Des Moines police force feeling cost of repairs, auto warranty owners not
 Sometimes called an "extended warranty", a service contract is a promise to perform (or pay for) certain repairs or services. Although technically not a “warranty” as defined by federal law, service contracts may be arranged at any time and always costs extra. Warranties, on the other hand, ONLY come with a new car and are included in the original price. Vehicle service contracts are popularly referred to as "extended auto warranties" or "extended warranties". Use of the term "extended warranty" or "warranty" on this site is intended to refer to vehicle service contracts and not manufacturer's warranties.
A recent investigation by a news station found that the police force in Des Moines was being overcharged at the repair shop, something that extended warranty owners don't need to worry about.
WHO-TV in Des Moines looked at city records and found surprising charges that didn't quite add up while the city's fleet of police cars were being repaired. One car racked up a total repair bill of $25,000- when it only cost $22,000 in the first place.
The city actually maintains its own cars rather than going to a repair shop; in effect, they overcharged themselves. Other suspect items included a simple battery change costing $541 and a wiper blade replacement costing over $75.
The head of the repair department chalked the charges up to human error- mechanics not clocking out correctly which led to increased labor costs. But drivers know that the costs of repairing and maintaining a vehicle can be quite high anyways.
Smart drivers will purchase an extended warranty from a trusted name like AA Auto Protection in order to avoid the expensive costs associated with repair shops.
5/19/2010 8:14:49 PM
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