Extended Vehicle Protection
 

I posted this on a Mazda3 forum, but with no replies *sigh* Maybe you guys can help.

my vehicle's warranty just expired. I like the security of being covered for any issues

Since I had my car I never had any major issues but just a dead battery.

I bought an extended vehicle protection plan through my bank, USAA which is through ASSURANT SOLUTIONS. It is a 60months/100K miles for $1170. I just bought it recently so I can cancel within 60 days. It is also $0 deductible.

I have read a lot about EPP Such as to put the money in a bank or that it is a waste of money. I do not work on my car so I do not know much about cars. Although, from what I read it seems like a hassle to file a claim and you have to follow strict guidelines.

I got the warranty since I plan on keep my car for more years to come.
I'd appreciate you input.

IMHO they are just a big rip off as they cover very few things but make you think its all covered.I run a auto service shop and deal with these people a lot.

So is there a LEGIT aftermarket warranty out there? I am thinking the same thing as I just passed the halfway mileage mark on my warranty.

Most of them are outright scams, usually changing the company name every few years to avoid their reputation. This one doesn't seem too bad, here's the report:

Assurant Solutions | Ripoff Report Directory | Complaints Reviews Scams Lawsuits Frauds Reported

Yeah I have read that most of them are ripoffs but I figured that since it is through USAA then it is a good deal. So I am thinking of just canceling it. What would you recommend? just pay for repairs as I go?


Wow that is crazy...

Other companies are far worse, yours seems ok. You also have to take into consideration that only the complaints are posted here, no one tells you about the success stories (use the frequency of complaints as a guide). Usually the bigger the payout the more you are going to have to fight to get your repair covered.

true, it is hard to find success stories. I guess I will give it a shot. I figured since USAA is doing business with them it has to be good. If not, then they'll have a bad name.

They said that I have the freedom of using any shop. I guess i'll call them for any issues and get their guidance.

I called my local mazda dealership and was quoted for $1500 same term compared to my current one at $1170. Mazda will charge $100 deductable per visit compared to $0 with the other.

Do you have any extended warranty?

I graduated in 08 from college and that was when the economy went to ****. So I had to take a job at a warrenty company for a short time until I found something else. Some of those are legit decent warrenties however most of them are like powertrain and the guys lie and make it sound like full coverage. Alot of the companies will look for any excuse not to pay out when a problem arises. My roomate just had a motor blow in her mazda and they actully replaced the whole motor. This was the first sucess story I have ever heard of though. My honest advice, even though it doesnt sound like the wise decision would be to get one through a dealer.

The USAA name gives it some credence, just read the fine print and make sure everything is covered that you need to be covered.

I avoid the extended warranties myself as I'm able to do most of my own repairs.

Did your friend have it through a 3rd party or dealer?

I would steer clear of any third party plans

So if you guy say steer clear of 3rd parties, do you mean to not get any or go through dealer?

I forgot to mention that I covered under a comprehensive plan with roadside assistance, lodging reimbursement , and vehicle substitution (rental)

The decision really comes down to you and your situation. How long are you going to keep the car? Are you going to do performance mods that might cause you warranty issues?

It really is a gamble just like many things in life. Many of us pay for insurance in a number of areas and that really is what the extended warranty is. If you don't need it, you lose, if however something major goes wrong you win big.

I am not much of a gambler so I would rather feel safe knowing if something major happens with the car, I am covered. It sure wouldn't take a lot to use up that $1400/1500 premium if something did go wrong.

I definitely feel better having my Nissan warranty rather than a third party.

Good luck...

Greg

Potentially dumb question, but can you get a dealer extended warranty right before your original warranty goes out? Or did I have to get it back when I bought the car. If that $1500 is spread out over like 4 years or so then I can handle that...

You can get a nissan extended warranty at anytime before the 3/36 runs out