“How does it work?” ask most owners of a brand new car today, blooming with the latest technology. Later in the car’s life, many owners again ask “How does it work?” But this time they’re not asking about the navigation system or the tire-pressure monitor. This time, they’re asking about their extended car warranty. This guide will help answer that question.

• Take your vehicle to any licensed repair facility.
•  The repair shop will diagnose the problem.
• With diagnosis in hand, the repair shop will call the auto warranty administrator, whose contact information is on the contract, and often on a wallet-size card provided by the broker.
• The repair shop will work with a claims agent. The claims agent will certify coverage. Provided the part is covered, the claims agent will issue an authorization code.
• The repair facility will then perform the repair.
• After the repair, the shop will then contact the administrator to collect payment. Quality car warranty administrators will provide payment by credit card, minus the deductible (if applicable).
• The vehicle owner is only responsible for paying the deductible, if there is one, which is paid directly to the shop. Otherwise, the owner picks up his or her keys and drives away, with a newly-repaired vehicle, and money saved.

That’s the way a good extended warranty should work. That’s the way that all of the plans work that are proudly offered by AA Auto Protection.

Shoppers for extended warranties for automobiles will come across the terms sooner or later, “bumper-to-bumper.” Billed as the best type of plan, bumper-to-bumper plans supposedly cover “everything.” An auto warranty is an expensive, but worthwhile, investment. To be sure that you are selecting the right one, it’s important to clarify terms before purchasing.

There are two types of extended warranties, inclusionary and exclusionary.

An inclusionary car warranty lists the covered parts on the agreement. If the part is listed on the contract, then it is covered. If the part is not on the list, then it is not covered.

An exclusionary auto warranty is one in which the contract only lists the parts that are not covered. If the part is not listed on the contract as excluded from coverage, then it is a covered part. An exclusionary car warranty is the only commonly called “bumper-to-bumper.” The original car warranty is bumper-to-bumper, for example.

Although exclusionary plans are much more comprehensive, even they do not cover routine maintenance, cosmetics of the vehicle, or so-called consumables, i.e. brake pads, spark plugs, light bulbs. Even a bumper-to-bumper plan does not actually cover bumpers. With any agreement, it is important to carefully review the terms to be sure that you’re familiar with the coverage. On a bumper-to-bumper plan, because the expectations for coverage are so high, it is very important to know the exclusions.

AA Auto Protection represents multiple auto warranty administrators that offer a full range of both inclusionary and exclusionary policies. With a wide variety and interest-free financing available for all customers, any consumer wishing to protect themselves from expensive vehicle repairs would be well-served by considering an extended warranty for their vehicle.

The air conditioning in your vehicle is perhaps one of the most appreciated features. Nothing feels better on a 90+ degree day than putting the AC on full blast. On hot days, it’s simply a necessity that the air conditioning works. But sometimes, it does not. To fix it usually takes a huge repair bill. Drivers with an auto warranty, however, need not worry about the cost, only about how to stay cool while their car is being fixed.

A vehicle’s air conditioning system comprises the compressor, condenser, and an array of pulleys, valves, and electronics. All of them are critical to making the system work, and all of them costly to repair. Replacing the compressor can cost upwards of $1000, the condenser, around $400. The average air conditioning repair cost is $462. Facing numbers like those, many drivers must go through weeks, if not an entire summer, without the relief of their AC, because they cannot afford the repair bill.

Since the air conditioning is such an important feature of vehicles, it is covered by most quality extended warranties for automobiles. With an auto warranty in place, a driver will have the repair costs paid by the plan administrator. Reputable brokers of extended warranties such as AA Auto Protection offer hundreds of plans for cars new and old, most of which include air conditioning coverage.

During the dangerous heat waves that often strike the US in the summer, drivers should not need to choose between the comfort of their vehicles and other necessary expenses. Having the security of an extended car warranty gives drivers peace of mind to enjoy the perks of summer, rather than the potential pitfalls.

Terry Miro just turned 25, and was finally in a position to afford his dream car, a flaming yellow Nissan 300Z. He bought it from his local dealership.

The best part was, Miro thought, was that it came with a 6 month warranty from the dealership. “It was out of the factory warranty when I bought it, and I didn’t have enough money to get an extended warranty, that’s why I was glad it already had one from the dealership,” said Miro. But Miro did not read the car warranty’s fine print.

About 4 months after driving off the dealer’s lot, while on vacation at the shore, Miro’s car started having problems. “All the idiot lights practically went off at the same time, I knew I was in trouble.” Miro was glad that the car was still under the dealer’s auto warranty. The repairs were covered by the warranty, Miro had the work done, which totalled more than $1000, and was ready to pick up his keys and leave. But then he got a bill, for $538.77. He immediately rang his dealership to find out what was going on.

“They told me that I had a ‘fifty-fifty’ warranty, and that I was responsible for half of all repair costs. They said that the warranty sticker said that, but it would’ve been nice if someone told me. They just said ‘This car comes with a 6 month warranty,’ which is one reason that I bought it,” explained Miro.

Miro’s experience is by no means isolated. Instead of trying to sell a used vehicle “as-is,” many dealers warranty the car themselves, but do not commit themselves to pay the entire cost of repairs. Instead, they apply a so-called “fifty-fifty” warranty, which means the dealership an the customer split the total cost of repairs. In many cases, though, like Miro’s, that can mean a huge unexpected repair bill.

Brokers of extended warranties for automobiles such as AA Auto Protection offer plans that pay the total cost of repairs, taxes, labor, and parts, minus a small deductible. Many plans offer a zero deductible option. Advises Miro, “The lesson here is definitely don’t rely on the dealer’s warranty, or at least read the fine print.”

Reputable dealerships never sell a vehicle they know will break down right after a customer buys it. But some cars are too old, have too many miles, or have too uncertain of a maintenance history, for a dealer to guarantee the quality of the vehicle. So-called “as-is” cars can be a great value, inexpensive, and seem to drive well. But, with “as-is” cars, as some dealers tell their customers, “If you drive off the lot and the car breaks in two halves, you own both halves.”

As a way of benefitting from the value of an as-is car and the security of reliable transportation, consumers should enrolling in an extended warranty for their automobile. A car warranty will help protect a driver from expensive repair bills, and from the other costly consequences of a sudden breakdown.

AA Auto Protection offers hundreds of extended warranties that cover most vehicles, of practically any age or mileage. By using the interest-free payment plan option, drivers can get a plan to protect their vehicle, and their pocketbooks, often for less than $100 per month.

By covering an as-is vehicle with an extended warranty, smart consumers can help avoid some of the hidden costs of otherwise inexpensive used cars.

With any big-ticket item, it’s important to do some research on the product and the company before purchasing. Especially with the current economy, impulse buying is not an option. 

There are many brokers of vehicle service contracts online and offline. But, there are significant differences among them. The guidelines below can help consumers separate the quality companies from the rest. 

Make sure the company posts it’s full contracts online. AA Auto Protection was the FIRST broker of vehicle protection plans to post its contracts in full, online, 24 hours a day/7 days per week. No consumer should have to pay first just to see what they are buying. 

Make sure the company has been in business at least a few years. AA Auto Protection has been proudly serving customers since 2002. We have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Our management staff has more than 50 years of combined experience in the fields of vehicles, service contracts, and insurance. 

Make sure that the company does not charge more to finance. With AA Auto Protection, the same bottom-line low price can be paid in full, or spread over time. Our goal is to provide vehicle protection that is not only high-quality, but affordable. 

Make sure that the company is highly-rated and accredited by the Better Business Bureau. AA Auto Protection is fully accredited with the BBB, and has an A+ rating BBB. That is the highest rating available. 

Make sure that the company is large enough to handle your needs. AA Auto Protection has offices in four states, and does business nationwide. We have a fully-staffed customer service department. We are open for business 12 hours a day on weekdays, and on Saturday 9-5 pm. We always have representatives available to answer your questions, and to assist. 

Make sure that the company does not use high-pressure sales tactics. The consultants at AA Auto Protection are people, too. They understand that before a customer decided on a $1000 or $2000 or $3000 vehicle protection plan, a customer may need some time. Companies that demand immediate payment, that have “today only” sales, don’t deserve anyone’s business. If they cannot understand your needs now, they never will. 

Make sure the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. With AA Auto Protection, customers have 30 days after purchase to review the contract. As mentioned, it is available prior to purchase, too. But, even if the first time they choose to examine it is after purchase, customers have 30 days after enrollment to confirm that the plan is what they want. If they decide otherwise, customers will be fully refunded. 

Yes, we think customers should choose AA Auto Protection. We believe that we work hard for our customers, and that we deserve the business of thoughtful, careful consumers. But, we know that such customers will shop around for the best plan, the best price, and the best company. AA Auto Protection meets the above guidelines, and we’re sure that customers will agree that every company in our industry should, too.

AA Auto Protection is a broker of vehicle service contracts. That means that we represent multiple companies that offer service contracts and administer them. AA Auto Protection is responsible for presenting plans, and for processing enrollments and cancellations. The administrators are responsible for the processing of claims.

There are many advantages to working with a broker rather than a company that is a combined plan marketer and administrator.

1. More choice. Since brokers represent multiple plan administrators, there is a much greater variety of plans from which customers can choose. More selection means a better chance for a customers to find a plan that suits their needs exactly. With a combined administrator/marketer, the selection is much smaller, and the customer is limited to the few that the company has to offer.  

2. Lower price. Administrators who work with brokers know that their plans are competing with many others. This built-in competition means a lower price for consumers. With a combined administrator/marketer, there is no built-in competition, so that the prices are always higher.

3. Division of labor means better service. Combined administrator/marketers try to do everything, but end up not being able to specialize in anything. Working with a broker, the difference is clear. The broker is a selection and plan experts, but that’s the only focus of the company. The administrators, because they aren’t involved in selling, can focus solely on processing and paying claims. Each company specializes in what it does best, and the customer can tell the difference.

4. Protection and security. If a combined marketer/administrator financially fails, not only will the customer not be able to obtain customer service, but their contract is worthless. But if a broker shuts its doors, the customer’s policy is still as good as new, since its backed by the financial strength of the plan administrator. AA Auto Protection’s, however, is fully bonded for customers’ protection, and only represents administrators that are protected by an AM Best-rated insurance company.

When looking for a vehicle protection plan, customers have a choice between choosing a broker, or a combined marketer/administrator. But, for customers seeking a protection plan that is perfectly suited to their needs, that is affordable, and that will provide excellent service and long-term security, there is only one choice, AA Auto Protection.

The drastic decline in vehicle sales hardly means that people are using cars less. Instead, it means that people are keeping their cars longer. For most of these vehicles, the original factory warranty has expired, leaving their owners vulnerable to costly repair bills. Many people are choosing to protect themselves from expensive service visits by obtaining the security of a quality auto warranty from AA Auto Protection.

Having an auto warranty from AA Auto Protection means that customers do not bear the full burden of an expensive car repair. In many cases, customers pay nothing at all. The anxiety about a major vehicle breakdown, the stress of having to absorb an unexpected repair, are not worries when a customer is protected by an auto warranty.

AA Auto Protection is an experienced, national, auto warranty broker. A founding member of the Vehicle Protection Association, AA Auto Protection’s professional staff of consultants is committed to finding the right coverage, at an affordable price. Representing multiple auto warranty administrators, coverage for most vehicles is available. All warranty administrators are backed by an independent, A.M. Best-rated insurance company, to ensure that customers will always get their approved claims paid.

AA Auto Protection is focused on achieving 100% customer satisfaction. The company’s highly-trained, friendly, and no-pressure consultants are intent on helping, not selling. AA Auto Protection was the first broker of auto warranties, and was the first to post complete contracts online. AA Auto Protection is the premium warranty broker.

Newark, Delaware-based AA Auto Protection (www.aaautoprotection.com) was recently awarded an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau,  AA Auto Protection has been assisting customers in finding appropriate, affordable coverage for their vehicles since 2002.

Product Warranties are stated component plans that are associated with particular products. These products can include an oil, tablets, and battery contact protectors. The products are intended to protect the parts of the vehicle targeted by the products, and to reduce the likelihood of a breakdown or failure.

Product warranties vary in their coverage. Basic product warranty plans cover parts of the engine, transmission, and water pump. More comprehensive plans include near-complete coverage of the powertrain, plus coverage of the fuel delivery and cooling system, and major electrical components. As with all of the plans we offer, complete coverage information and full contracts for product warranties are posted on our website.

The major advantages of product warranties is that they are relatively inexpensive, typically have no deductible, have excellent terms for mileage and years, and are available for most any vehicle, regardless of age or mileage.

In order to make the right decision about product warranties, consumers should know that the coverage of product warranties is generally less than what is available in other plans. Further, almost always, product warranties require the complete and total failure of a part or component in order to qualify as a legitimate claim. Product warranties may not be canceled after 60 days.

In some states, only product warranties are available. If your AA Auto Protection is offering you product warranties exclusively, then that is either because the state in which you resides permits only product warranties to be sold there, or because other plans are not available for the vehicle. Ask your consultant for details.

Before selecting a product warranty, or any vehicle protection plan, please read and familiarize yourself with the contract. Note the coverage, the limits of liability, the requirements for an approved claim, the validation period before a claim can be submitted, and the cancellation policy of the contract-issuer.

For many customers, product warranties are a good choice, because they provide coverage of major components, with excellent terms, at budget-friendly prices. But to know for sure whether a product warranty is right for you, you’re invited to speak with a professional vehicle protection plan consultant.