How to Find a Legit Car Warranty Company

Dozens upon dozens of extended car warranty companies exist, but some of them are total scams. It’s crucial to find one that is legit to make sure your car is covered if something breaks down unexpectedly. The question is, how do you know which ones are legit and which ones are scams?

Legitimate Companies Provide Good Options

When you start calling and comparing quotes, you’ll want to ask about what these companies offer in terms of coverage. Every company will offer a contract with various components covered, but without knowing exactly what is covered, you don’t want to sign the dotted line.

If they hem and haw or don’t seem to answer your questions about coverage, then steer clear from that company. Reputable extended car warranty companies are upfront about the plans available in multiple configurations to meet your needs.

High-pressure Sales Are a Definite No-go

Anything that screams urgency is something you don’t want to be involved in when it comes to extended car warranties. The whole idea that you’ll never see this offer again or that it’s only available for a limited time is all meant to manipulate you into thinking you’re missing out and to scare you. Don’t fall for it because—you guessed it—it’s probably a scam.

Instead, legit car warranty companies will always try to push a sale, but they won’t be desperate for your business. In short, if it sounds like a company will say anything to get your business, that’s a company you want to avoid and tell everyone else to avoid, too. Reputable companies recognize that you’ve got to hand over a significant amount of cash for coverage, and they’ll understand that it’s not a rushed decision.

Legit Companies Offer Flexibility

The best companies will have flexible options for you to choose from. If you don’t need those extra ten years because you’re planning on selling your car in five, you can choose that option. Alternatively, if you want to drive your car into the ground, you want a company that can offer coverage in that scenario, too.

Companies that don’t have flexibility are not going to be the ones you want to work with. Plans that are too strict or can’t be customized tend to feel more like a scam because you’re pressured into buying whatever they offer. Remember, you can negotiate an excellent extended car warranty with a legit company, so if you get pushback, hang up the phone.

Demand Letters and Fake Invoices Are Scam Fliers

If you’ve ever seen a letter in the mail or your email that says something like “TIME-SENSITIVE VEHICLE RECORDS” or mimics an official department that doesn’t exist, that’s a definite scam. They’re hoping you’ll fall for it and reach out because these letters are designed to scare you. When you see one, keep it for a fire starter or toss it in your recycle bin.

Then you have the fliers that show up in your mailbox that look like invoices or maybe credits toward your repairs. Somewhere, the words are there saying that it’s not an invoice or a check, but it’s never in an obvious place. These deserve the same flame-filled treatment as those above because they prey on people who can’t tell the difference.

Perks Often Come With Legit Car Warranty Companies

You can expect that the best legit car warranty companies will have perks available to you, like towing coverage or roadside assistance. If you pick the right company, then you’re going to have these options available to you if your car breaks down unexpectedly.

Some other perks that indicate a legitimate company include rental reimbursement and trip interruption protection. That’s not to say those legit companies always offer these, but the best will have these options. You’ll appreciate having that rental assistance when your car breaks down in another city or state and you need a car.

A Few Last Thoughts on Legit Car Warranty Companies

Legit car warranty companies are out there, but you do have to wade through the muck sometimes. Check for available options to see what will be covered with the companies you call and be ready to ask questions about coverage. If you encounter any high-pressure sales, that’s cause to hang up the phone or block emails and report spam. Legit companies will be much more flexible because they understand what you’re doing. Don’t fall for the fake letters or invoices because you’ll regret it later. To further verify the legitimacy, ask about associated perks. If they can’t answer, it’s time to move on to the next company.