Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Tips When Searching For A Warranty Quote On The Internet

warranty company

Shopping online for extended warranty coverage isn't as easy as shopping for, say, an MP3 player or even the car itself. Generally, when we're looking for consumer goods on the web, we consult a trusted nonprofit publication like Consumer Reports; however, when it comes to extended warranty coverage for autos, Consumer Reports issued a report that they're ALL a lousy deal! It's easy for them to say, but some people aren't that great at saving huge chunks of money or who worry incessantly "What will I do if I have a breakdown?" For these folks, finding a warranty company is critical for peace of mind. Even without Consumer Reports, there are many sites offering a free online warranty quote, in exchange for a little information, of course.

When you're dealing with a warranty company online, there are a few things to look for. Be sure they're BBB approved and that you can find their address or executive names somewhere on the site. Check to see if the warranty company is backed by an insurer or financial backer, which will guarantee that you'll be covered even if the company suddenly goes belly up. You can then cross-check the financial backer with the AM Best website to see how reliable they are. Your State Insurance Commission can also tell you if any complaints have been filed with the company. Your warranty quote should deliver a clear, comprehensive detailing of what you will get for your money. If they can't provide you with the level of detail you need or if they seem vague, then look elsewhere.

Also, before you get a warranty quote, you may have to consider different coverage options. For example, a "breakdown" warranty may cost less up front, but it also may increase the number of repairs you have to pay for yourself, whereas "wear and tear" warranties will cover most major components, including costly gaskets and seals. Secondly, some warranty companies don't cover you if your car has overheated, so again, it's a matter of price vs. protection. Consider whether you want roadside assistance, towing, trip reimbursement and rental car coverage, should your car fail while you're traveling. If you don't plan on selling your car and transferring the warranty, then you may be eligible to save some money that way. Many consumers also want the choice of choosing the repair shops, as opposed to the warranty company choosing where the work will be done. Additionally, some consumers save money by agreeing to pay for repairs upfront and be reimbursed later, rather than having their warranty company pay the mechanic directly. Understand these options before buying your plan so you can avoid having your claim denied later.

One place you can check is WarrantyHeadquarters.com. Here you can get instant, extended warranty quote information by filling out a quick form. Another site that ensures you the highest quality quotes is WarrantyHelper.com, which asks you if you want "wear and tear" coverage, overheating protection and A-rated insurance. You can also go through recommended companies like Warranty Direct or National Warranty Corporation for added information. Just type "warranty quote" into Google and you'll see how many companies come up! The risk of getting junk mail, telemarketer calls or email spam is always there, of course, so you may want to have certain phone lines or email addresses set up for research purposes only.

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