Category: CARS Protection Plus

5 Red Flags to Avoid Scammers When Choosing a Vehicle Service Contract

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Not every provider has built a reputation like Cars Protection Plus. Watch out for the following red flags when deciding whether or not to agree to purchase your next vehicle service contract.

  1. Urgent Notices by Mail

Be skeptical of mailings that read more like a threat than an invitation to do business. Some aftermarket warranties or service contracts are marketed using scare tactics, sending warnings that you will soon lose your warranty and be faced with huge repair bills. Steer clear of this negative practice. A genuine service contract offering should focus on the benefits of the coverage instead of frightening consumers into a bad decision.

  1. Pushy Sales Techniques

When a representative won’t take no for an answer it is a sign that something isn’t right. Reputable companies want to earn your trust and your business, not bully you into submission.  Don’t hesitate to hang up the phone if a sales caller becomes aggressive. It is normal for a company to have limited enrollment periods, but you shouldn’t feel pressured if you aren’t sure or choose to decline an offer.

  1. Vague or Rushed Explanation During Sign Up

Legitimate vehicle service contracts are detailed and specific. A company trying to sell you a contract that will assist financially when your vehicle breaks down should provide you with an explanation of the coverage. Ask for it in writing!

  1. Too Good to be True

The saying, “You get what you pay for” is generally true. Be wary of anyone pitching you bumper to bumper warranty coverage at an extremely low price. Vehicle service contracts are a good investment for peace of mind, but generally there are limitations on the types of repairs that are offered for assistance. Gather more information before deciding to purchase something that seems too good to be true.

  1. Little Track Record or Uninsured

Fly by night warranty companies come and go, sometimes leaving their customers without coverage when they go out of business. Select a company with a long track record of service that is fully insured. For example Cars Protection Plus has been helping customers for nearly 20 years and is proudly insured. Choose a company that has taken precautions to protect your investment.

Manufacturer Warranty vs Vehicle Service Contract: What’s the Difference?

happy-driverThe average brand new vehicle loses about half of its value during the first 3 years of ownership. When selecting your next vehicle, the choice to buy a used car instead of a new one can save you thousands of dollars in depreciation. One major sticking point preventing consumers from making the leap from buying new to used is the Manufacturer’s Warranty. Commonly referred to as a factory or “Bumper to Bumper” warranty; these warranties last about 3-5 years, are included in the cost of the vehicle and cover the vehicle’s first 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Choosing instead to purchase a used vehicle with a vehicle service contract can provide the reassurance needed to make this smart financial decision.

A service contract isn’t the same as a manufacturer’s warranty. It is a highly customizable plan designed specifically for you and your car or truck. Most people realize a used vehicle is not break proof. It is important to select a vehicle service contract that will allow you to maintain your budget during your time of ownership. The factory warranty issued with a new vehicle is a standard contract designed to cover components that the manufacturers know seldom break. There is virtually no financial risk to the insurer during the factory warranty coverage. A service contract, sometimes called an aftermarket warranty, is different in that you can target the items that generally experience issues on your type of vehicle.  Buying a contract that covers common issues with your vehicle ensures you will have assistance when those parts experience a mechanical breakdown.

Another great feature of a good service contract is your ability to cover high mileage vehicles. CARS Protection Plus offers service contracts on vehicles with up to 200,000 miles for up to 48 months. These contracts stay with the vehicle and can even add value if you decide to sell the vehicle and transfer the contract to the new owner. Manufacturer’s warranties are generally limited to 100,000 miles and are not usually transferable.

When it’s time to purchase your next vehicle remember to save yourself some serious cash. Buy a vehicle that is a few years older with a service contract to provide peace of mind for years to come. To learn even more about the benefits of vehicle service contracts, take a moment to watch a few videos from CARS Protection Plus.

 

When You’re Ready to Buy A Car, A Dealer is Your Best Bet

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There are a lot of options available when it’s time to buy a used car. Many wonder whether they should buy a used vehicle from a dealership or an individual. The experts at Cars Protection Plus recommend buying your next used car from a reputable dealer. Choosing to purchase your next vehicle from a reputable dealership, instead of a private owner isn’t just easy it’s often hassle free. Having the dealership’s full staff at your disposal is like having your own personal car buying staff. They can assist with financing, take care of the paperwork and hand over the keys.

More often than not, choosing a reputable dealer will ensure that you are purchasing a reliable vehicle. Selling cars is a competitive business. Odds are if a car lot has been able to stay in business they can attribute that success to a history of selling reliable vehicles. Most car lots have a mechanic on site or one that they work with to ensure they are selling quality cars and trucks. Although consumer protection laws vary by state, all dealerships must follow Federal Trade Commission standards. To earn your repeat business some car dealerships “certify” used vehicles, offer warranties, and sometimes even offer a money back guarantee. When vehicles are purchased from a private seller there is usually no such protection in place. It is possible to safeguard your private party purchase through vehicle history reports, paying for independent inspections or seeking out your own warranty from an authorized retailer. However, when you add up the time and expense, the choice to work with a reputable dealer is clear.

At Cars Protection Plus, protection is in our name for a reason. We want to ensure that every driver on the road is protected from unexpected and costly auto repairs. One of the best things you can do to for your new used vehicle is to sign up for a service contract through an authorized dealer. Buyers should be proactive when selecting their service contract by carefully reading the contract and asking questions about anything uncertain. Realize that if any part or service isn’t mentioned in the contract, it’s very unlikely that it’s covered. Once you’ve selected a service contract that fits both your needs and your budget, you can leave the dealership with the peace of mind needed to feel comfortable about your purchase. You can protect yourself from the cost of major automotive breakdowns with a service contract from a trusted source like CARS Protection Plus.

Eliminate Risk with Cars Protection Plus and a Routine Maintenance Plan

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Vehicles today last longer than ever, and although some routine maintenance tasks like tune ups have become obsolete, it’s still important to keep up with routine maintenance. Cars and trucks are becoming more mechanically complex and repair technicians are more costly due to higher hourly labor rates.  Adhering to a preventative maintenance schedule to avoid preventable damage to your vehicle, and partnering with CARS Protection Plus to assist with the cost repairs are two great steps towards avoiding high repair bills. You can trust CARS Protection Plus to have you covered.

Check out these vehicle maintenance recommendations from the professionals at CARS Protection Plus:

  • Study your owner’s manual – Your vehicle’s manufacturer knows what’s best for your car. Take cues from the owner’s manual on oil change intervals, air filter replacement and routine fluid levels. You may even save money! Most manufacturers no longer recommend an oil change every 3,000 miles. If the manual wasn’t included with your used vehicle you may be able to find one on the manufacturer’s website or at com.
  • Pop the hood – Gone are the days of gas station attendants giving your car a good once over at the pump. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check under the hood from time to time. Now that you have consulted your owner’s manual, use that information to make sure your car is readied for everyday travel and epic road trip adventures. Check your oil level, tire pressure, and top off your windshield fluid reservoir.
  • Remember the 3 B’s – Belts, Battery and Bulbs. Inspect timing and serpentine belts for damage and replace every 40,000 to 60,000 miles. Refer to the manual for specific mileage recommendations. If allowed to break these belts can cause costly damage to other parts within your vehicle. Batteries don’t require much maintenance; while you’re under the hood check for buildup on the contacts and remove with a battery cleaning brush if needed. Finally check to be sure head and tail lamps are working properly.
  • Where the rubber meets the road – According to Popular Mechanics car tires can leak as much as 1 psi per month. Tire pressure monitoring systems don’t usually issue a warning until the tires are 25% below the manufacturer’s recommendation. Keep an inexpensive tire gauge in your glove box to check your tire pressure monthly. Schedule regular appointments to have your tires rotated, balanced and aligned. This can extend the life of your tires by up to 20% and increase your gas mileage!
  • Trust the Professionals – Your relationship with your mechanic is an important one. Be sure to select a repair and maintenance facility with a trusted reputation. The Pros at CARS Protection Plus have a great working relationship with AAMCO. Schedule service appointments with your mechanic when something doesn’t seem right with your vehicle. Many times repairs are easier and less costly when a problem is caught early.

Following these guidelines should keep your car healthy and on the road for many years to come. Consider using an app like aCar to keep track of your vehicle maintenance and even monitor your fuel mileage and vehicle expenses.

What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down

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Now that summer’s here, many Americans will be taking road trips and driving down to the beach. Before hitting the road, drivers should be aware of what to do in the event of a breakdown. CARS Protection Plus provides the following measures for drivers who experience car trouble on the highway. If you are one of the millions hitting the road this summer, check out these tips!

Get Your Car off the Road

If you sense trouble, use your turn signal and safely move to the right shoulder, if possible. Once you get to the shoulder, put your vehicle in park, turn the steering wheel away from the road, and put on the emergency brake. This will prevent your car from accidentally rolling. If your car stops suddenly and you can’t make it to the shoulder, turn on your hazard lights and remain in the car. It’s advised to stay in the car, even if on the shoulder. If you must get out of the car, safely exit through the passenger side door and be cautious of oncoming traffic.

Call for Help

Contact your roadside assistance provider for help. All CARS Protection Plus vehicle protection plans include towing, while Value Plus, Onyx Plus and Ultimate Value include 24-hour roadside assistance. If you don’t have any form of roadside assistance, then call a tow truck company. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Make Your Vehicle Visible

The only time you should be exiting your car is to set up flares or triangles. Place two flares about 10 feet from your vehicle and two more about 200 feet away. Also prop open your hood, as it is the universal sign of a breakdown.

Don’t Try to Fix Your Car Yourself

Wait patiently for help. Again, stay in your vehicle and do not try to do the repairs yourself.  First, you may make the problem worse. Second, a highway is not the safest place for car repairs. If you have a flat tire and know how to change it, wait until a police officer arrives and slows down traffic around you.

Now you know what to do if your car breaks down. In the event of car trouble, follow these tips to keep yourself and your passengers safe.

Three Common Myths About Vehicle Service Contracts

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If you’re buying a car, then you’re likely considering getting a vehicle service contract. Vehicle service contracts protect car buyers against costly and unexpected vehicle repairs after the manufacturer’s warranty expires. While contracts vary in coverage and price, they typically cover the cost of parts, labor and sales tax associated with a repair. Some also include roadside assistance.

Though beneficial, there are several misconceptions regarding vehicle service contracts. To help you separate fact from fiction, CARS Protection Plus is debunking some of the common myths associated with these contracts.

Myth #1: All Vehicle Service Contracts are a Scam

As with any industry, there are going to be a few scammers out there, but the majority of vehicle service contract providers are reliable and trustworthy. To protect yourself from scams, as well as costly vehicle repairs down the road, choose a reputable vehicle service contract from a credible dealer. Select a contract from a provider with an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and positive customer and dealer reviews.

Myth #2: Vehicle Service Contracts Aren’t Worth It

You may be thinking vehicle service contracts aren’t worth the money and you can handle any needed repairs without coverage. Well, when you get the bill for the repair, you’ll be kicking yourself for not buying a contract. Unless you’re purchasing your first vehicle, you know car repairs can sneak up on you and put a damper on your wallet. A quality vehicle service contract provides you with the coverage you need, so you’re not paying for expensive repairs out of pocket. These contracts cater to a variety of budgets and coverage needs, so you can choose the one that’s most suitable for you.

Myth #3: I Will Have to Pay for Vehicle Repairs Out of Pocket

Another common misconception about vehicle service contracts is many consumers think they will not receive 100% of the coverage that’s included in their contract. They think there are loop holes in the contracts to prevent them from getting all of the coverage they believe they’re entitled to. If you purchase from a reputable provider like CARS Protection Plus, then you will certainly get the coverage you pay for and not have to pay for authorized repairs out of pocket. Before you sign a contract you should always read it carefully and clarify any issues or questions beforehand.

These are some common misconceptions about vehicle service contracts. For quality coverage from one of the nation’s leading vehicle service contract providers, visit www.carsprotectionplus.com.

Finding Peace of Mind with a Vehicle Service Contract

Thinking about purchasing a pre-owned vehicle?  There are some of benefits to consider.

New vehicles depreciate 10% the minute they leave the dealership. According to CARFAX, a new vehicle may continue to depreciate as much as another 10% each year.  When you purchase a pre-owned vehicle you are actually benefitting from this depreciation and saving money rather than losing on your investment.

Online resources such as Kelly Blue Book, (KBB.com), CARFAX.com, and CARS.com have reduced the guessing game when it comes to choosing a used vehicle.  You can view maintenance records, accident reports, and recent prices to make sure you are getting the best deal.

No matter how much research you do before you purchase a used vehicle, there is always anxiety over the mechanical reliability of the one you choose.  Why was it traded in?  Am I buying someone else’s problem?  Should I buy a new car and take the depreciation just to get a warranty?

The good news?  You can address these concerns with the peace of mind you will find in a Vehicle Service Contract, (commonly referred to as an aftermarket warranty).

Vehicle Service Contracts, VSC’s, offer help in paying for those mechanical repairs which can be financially devastating.  They often offer the security of roadside assistance.   A VSC lets you drive with confidence you will have a partner by your side when you need it.

What Should You Consider When Purchasing a Service Contract?

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Every vehicle service contract is different and should be read over thoroughly before you sign. It is important to understand what is covered as well as the entire claim process. Coverage should be explicitly spelled out, so you know exactly what you’re purchasing. If the language is vague, this could be a warning sign. However, most misunderstandings in coverage occur because the customer didn’t take the time to review what they purchased rather than the provider being intentionally vague.

Other things to note on your VSC?

  • Covered labor rate
  • Where you can go for service
  • Time or mileage limitations
  • Deductible
  • Claim process

You should also ask questions about the provider of the VSC.  How is the company rated by the Better Business Bureau?  Are they insured so you are guaranteed protection for the life of your contract?

CARS Protection Plus offers a complete line of VSC’s to fit every budget, maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and is underwritten by Dealer’s Assurance Corp.  If you are considering the purchase of a used vehicle, CARS Protection Plus will give the peace of mind you deserve, at a price you can afford.