Every car owner knows how important it is to save money wherever possible. While price points can make a big impact on fuel, repairs, and insurance, they are not the only factor that determines whether or not you are getting a good deal on an extended car warranty.

This is especially true when it comes to your extended warranty coverage. Providers like CarShield and Endurance have differences that can help you decide if one of these companies is a good option.

Differences in direct administration, coverage design, and claims handling are important factors, and knowing what to look for will help you find the best extended car warranty or vehicle service contract (VSC) that fits your needs.

Direct Administrator vs. Third-Party Broker

​One consideration when choosing an extended warranty or VSC provider is whether the company is a direct administrator or a third-party broker. Most of the time, it will be difficult to tell what kind of provider you are working with unless you ask directly or do some research.

A direct administrator handles most aspects of your coverage in-house and provides the coverage directly. A third-party broker, on the other hand, uses other companies to provide the actual coverage and outsources many of the processes to a separate entity.

​While a third-party broker is not necessarily bad, it can create issues when it’s time to file a claim. If, for example, there is an issue and your claim has been denied, it can be difficult to track down the people you need to speak to in order to appeal the denial. In the world of protection plans, the more transparent and simple the process is, the easier the repair process may be to navigate and get yourself back on the road.

​When you work with a direct administrator, it is much easier to facilitate the communication needed for a more streamlined claims process. You can be sure that the customer service team you are speaking to represents the company providing coverage and that all the responsibilities are centralized. It is important that you know who has the power to approve your claim and what you need to make sure the process is as smooth as possible.

Coverage Breadth: What’s Actually in the Contract

​The actual comprehensiveness of a plan is another crucial consideration when choosing a provider. In marketing materials, the structure of plans can be oversimplified, which can be confusing.

While terms like basic powertrain, mid-level, or bumper-to-bumper exclusionary are used, they don’t necessarily tell you what is or isn’t covered. To know for sure, you have to review a sample contract.

​For the most part, you can expect to see two types of plans: stated-component and exclusionary. Stated component plans will only cover the components that are specifically listed in the contract. Exclusionary plans include everything but particular parts. In order to know what these parts and systems are, you need to look at a contract.

Having access to sample contracts before you sign up for coverage is one of the best indicators of transparency when looking for a provider. Be sure to look over any sample contracts thoroughly so you can better understand what is and is not covered under a plan.

Claims Process Transparency

​The claims process is perhaps the most important thing to consider when choosing a warranty provider. This will determine how the provider handles claims and customer support. Knowing where to get repairs, what you need to do, and how authorization is handled can help you decide which provider is best for you and your needs.

​In some cases, a provider will encourage you to go to an ASE-certified repair facility, but others may have restrictions on shops or dealerships where you can go for service. This can limit the convenience of getting your repairs done and may even complicate the approval of your claim. In some cases, the entire authorization process will be done by the repair shop, and in others, you will have to submit a claim to get reimbursed for vehicle repairs.

​The structure of a plan’s deductible is also essential for you to know. The deductible is the amount of money you will have to pay out-of-pocket before covered repair costs are paid according to the contract terms.

Some providers have a deductible per visit, while others have it per repair. Depending on the car trouble you are having, this could cost you a lot of money that your plan won’t cover.

Red Flags to Watch For

​While there are many things you should look for in a VSC, red flags and potential downsides are even more important. A lack of a sample contract to review before signing is one of the biggest red flags to watch for. Transparency is key when getting protection for your vehicle, and without a sample contract, you won’t know the terms and conditions of your plan as completely as you should.

​High-pressure sales tactics are also important to look out for when shopping for a vehicle service contract. Any auto warranty provider that contacts you directly or utilizes robocalling may not offer terms that align with your expectations.

Whenever you are dealing with a provider, be sure to take a look at their web presence as well. If they do not have a comprehensive website or accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), they may not bring you much peace of mind. Check their accreditation and customer reviews.

Roadside Assistance and Additional Benefits

Auto repair coverage is important, but the extra perks and benefits you can get are just as essential. These extra perks can include things like roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and trip interruption protection. These benefits are not always standard across providers, but they can be a good thing to look for when deciding whether a company is a good fit for your needs.

Roadside assistance can be a lifesaver if you break down on the side of the road, and save you a lot of money on towing and other roadside services. Considering these extra benefits as part of the overall coverage and factoring them into the price can help you choose a provider that meets your particular needs.

How Endurance Compares

​Knowing what to look for in a service provider can help you manage certain car repair costs. For two decades, Endurance Warranty Services has offered a range of vehicle protection plans to drivers, along with numerous additional benefits.

Endurance is a direct provider of coverage, meaning you don’t have to worry about dealing with a middleman when the time comes to get repairs. All you have to do is take your vehicle to the certified shop of your choice, present your Endurance coverage ID or contract, and the repair facility will work with Endurance to begin the claims process.

Endurance also has a range of sample contracts that you can look at before you make your final decision. Coverage options span multiple tiers, from basic powertrain protection to more comprehensive, exclusionary-style plans that cover a wider range of mechanical and electrical systems. Whether you have an older high-mileage vehicle or a top-of-the-line exotic or luxury car, you can get the coverage you need.

Endurance even offers coverage options for vehicles that other providers may not cover, such as Canadian Gray Market cars, vehicles with a rebuilt or salvage title, and cars used for commercial purposes like rideshare and delivery.

Get the Right Vehicle Service Contract

​When it’s time to shop for vehicle protection, whether you choose what Endurance or CarShield offers or another provider, knowing your options is important. Knowing what to look for and what makes a provider reliable can help you avoid some of the pitfalls that could lead to unexpected repair expenses or coverage misunderstandings.

In addition to customizable warranty coverage options, Endurance also offers a collection of extra perks designed to provide additional convenience. These include things like 24/7 roadside assistance, towing services, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage. You can also get free access to the Endurance Elite Benefits program for one year, which includes tire repair or replacement, windshield coverage, and key fob replacement.

If you are ready for auto protection, get in touch with the Endurance team at (800) 253-8203 for a FREE quote. You can also shop online to get instant pricing information and plan recommendations.

For more auto expert resources, be sure to check out the Endurance Warranty blog. There, you will find DIY tips, provider comparisons, safety information, and much, much more.