You've got questions? We've got answers! Can't find what you're looking for? As always, our professional warranty consultants will be happy to assist when you call us toll free at 1-800-336-4973.
The Top 10 Questions
What is a service contract?
How do I know whether I need coverage?
Why should I purchase a service contract?
Where can I take my vehicle for repair?
What do I do if my vehicle breaks down?
Do I have to pay up front for repairs?
Will my claims be paid in the future?
Why should I enroll with Custom Warranties?
What are the steps to enroll?
How can I get more information?
Costs and Finance
Can I buy the coverage through my dealer?
Are vehicle service contracts insured?
What payment options does Custom Warranties offer?
Is there a deductible that I will have to pay?
What if I want to cancel my service contract?
Is my service contract transferable?
The Basics
Do I really need a service contract?
Does Custom Warranties provide coverage for new and used vehicles?
What are the differences among service contracts?
Do Custom Warranties plans include roadside assistance benefits?
What's Covered?
What if repairs to my car take several days?
What if I have car trouble when I'm out of town?
Do any additional "perks" come with the service contract?
Do Custom Warranties service contracts include car rental reimbursement?
Coverage Specifics
My warranty expired, can I still get coverage through Custom Warranties?
What year and mileage combinations are available?
Are there any models not eligible for coverage?
When does my service contract begin and expire?
How long does it take to receive a service contract?
What is a service contract?
Every new vehicle comes from the manufacturer with a basic factory warranty. This written agreement states that the manufacturer will repair or replace most parts of your vehicle (the typical vehicle contains 1,300 to 1,400 parts) in the event of a mechanical malfunction. This is usually called "Bumper-To-Bumper" coverage, and it pays for the unexpected repair bills on your vehicle. This coverage is typically good for a limited amount of time or number of miles-most often 3 years or 36,000 miles. However, once the manufacturer's warranty expires, the manufacturer no longer covers the cost of your breakdowns leaving you responsible for payment of all repairs. This is where Custom Warranties can help. By enrolling in an extended service programs offered through Custom Warranties, you're assured that parts, labor and sales tax (if applicable) required for replacement or repair of covered mechanical systems in your vehicle will be paid. The specified amount of time and/or number of miles, as well as the covered parts, is dependent on the level of protection plan that you select.
How do I know whether I need coverage?
If your warranty has expired or is near expiration, you are at risk. For a quick analysis, simply click here to fill out Custom Warranties' automated form. After you've filled in your information, you will receive an immediate analysis from a qualified warranty consultant who will detail whether or not you are at risk and/or how many miles you can accrue before you need coverage. You also may call one of our professional warranty consultants at 1-800-336-4973.
Why should I purchase a service contract?
One of the best reasons to buy a protection plan is that your warranty is less expensive the earlier you purchase it. As the vehicle ages and accrues mileage, the price for protection rises. The lowest rate offered to the consumer will be while the vehicle is still under the original manufacturer's warranty. Prices may rise also due to increasing costs of labor and parts. Buying today allows you to lock into today's low prices and to protect yourself from tomorrow's rising repair costs. You'll also be glad to know that you're eligible for plan benefits for the entire life of the contract, even while you are covered by the manufacturer's warranty. That means you can utilize roadside assistance, towing, entry when keys are locked in your car, car rental reimbursement, and emergency travel protection benefits up to $500 if your car breaks down over 100 miles from your home. Most manufacturers' warranties do not offer any of these services.
Where can I take my vehicle for repair?
Extended warranties offered through the Custom Warranties service are honored at any ASE certified repair facility within the United States or Canada. We'd be happy to look up the closest ASE certified repair shop for you or to call an ASE certified repair facility to establish a relationship on your behalf. Remember: Always obtain authorization from the claims office prior to beginning any repairs covered in your agreement. If you need assistance selecting, or locating, an ASE certified repair facility contact 1-800-336-4973.
What do I do if my vehicle breaks down?
Custom Warranties administrators make the repair process as simple as possible for you. If your vehicle breaks down or needs a repair, take it to any ASE certified repair facility and present your service agreement, or call the convenient toll-free number on your contract to have your vehicle towed. After the ASE certified repair facility has diagnosed the vehicle's problem, they will call the claims administrator to receive repair authorization for all of your covered repairs, minus a deductible, where applicable. All claims are paid directly to the ASE certified repair facility of your choice; therefore, you do not have to pay for your repair and wait to get reimbursed. Should you need assistance selecting or locating an ASE certified repair facility call us at 1-800-336-4973 and we'll be happy to assist you.
Do I have to pay up front for repairs?
No. You do not have to pay up front for the cost of repairs; you pay only your deductible, if applicable. Service contracts offered through the Custom Warranties service pay the ASE certified repair facility directly. Here is how the process works: The ASE certified repair facility calls us for authorization, they complete the repair, and you drive away - it's that simple. The only time you may have to pay up front and get reimbursed by your contract administrator is if the ASE certified repair facility doesn't have a rental car available and you have to rent a replacement car on your own. If you use the hotel and meals benefit included in your plan, you also must submit these bills so that we can reimburse you.
Will my claims be paid in the future?
It is important to know the insurance company that is behind any plan you own. At programs offered through the Custom Warranties service are fully insured by A- or better insurance companies. All claims are handled promptly and professionally, paid directly to the ASE certified repair facility of your choice. We take the hassle out of car repair for you!
Why sho uld I use with the Custom Warranties service?
There are many reasons to enroll in vehicle coverage plans offered through Custom Warranties:
- Financial Stability - When looking at extended service companies, financial stability should be of utmost importance; after all, you will need them to be there down the road to pay your claims. Custom Warranties service contracts include top-of-the-line coverage and are backed by A-rated insurance companies.
- Consultants second to none - The sales agents and plan administrators offering products through the Custom Warranties service are among the best in the industry. Their warranty consultants are extremely knowledgeable of the automotive industry and driving trends. You can be assured that you are getting the best plan for your needs based on your driving habits.
- Value for your money - Plans offered through the Custom Warranties service provide additional plan benefits and vehicle warranties that begin on the day you buy them, so you're getting more for your money.
- 24-hour customer service - Our administrators stand behind their contracts. All extended warranties offered through the Custom Warranties service have extended hours and most are available on an emergency basis 24 hours a day.
What are the steps to enroll?
Click here to fill in our online form. We'll take you through a quick process to find the right warranty for you out of over 250,000 coverage combinations. Or, you can call a Senior Warranty Consultant toll free (800-336-4973) to design a plan that's right for you. Once your plan is agreed upon our sales consultant will finalize the contract and forward the agreement to you the next business day through UPS mail service.
How can I get more information?
You can speak to an experienced warranty consultants by calling 1-800-336-4973 Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 7:00 pm or Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00pm Central Standard Time. Our team will customize a plan that is suited to your driving habits and automobile.
Can I buy the same coverage through my dealer?
Perhaps. But, plan on paying the dealer's commission. This often means the price is higher for similar coverage and you may be required to have the repairs done at the dealer facility. Additionally, many dealers do not offer $0 deductibles. With Custom Warranties, you have the freedom to go to any ASE certified repair facility wherever you like throughout the United States and Canada. With many dealer plans coverage begins at the in-service date, or the day you bought the vehicle. Providers through the Custom Warranties service begin coverage the day you enroll in our protection plan. They offer you longer and more comprehensive coverage for less.
Are extended service plans insured?
All plans offered through the Custom Warranties service are insured. For information about specific insurers, click here.
What payment options does Custom Warranties offer?
While payment plans can differ by sales agent, most agents who participate in the Custom Warranties service offer 0% financing for 12 months. This typically requires a 10% down payment on for plans lasting more than 1 year and paid by VISA, MASTERCARD, or a Checking Account. You also can charge the remaining payments monthly to your credit card, automatic checking account withdrawals, or by invoice.
Is there a deductible that I will have to pay?
Most plans offered through the Custom Warranties service have $0, $50, $100 or $200 deductibles based on your vehicle's year, make, model and mileage. All products on the Custom Warranties service have deductibles that are payable per visit-not per part! This means that all repairs completed during your vehicle's visit to the ASE certified repair facility of your choice require only one (1) deductible. Compare these plans with the fine print in other plans that require deductible payments for each repaired component group. "Factory-like" and "Luxury" plans even have a zero ($0) deductible option. Be sure to inform your representative if you choose to upgrade from the standard $50 deductible to our zero ($0) deductible option.
What if I want to cancel my service contract?
All products offered through the Custom Warranties service can be canceled by written request at any time. Upon cancellation you are entitled to a prorated refund of the unused portion of your contract less a $30 cancellation fee. Unlike some companies, our warranty providers do not prorate your refund from the in-service date of your vehicle. Your contract contains full details on your refund provisions.
Is my service contract transferable?
Yes. All service contracts offered on the Custom Warranties service are transferable to another private purchaser of your vehicle. You'll be glad to know that vehicles with extended service plans typically offer much higher resale values because the buyers know they are not going to get hit with unexpected repair costs.
The Basics
Do I really need a service contract?
As your car ages and increases mileage, mechanical failure is a reality and, frankly, one of the reasons why manufacturer warranties are so short lived. Additionally, there are many components such as computer-related functions that can fail, regardless of your driving habits.
Does Custom Warranties provide coverage for new and used vehicles?
Consumers will find extended service contracts for both new and used vehicles on the Custom Warranties service. Each vehicle's model year and mileage determines the available coverage.
What are the differences among service contracts?
The Custom Warranties service categorizes offers into four coverage levels. If you are searching for the very best extended service plan for your new or used vehicle, Luxury plans are the best option as virtually every part on your vehicle is protected. If you are looking just to get the essentials covered, Factory-like plans is a very affordable complete component coverage plan. If an entry-level or an intermediate plan is more in alignment with your needs, try Powertrain or Major Component plans, both offer you much needed peace of mind at great prices.
Do Custom Warranties plans include roadside assistance benefits?
Yes. Every plan offered through the Custom Warranties service includes a roadside assistance package that covers towing; jump-starts; flat-tire changing; fuel, oil, or other fluid delivery; and entry when keys are locked in your car. The number to call for assistance from your plan administrator will be in you contract.
What's covered?
What if repairs to my car take several days?
When breakdown renders your vehicle inoperable or unsafe to drive and thus requires your vehicle to be held by the repairer, your contract administrator will pay your actual expenses to rent a replacement car from a licensed rental agency. Common contract caps on car rental costs are $30 per day for a maximum of five days for any one breakdown. Many contracts on the Custom Warranties service allow for extensions of an additional 5 days (for a total of 10 days) if the administrator is notified of a parts delay within the first five days of a rental period.
What if I have car trouble when I'm out of town?
Administrators on the Custom Warranties service allow you to take your vehicle to any ASE certified repair facility within the United States or Canada. Wherever you may be, the claims department has a toll-free telephone number for you or the ASE certified repair facility to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Remember to keep your administrator's toll-free number handy wherever you go. It's in the contract.
Do any additional "perks" come with the service contract?
All plans listed on the Custom Warranties service include:
- FREE 24-hour roadside assistance. Includes towing; jump-starts; flat-tire changing; fuel, oil, or other fluid delivery; and entry when keys are locked in your car.
- Towing expense which is commonly capped at $50 per occurrence.
- Car rental reimbursement which is commonly capped at $30 per day for a maximum of five days for any one breakdown.
- Emergency Travel Expense commonly capped at $500 for lodging, meals, and transportation if your car breaks down more than 100 miles from home.
What about car rental reimbursement?
Service contracts offered through the Custom Warranties service cover car rental costs when a breakdown renders your vehicle inoperable or unsafe to drive and thus requires your vehicle to be held by the repairer. All contracts on the service provide that the administrator will pay your actual expenses to rent a replacement car from a licensed rental agency, not to exceed $30 per day for a maximum of five days for any one breakdown. Most contracts allow for an additional 5 days of coverage provided the administrator is notified of a parts delay within the first five days of a rental period.
My warranty expired, can I still get coverage through Custom Warranties?
Yes. Many vehicle owners do not realize that even after their manufacturers' warranties expire they are still eligible for our extended coverage. Plans offered through the Custom Warranties service cover vehicles that are up to 6 years old and have fewer than 100,000 miles on the odometer.
What year and mileage combinations are available?
New- and used-vehicle plans are available in a number of term and mileage combinations to fit your driving needs. Please use our Custom Quote TM technology to find the plan for you.
Are there any vehicles not eligible for coverage?
- Vehicles with model years of 1999 or earlier.
- Vehicles with valid odometer readings above 100,000 miles. Of course, vehicles with odometers that have stopped or been tampered with are not can not be covered.
- Vehicles used for commercial purposes, are used for racing or have been significantly modified.
- Vehicles in not in good working order that is with pre-existing and uncorrected mechanical, hydraulic or electrical problems.
- Due to limited production we are not able to provide a vehicle service contract on the following vehicles: Aston-Martin, Bentley, Daewoo, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Hummer, Hyundai, Maserati and Vector.
When does my service contract begin and expire?
All contracts offered through the Custom Warranties service begin coverage on the day you buy it, not on the in-service date of the car. The in-service date is the vehicle's factory warranty start date or the vehicle's first day of use, whichever occurs first, regardless of the date issued. Quite simply, our partners offer you more time than most other providers. Be aware of other companies that begin their programs on your vehicle's in-service date; their plan doesn't provide you nearly as much coverage.
How long does it take to receive a service contract?
Sales agents offering warranties through the Custom Warranties service will forward the extended service contract to you the next business day through UPS.