by Joe, who lives next door, had heard a ‘monstrous thump’ and then nothing. His transmission had broken down. He was one of the lucky ones — he had purchased insurance and knew what to do. He did, crossed his fingers, and three days later the parts were approved, the rental was covered and his car was repaired. He gave it a lot of praise. A third driver, meanwhile, had her claim rejected for failing to produce receipts for oil changes. She then took to the internet to express her frustration. These types of anecdotes are a reminder that reading reviews of warranties is really about the minutiae and not the stars. reference
One of the most crucial factors, reviews say, is how fast claims are approved. O.K., people like it when they receive approval quickly, but not if afterward they have to listen to hold music for a while.” Reviews where they cite specific dates, such as they filed on a Monday and on Wednesday got clearance, provide the best picture of how well things actually work.
Exclusions are another common motif. Most policies will exclude doctors visits for things that were pre-existing, wear and tear or cosmetic problems. Reviews are a way of understanding how organizations handle these kind of issues. If somebody reports they were denied on their gasket leak because it was “seepage,” you can learn a lot about the provider.
Deductibles may also come as a shock. Among the policies: Some charge each time someone visits; others charge per body part. More than one reviewer commented that they had paid many deductibles for what appeared to be a single repair. Those teeny differences can be such an aggravation, and the since-when readers pick up on them.
And then there are the repair shops to consider. In some companies, you’re only able to use their network; in others, you can go to any licensed mechanic. There is more than one anecdote about a service writer who was persistent and went the extra distance, and reports often indicate whether the shops contested the claim or merely conceded.
The complaints in negative reviews often sound similar — and are what we hear from agents around the state: a surprise fee for an inspection, long delays before coverage begins, claims denied for lack of maintenance records that were never requested. A claim can crumble over something as simple as not flushing the brake fluid. That’s why many reviewers note how crucial it is to save receipts, snap pictures and back up digital invoices.
Another hot problem is pricing. You might be able to take a discount for paying in full up front, but monthly payments initially may seem small, but they multiply as time goes on. When you request a refund or a cancellation matters, and so do administrative fees, which can be a rude awakening. The best reviewers are the ones whose have to tell you how much they paid or got back. This openness saves others from similar mistakes.
The nature of the supplier, too, makes a difference. Dealer-related warranties typically travel through networks established by carmakers. “Third party structures are reliant on adminstrators and obligors. Some customers say the collaboration works well, while others say there is too much finger-pointing. Even little things, such as if the name on the invoice is the same as the policy, could make the transaction feel less seamless.
If you’d like to get the most out of reviews, you need to be savvy about how to filter them. What works for a Toyota may not work for a turbocharged BMW. Check out the latest reviews, especially anything that dates from since the first year. Initial reviews tend to talk only about how not-expensive the item is. The highest rankings offer information on parts, labor hours, and the result of claims.
And finally, learn to ask the same clever questions that reviewers ask: Does the plan include roadside assistance? How many rental days are there? Are OEM parts okay? Is it more expensive for a lifted or custom car? Can the new buyer assume the coverage?
At the end of the day, each driver, car and shop is unique. And when the promises of a policy fail in the real world, that’s when the real test starts. The best advice from long-term reviewers was to read closely, double- and triple-check everything, and make sure to get everything in writing. Store digital versions of records and receipts securely. Those little moves can save you a lot of hassle when the time comes.