Jan
Do you own or are in the process of buying a used car? Do you have an expiring warranty on a car you purchased new? You are a prime candidate to benefit from an extended auto care warranty. However, some wonder if it is really worth purchasing a continued warranty. We’re going to take a look at some important reasons to extend your auto warranty and how to make sure you get the maximum benefits. (more…)
Jan
Extended vehicle protection on both new and pre-owned vehicles is more important than ever before, with garages and dealers charging outrageous repair fees for both parts and labor. How can you be sure that you are really getting what you pay for rather than falling into an extended warranty scam? Read on for 5 tips on choosing the right extended warranty provider. (more…)
Jan
If you have been on the fence about getting an extended warranty for your car, perhaps it’s been a while since you’ve had to bring your vehicle in for repairs. With costs skyrocketing since 2011, driving around without a warranty to cover major repairs is a losing battle. Here are a few figures you should know about. (more…)
Jul
We’ve all faced that horrifying movement. You turn the key to your car (or push a button on some modern vehicles) and the car won’t start. Sometimes it just won’t turn over. Other times, you get nothing – maybe just a clicking sound. Why isn’t the car starting? Here are a few possible reasons.
Troubleshooting a Car that Won’t Start
Here are a few factors to consider if your vehicle is not starting:
> Is the battery out of power? A jump start may be all you need.
> Is the alarm system light flashing? There may be a reason your car alarm is preventing the vehicle from starting if your system is equipped with that feature.
> Are the battery cables connected properly? If the cables become corroded or stop functioning, no power can make it to the starter.
> Is the car making a clicking noise when you try to start it? This may indicate that the starter has gone bad. Often the starter will provide warning signs in advance. You may have needed to crank the engine a few times to get it to start in recent days. This indicates the starter was nearing the end of its lifecycle.
These are just a few of the things that can prevent a car from starting. Lack of fuel pressure, a problem in the ignition system itself, electrical problems, and many other issues can leave you stranded. What can you do?
Jump Assist and Other Roadside Assistance Services
At Vehicle Service Center, we offer service plans that you can add roadside assistance onto. Then, if you suddenly find yourself with a car that won’t start, you’re just a phone call away from a jump start or towing to a nearby repair shop. To learn more about the services we offer, call 1-800-280-6708 and ask for your free quote.
Jun
Are you getting ready to purchase a used vehicle? Then it is time to consider an extended warranty. We’re going to look at some important reasons to purchase a warranty any time you are getting a used vehicle, some circumstances that may make the purchase even more important, and some statistics that reveal the purchase is not the risk some sites may have led you to believe it is.
2 Important Reasons to Get a Warranty for Your Pre-Owned Vehicle
The further we get into the age of over-complicated electrical components of vehicles, the more important it is to protect your used vehicle. A car that is just a few years old may have complicated electrical components that could cost thousands of dollars to repair.
The other important element to consider is the rising cost of auto repair labor. When you start adding $85 to $125 per hour on top of expensive parts, you have the recipe for a nightmarish invoice. A warranty is the best way to avoid adding repairs bills to your monthly car payments.
2 Things to Keep in Mind When Considering Protective Coverage
You should definitely add coverage to your vehicle if either of the following things are true. First, check to see if the vehicle you are purchasing has a history of necessary repairs. You may love a particular make and model, or it may be the only thing that meets your budget, but if that year’s line is known for transmission troubles, you definitely want powertrain coverage.
The second thing to look for is exclusion coverage. This allows you to have greater peace of mind. Unless the exclusion is the specific thing that goes wrong with your car, it’s covered. There’s no guesswork. On the other hand, you also want affordable coverage, so if you are working with a limited budget, you may need to focus on the coverage features that are most important to you.
Statistics Show that an Extended Warranty Is a Good Purchase
The following two statistics show the benefits of extended warranties:
- 84% – Percent of persons who purchased a used car and had every filed claim accepted
- 82% – Percent of people who say they would consider purchasing an extended warranty again
Vehicle Service Center is proud to offer the type of coverage that can actually be of benefit to used car owners. To learn about the different coverage options we offer, and to have one of our vehicle protection specialists help you find a plan that meets your needs and your budget, call 1-800-280-6708.
Jun
Many of us wait all year long to enjoy a great vacation during the summertime. You may be ready to take off on a memorable road trip, but is your vehicle ready to get you there? Roadside assistance and trip interruption benefits are vital ways to keep your dream vacation from becoming a nightmare. Here are a few features you want to be sure your coverage includes.
Roadside Assistance
When you are on the road, and far from home, the unexpected can happen. For example, even though Google can help you find a nearby gas station, it can’t magically make gas appear close enough to stop you from running out on the open road. That makes fuel delivery an important feature for travelers. Other important forms of roadside assistance include towing, lock-out assistance, tire assistance, and battery boost/jump start assistance.
Trip Interruption
If your vehicle breaks down more than 100 miles from home and you are going to be stranded overnight on the road, you are probably already losing non-refundable time at your destination hotel on top of hotel expenses where you get stuck. Trip interruption benefits can help you to recoup some of your losses and turn that breakdown into an enjoyable one night stay in a new town (albeit unexpectedly).
Rental Reimbursements
Sometimes a breakdown on the road requires that you rent a vehicle for the rest of your trip. Rental reimbursement can help soften the otherwise expensive blow. This is especially true if you are traveling with a large family or group of friends and need to rent a van or SUV since vehicles with 6 seats or more come at an additional expense.
Vehicle Service Center Has You Covered
Travel with peace of mind this summer. Contact one of our vehicle protection specialists to get the coverage options you and travel companions need. For a free quote, call Vehicle Service Center at 1-800-280-6708 today!
May
Unfortunately, a very small percentage of third-party warranty companies have given the industry a bad name. You know the ones we’re talking about. They give you the hard sell to buy way more coverage than you need and then when you actually have a claim, the company is nowhere to be found, or they come up with terrible excuses for not paying. We’re going to provide you with a few helpful tips to help you avoid scams and get your coverage through a legitimate third-party warranty provider.
Warning Signs When Purchasing a Warranty
Here are 5 things to be wary of when purchasing a warranty:
- The hard sell – A caller telling you that a special deal is only available during this call may just be the sales rep trying to hit a quota, but it could also be a warning sign of something shady. A warranty provider should have no problem with you wanting time to check out the company website and read reviews before making a final decision.
- No guarantee – Reputable companies should have a money back guarantee. If you get buyer’s remorse during the first 30 days, you should be entitled to a refund.
- Robot dialers – If you get a phone call from a robot instead of a human, that’s a bad sign. The fact is that a scam artist may have trouble finding humans willing to try and rip-off their fellow man. As a result, robot dialers are often used.
- Claim to be your manufacturer warranty – Your manufacturer warranty company isn’t going to call you to extend your warranty when the one you got with the car runs out. If the company won’t tell you they are a third-party service, you should be on guard.
- Lots of fine print – That fine print may be the company’s way of talking you out of getting your claim paid. If you can’t understand the fine print yourself, have someone help you go over it before signing anything.
Real Third-Party Extended Warranty Services for Every Budget
At Vehicle Service Center, we are proud to offer legitimate third-party warranty services to meet any budget. Our extended protection plans come with a 30-day money back guarantee to add to your peace of mind. And your quote is always free. To learn more, just call 1-800-280-6708, and get the coverage you need for your vehicle today.
May
It’s no secret that auto repair costs are skyrocketing and one of the major reasons is that new cars become more complicated to fix every year. A news source in the UK even reported that some auto mechanics are struggling to keep up. As a result, when 50,000 people were surveyed, it turned out that over 70% were just taking the car back to the dealer for repair work despite the added expense.
The article also stated that about 30% of car problems are electrical and not mechanical in nature. That leaves the average repair shop unable to help in many cases. It’s a great place to get an oil change but not to deal with a software malfunction that is making the transmission slip.
Why Are Auto Manufacturers Adding So Much Tech?
There are a few reasons for the increasing amount of technology in vehicles. Sometimes it is a feature we really want, like software that maximizes gas mileage. At other times, it is completely redundant. For example, everyone has GPS on their smartphones, so why does it have to be on the dash too? It just seems like one more thing to break as far as most drivers are concerned.
Other technologies are there for safety purposes. So while we may get annoyed at the car for dinging when we get too close to the line while unwrapping a burger, it’s better than ending up in a ditch.
The Help You Need When an Expensive Repair Comes Up
While technology certainly does have some advantages, getting a repair bill from a mechanic can be scary. Unless, of course, you have an extended warranty that covers your entire vehicle. Vehicle Service Center offers warranty packages to fit every budget, including full vehicle coverage to give you peace of mind at the repair shop. Call 1-800-280-6708 to get your free quote today.
May
Running out of gas is never good for your vehicle. Plus, it can really ruin a road trip and turn fun into fear. After all, no one wants to hitchhike – it’s often viewed as unsafe. Of course, modern vehicles have lights that warn a driver when gas is low and gauges that usually tell you how far you can go on your current tank. Despite these safety measures, however, running out of fuel is still a problem. Here are 3 tips to help protect yourself and your vehicle.
Ways to Avoid Running Out of Gas
By implementing these four suggestions, you shouldn’t ever find yourself stuck:
- Always fill up when your car hits 1/4 of a tank.
- Fill up before any drive that could involve getting stuck in traffic.
- Don’t trust the gauges to be able to tell you how far you can go down to the mile. It may say 30 miles one minute and be blinking zeroes the next.
- Use mobile apps to find nearby gas stations.
If you do realize you’re running low and it will be a stretch to the closest station, here are a few ways to maximize your mileage:
- Slow down – Your car will probably get its best gas mileage at under 45 mph. Be sure to put on your hazard lights if you are on the Interstate.
- Turn off the A/C and roll up the windows – The A/C decreases fuel economy and so does wind resistance. It may get uncomfortable, but not as uncomfortable as running out of gas.
- Conserve power – Conserve every tiny amount of gas by shutting down anything drawing power like the radio or a charging phone.
Protecting Yourself in Emergency Situations
Despite precautions, emergency situations can still occur on occasion. Running out of gas can be a frightening situation, especially if you are a long way from home when it happens. In this type of situation, having roadside assistance and an extended warranty can bring peace of mind. You know help is just a phone call away, and that at least some of the repair costs may be covered depending on your warranty plan. To get a free quote on extended warranty and roadside services, call Vehicle Service Center at 1-800-280-6708.
Apr
Having a tire blowout at 70 miles per hour on the Interstate can be one of the most harrowing experiences a person ever goes through. We’re going to share 3 tips to help you avoid a tire blowout, a few suggestions for getting off the road safely should a blowout occur, and then discuss the importance of having tire assistance during an emergency.
3 Ways to Avoid Tire Blowouts
Unless there is a defect in the tire or the valve stem kit was installed wrong by the tire shop, a blowout shouldn’t occur without any kind of warning. Here are 3 ways to avoid tire blowouts.
1. Keep Tires Properly Inflated – If tire pressure gets too low, the weight of the car riding on the wrong parts of the tire will eventually tear it to shreds. If your car has pressure sensors, always pull off the road right away to check a warning light. If not, invest a few dollars in a decent pressure gauge and check your tires regularly.
2. Avoid Potholes – Sometimes road damage may slowly destroy a tire. At other times, a bad enough hit at just the right weak point on a tire can trigger an immediate blowout. It’s always safest to avoid any major potholes in the road if you can do so without hitting another vehicle.
3. Overloading the Vehicle – Know how much weight your car and tires can carry. Loading down the vehicle beyond what the tires can handle may result in sudden tire failure.
What to Do if a Tire Blows While You Are Driving
This is easier said than done, but don’t panic. If a front tire blows, you should still have decent control. Rear tires cause more difficulties. Remember not to stomp on the brake as braking too quickly will cause the car to spin, especially if the blowout is on a rear tire. Try to pull off the road to the side of the car where the tire has been damaged (although this may not always be possible with multiple lanes of traffic).
The Importance of Tire Assistance
If you haven’t hit another car or damaged your vehicle, all you really need to do is put on the spare. But after a harrowing experience, you may not be in shape to work on your car. Having tire assistance can give you peace of mind. All you have to do is dial the number of your assistance company, and you can recover for a few minutes while you wait for the tire to get changed for you.
Vehicle Service Center offers roadside assistance packages that include tire assistance. Just call 1-800-280-6708 to get your free quote started now.
Apr
If you are planning on taking your vehicle on a long road trip with family or friends, getting trip interruption benefits needs to be on your checklist of things to do before putting that key in the ignition. Here are three reasons why breakdowns on long trips can be a nightmare.
#1: Hotel Rates Go Up Annually
Most road trips take place during the summer when people can get time off from work or school to head to the beach or other popular locations. Unfortunately, this is also when hotel rates spike. If your car had broken down while on a road trip in the summer of 2016, you would have had to shell out an average of $128 night for a hotel room while waiting for repairs. That average increases by about $5-10 a year. Trip interruption benefits may help you cover hotel costs in emergency situations.
#2: Car Rental Rates Are Exorbitant
Owning a car isn’t cheap, but renting one costs a fortune. If you break down on a road trip, you are probably on the way to a non-refundable hotel or condo rental. That means you lose part of what you paid for if you stay behind while your car gets worked on. But if you rent a car to continue your journey, it can cost you over $45 a day just to get an economy car. Let’s face it – most people road trip in far larger vehicles. Renting an SUV can easily run you more than $100 a day. You definitely want to have coverage that offers rental reimbursement.
#3: Auto Repairs Are Expensive All Across the Country
Getting work done on your vehicle can cost a lot of money, even if you know someone at your local garage and get a good deal. Those rates go through the rough if you end up in some faraway town, don’t know which garages are reputable, and end up getting hustled by someone who knows you’re really in a bind. This makes pairing trip interruption insurance with an extended auto warranty vital.
Vehicle Service Center offers everything you need to take off on the road anytime you want with complete peace of mind. From an extended warranty to combat high repair costs to roadside assistance and trip interruption, you are covered no matter what the universe throws your way. Think of it as your way of saying, “Nothing’s going to stop me from enjoying my hard-earned vacation.” Just call 1-800-280-6708 today to discuss the plan that is best for you and get a free quote.
Apr
Roadside assistance is such an important factor in car ownership that some manufacturers now include it in a package when someone buys a new car. Unfortunately, there usually is no such deal for a pre-owned vehicle, or you may have purchased your car new but are now beyond the time or mileage of your roadside plan. Here are a few reasons to purchase roadside assistance if you don’t already have it.
#1: When You’re on “E” and There’s No Gas Station in Sight
The worst feeling is when you see the light come on to warn you that gas is low but you know you can’t make it to a gas station from where you are, or even worse, you never see the light come on and run out by surprise. If you’ve had this happen, you’re far from alone. Recent reports indicate that incidents of running out of gas are up by 18%. If you ever get caught without enough fuel to roll up to the pump, you’ll be happy to have roadside assistance.
#2: You Find Yourself Locked Out of Your Vehicle
Unfortunately, most towns don’t have a 24-hour locksmith available anymore. But roadside assistance should be able to get someone with the skills to help you as fast as possible. Most of us leave a spare key with someone for emergencies like this, but we never seem to lock our keys in the car when that person is available or when we are within reasonable driving distance. Especially if this occur on a long trip, roadside assistance can be invaluable.
#3: The Dreaded Flat Tire
Whether you don’t have a spare or simply don’t have the physical ability to change a tire yourself, being able to call for help from the side of the road and knowing it will be on the way can provide peace of mind. Roadside assistance can be a real lifesaver, because driving on that flat tire, even for a short distance, can end in disaster.
#4: Roadside Assistance Gives You Peace of Mind
Vehicle Service Center is your source for extended auto warranties, and we are happy to offer roadside assistance packages to boost your peace of mind even more. Not only do you know that help will be on the way if you get stuck, but you can minimize those massive repair bills through our warranty services. Get a free quote right now by calling 1-800-280-6708!
Mar
If you have been on the fence about getting an extended warranty for your car, perhaps it’s been a while since you’ve had to bring your vehicle in for repairs. With costs skyrocketing since 2011, driving around without a warranty to cover major repairs is a losing battle. Here are a few figures you should know about.
Check Engine Light Repair Costs
Let’s take the simplest of things – the check engine light. The majority of the time, this comes down to one of two things:
- A bad oxygen sensor
- An incorrectly closed gas cap
These are simple fixes for an auto repair shop. But back in 2012, at the start of the recent extreme price hike, parts and labor on a check engine light fix averaged anywhere from $270 to $400 depending on the state (our home state of California was the 3rd most expensive).
Increasing Prices on a Nationwide Scale
In one recent year alone, replacement part costs for cars went up by 6% and labor costs rose by a shocking 17%. If you think getting a check engine light issue fixed is expensive, imagine needing a new transmission (which often means having an electronic module reprogrammed as well). Across the country, the cost of such a service averages over $5,000!
Why Are Auto Repair Costs Rising?
You may wonder why such a steep rise in repair costs is occurring. There are two lines of reasoning. The first is that newer cars are becoming more complicated and computer oriented, making repair an even more specialized field than it already was. The second is that people are keeping their cars longer (one study suggests that the average age of a decommissioned vehicle is now up to 11 years). As a result, these aging vehicles are experiencing the need for bigger repair jobs, bringing up the average cost of repairs.
Regardless of the reason behind the increase in repair costs, it is vital to keep yourself covered. After all, if you spend $5,000 on repairs, you may as well have had a car payment all year long. The cost-effective solution is an extended warranty.
Extended Warranty Services You Can Trust
Vehicle Service Center is a California-based extended warranty business that provides full coverage options for both new and pre-owned vehicles. Don’t get hit with thousands of dollars in expenses for a catastrophic repair bill. Get covered now by calling 1-800-280-6708.
Mar
Extended vehicle protection on both new and pre-owned vehicles is more important than ever before, with garages and dealers charging outrageous repair fees for both parts and labor. How can you be sure that you are really getting what you pay for rather than falling into an extended warranty scam? Read on for 5 tips on choosing the right extended warranty provider.
#1: Find an Experienced Company
Look for a company that has been in business for at least several years. Scam companies close relatively quickly once claims start coming in and complaints spring up over a lack of payment. Plus, companies that have been around for a few years are established and will still be in business if you need to make a claim several years from now.
#2: You Should Be Able to Get in Touch
Look for companies that give you a phone number or a way to contact the company online. Warranty services that are tough to get in touch with when you have a question will be impossible to get in touch with when you need them to make a payment.
#3: Find Out What Is Covered
You don’t want to wait until you get a huge repair bill to find out that you had work done on a part of the vehicle that isn’t covered. Even if the company says you’re getting full coverage, you should ask for the warranty provider’s definition of full coverage.
#4: Can You Just Buy What You Need?
Don’t get roped into an expensive plan if you only need to cover catastrophic repairs. A warranty company should be able to provide a customized package that provides you exactly what you need in order to keep the warranty affordable.
#5: Discuss the Deductible
The expense of your plan may also be determined by a deductible, so don’t automatically take the cheapest planning thinking it’s the best. You may find it just means you’ll still get hit with a big chunk of the repair bill.
The Vehicle Protection Service That Meets Your Needs
Vehicle Service Center has been providing quality extended warranties for years. You can easily contact us by calling 1-800-280-6708. We’ll be happy to discuss what is covered by our full coverage plan or help you to develop a custom warranty that meets your vehicle needs and your budget. In the end, you get peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is protected and that you paid the best price. Customer satisfaction is the lifeblood of our business.
Mar
Do you own or are in the process of buying a used car? Do you have an expiring warranty on a car you purchased new? You are a prime candidate to benefit from an extended auto care warranty. However, some wonder if it is really worth purchasing a continued warranty. We’re going to take a look at some important reasons to extend your auto warranty and how to make sure you get the maximum benefits.
Auto Repair Costs Are on the Rise Nationwide
If you’ve ever had to pay the bill for a major auto repair, you know just how big of an expense it can be, and those costs are continuing to rise. Between extreme markups in price on parts and labor costs that approach or even exceed $100 per hour, the bill can quickly surpass $1,000.
U.S. News & World Report revealed the results of a study that showed a 10% increase in the average repair costs. Add to that a report from WPRI Eyewitness News in Providence, RI about the average cost of car repairs, and the value of an extended warranty becomes even more clear. For example, the average repair cost of a car in California was reported at $2,289.11.
The fact is that most consumers who drive used vehicles don’t have the money for expensive repairs. If a person has thousands of dollars to spare, he or she would probably be driving something new and under warranty. By purchasing a vehicle service contract, you protect yourself from exorbitant repair bills. That can give you some real peace of mind. If your car just doesn’t start one morning, you won’t be out a month’s worth of salary just to be able to repair the vehicle that gets you back and forth to work.
Purchasing Your Extended Warranty from the Right Company Is a Must
Unfortunately, the whole reason the question about whether or not to purchase an extended warranty exists is because of a few bad apples out there who have given the industry a bad name. But Consumer Reports revealed that by and large, the extended warranty industry does exactly what it says. According to one recent report, 84% of extended warranty buyers who tried to make a claim received the requested money. Additionally, 82% of buyers said they would make the purchase again.
The key then is to find a reputable extended warranty seller who has experience in the business. Who can you turn to when you are in need of an extended warranty?
Vehicle Protection for Your Peace of Mind
When you purchase your extended warranty from Vehicle Protection, you can have the peace of mind of knowing that your car is covered and that coverage is backed up by a company with years of experience in the industry.
So instead of gambling with your savings by driving around without a warranty, it’s time to remove the risk. Call 1-800-881-0804 to get your free quote today!