When your car needs to be repaired or serviced, you may be able to choose among several service dealers or authorized repair centers. Or, you may be required to return the vehicle to the selling dealer for service. That could be inconvenient if you bought the car from a dealership in another town.
Find out if your car will be covered if it breaks down while you’re using it on a trip or if you take it when you move out of town. Some auto service contract companies and dealers offer service only in specific geographical areas.
Find out if you need prior authorization from the contract provider for any repair work or towing services. Be sure to ask:
- how long it takes to get authorization.
- whether you can get authorization outside of normal business hours.
- whether the company has a toll-free number for authorization. Test the toll-free number before you buy the contract to see if you can get through easily.
- You may have to pay for covered repairs and then wait for the service company to reimburse you. If the auto service contract doesn’t specify how long reimbursement usually takes, ask. Find out who settles claims in case you have a dispute with the service contract provider and need to use a dispute resolution program.
- Are new or reconditioned (“like”) parts authorized for use in covered repairs?
- If this concerns you, ask. Some consumers are disappointed when they find out “reconditioned” engines are being used as replacement parts under some service contracts. Also ask whether the authorized repair facility maintains an adequate stock of parts. Repair delays may occur if authorized parts are not readily available and must be ordered.
- What are your responsibilities?
- Under the contract, you may have to follow all the manufacturer’s recommendations for routine maintenance, such as oil and spark plug changes. Failure to do so could void the contract. To prove you have maintained the car properly, keep detailed records, including receipts.
- Find out if the contract prohibits you from taking the car to an independent station for routine maintenance or performing the work yourself. The contract may specify that the selling dealer is the only authorized facility for servicing the car.
- What is the length of the service contract?
- If the service contract lasts longer than you expect to own the car, find out if it can be transferred when you sell the car, whether there’s a fee, or if a shorter contract is available.