deep into extended warranties. Salespeople are able to make pitches that resemble a greasy pan in the morning. You’re promised a stress-free experience. Some warranties are more ambiguous than Swiss cheese. Question everything. Question everything.
Some warranties contain exclusions which make attorneys shake their head in confusion. Bob, a Milwaukee resident, is the subject of a story. When his transmission failed, he thought that he had coverage. Bob was not happy to learn that the warranty did not cover wear and tear parts.
These warranties are also a great way to save money on cushions. You may not be the most diligent in maintaining your vehicle – perhaps you have skipped oil changes or other maintenance? An extended warranty could save you. Occasionally, unanticipated problems with the engine or gearbox can occur. In this situation, a safety-net is similar to an insurance fairy godmother.
You can compare it to the luck of the draws, or more accurately, the dependability of your car. Certain cars have the reliability of a Swiss clock, and need little more than an occasional pat on their hood. Some cars have more quirks than a cat attracted to catnip.
Suppose you are the kind of person who cannot sleep unless everything is taken care. If this is the case, you might find that investing in a car warranty from a reliable company can give you some peace of mind. Be sure to read reviews about each warranty provider. The Better Business Bureau website can provide valuable insight on their past performance.
This nugget is a good reminder: Comparison shopping doesn’t only apply to fruit. Talk to past customers or, better still, read reviews when dealing with warranty issues. You’ll find real life experiences, both funny and frightening.
What’s your bottom line? Knowing your car and driving style is the key. You might want to do some soul searching. Do you have the patience to deal with messy and expensive car repairs? Do you want to be able to make smaller, more regular payments when your car is having a bad day?
Take it as a dance. The extended warranty and you are dancing through all the coverage options. It’s not entirely luck that determines whether you’ll save money or incur additional costs. You need to be informed. Never let sizzle deceive you. Always check the food.