Frequently Asked Questions:

1.    What is a Vehicle Service Contract?

2.   
Why should I choose American Automotive Protection over the others?

3.   
Are your plans insured?

4.   
What is Wear and Tear coverage?

5.   
What is the no In-Service date program?

6.   
What benefits do you offer?

7.   
Where can I take my vehicle for repairs?

8.   
How are claims paid?

9.   
How does the deductible work?

10. 
Do I really need an a Vehicle Service Contract?

11. 
Why buy it now? I'm still covered by the manufacturer

12. 
Can I buy this same type of coverage through my dealer?

13. 
I've seen lower prices on the Web. Why should I buy an American Automotive Protection plan?

14. 
What if my repair facility won't take your plan?

15. 
What if I want to cancel my Vehicle Service Contract?

16. 
Is my Vehicle Service Contract transferable?

17. 
Is my contract renewable?

18. 
Do you offer a payment plan?

19. 
How do I enroll my vehicle with American Automotive Protection?

20. 
Where do I get my Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?

21. 
Do you cover all vehicles and car models?

22. 
Does American Automotive Protection have a privacy policy?

23. 
Are you open 24 hours a day?

24. 
How do I know I can trust American Automotive Protection?
 

1.   What is a vehicle Service Contract?

Once the manufacturer's warranty expires, you have nothing to protect you from expensive vehicle repairs. Most vehicles come with a 3 year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Once that expires, you have no protection against breakdowns or failures. American Automotive Protection service contract assures that for a specified amount of time and/or mileage, both parts, labor and sales tax (if applicable) required for replacement or repair of covered mechanical systems in your vehicle will be paid.
 


2.   Why should I choose American Automotive Protection over the others?

American Automotive Protection is a direct marketer of Vehicle Service Contracts for some of the nation's oldest and largest providers. We are aligned only with carriers with A / A+ rating by AM Best. AM Best is the leader in Insurance ratings and is a great indicator for financial strength. In addition, our carriers are rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. When looking for a Vehicle Service Contract, financial stability should be of utmost importance; after all, you will need them to be there down the road to pay your claims. You can buy from us with complete confidence. Knowing you are getting the best coverage possible at the most competitive rate. That's peace of mind.
 



3.   Are the Vehicle Service Contracts insured?

YES. A solid company will offer you three layers of protection, the administrator, the insurer and the reinsurer. Insurance provides peace of mind, however the administrator is the company that handles claims. They are often NOT the company selling you your Vehicle Service Contract. Their financial strength is the most important factor in buying a policy. Our plans are administered by excellent companies with documented financial stability. In addition to our financial stability, all our Vehicle Service Contracts are insured. For even greater protection, they are reinsured by A.M. Best rated insurance companies. Insurance provides peace of mind but most important is the financial stability of the administrator, as they pay for your vehicle repairs. And if that's not enough, all plans come with a money back guarantee. You'll be hard pressed to find more financially stable programs than ours. We can't reiterate how important that is.
 



4.   What is Wear and Tear coverage?

American Automotive Protection plans provide coverage for parts that break as well as those that wear out. All covered parts include a "wear and tear" provision. The parts need not break for you to be covered. If they wear out prematurely, you're covered.

Many plans out there have "wear-and-tear" exclusions; that means you are buying less coverage. Plans that do not cover "wear-and-tear" won't cover such things as your struts, piston rings, valves or other expensive components that wear out. Others may say they cover "wear-and-tear" but we urge you to look at the contract. American Automotive Protection uses the term Failure, others use the term Breakdown. Ask them what it means; better yet, read the definitions section of the contract.
 



5.   What is the no In-Service date program?

American Automotive Protection offers a no in-service date program. All our auto warranties begin on the day you buy them, not the in-service date of the car. Quite simply, we offer you more time than the others. If you purchase a 4 year /48,000 mile Vehicle Service Contract today, it will expire 4 years from today or 48,000 additional miles, whichever comes first. Beware of plans that start your coverage from the day the vehicle was purchased brand new.
 



6.   What benefits do you offer?

American Automotive Protection is there with you even before you file your claim. In addition to the most comprehensive coverage and fastest claims handling in the industry, your agreement includes the most comprehensive peace of mind benefits package in the industry. Assistance is available 24 x 7; you'll never be stranded on the side of the road with no one to call. Best of all, it's all part of your fully insured agreement.

Our plans provide protection for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All our plans include FREE nationwide roadside assistance plan. Simply call the toll free number anytime you need help. This benefit is extended to you for the full term of your Vehicle Service Contract. Just call the toll-free number and help will be on the way. In addition, your contract also provides for car rental reimbursement ($30 per day up to 5 days) and trip interruption protection ($50 per day for up to 3 days).

 



7.   Where can I take my vehicle for repairs?

Repairs can be made at the repair facility of your choice (dealer, national chain, local mechanic) anywhere in the United States or Canada.
We have an extensive database with thousands of repair facilities who have already accepted our plans and can even help you locate a reputable repair facility anywhere in the US. You will not find a plan more widely accepted than ours.
 



8.   How are claims paid?

American Automotive Protection lets you use the repair facility of your choice (dealer, national chain, local mechanic) and pays your claim quickly and efficiently electronically over the phone. You simply pay your deductible (if any). There is no paperwork, no need to lay out any money and no limit on the number of claims you may have. We cover parts, labor and even sales tax, if applicable. We are dedicated to handling claims, we are proud that we process claims faster than anyone else in the industry. We pay claims to repair facilities across the country, call us to look up yours.
 



9. How does the deductible work?

With American Automotive Protection each repair visit, no matter how many items need to be fixed will only require payment of one deductible. Many plans offer a zero deductible option where you'll never reach into your pocket for a covered repair. Some plans even cover the deductible on your manufacturer's warranty.
 



10. Do I really need an Vehicle Service Contract?


Since our Vehicle Service Contracts are transferable, it increases the resale value to potential buyers. Who wouldn't want to own a vehicle that comes protected from repair bills? Our contract also provides for a pro-rated refund for the life of your contract should you sell your vehicle and elect not to transfer the contract to the new owner..

 



11. Why buy it now? I'm still covered by the manufacturer:

Extended warranties cost less the earlier you buy them. The cost for coverage rises as your vehicle ages and accrues mileage. We understand that you may have a warranty from the manufacturer. Our coverage is simply an extension of that, not double coverage. The manufacturer's warranty, if still in effect, has been factored into your price quote. The more factory warranty you have remaining, the lower the cost of the extension. You may use our peace of mind benefits for the full term of the agreement.

If you buy an extension to 100,000 miles today or in 2 years, it will still expire at 100,000 miles. The difference is the cost which will be higher in 2 years. Also, the length of the contract offered to you in two years will be less. We can offer you the lowest cost and longest term the sooner you purchase the Vehicle Service Contract. Buying now will lock into today's lower price and protect yourself from tomorrow's rising repair rates.

Take advantage of the our peace of mind benefits (FREE 24x7 roadside assistance, car rental, trip interruption) for the entire life of the agreement, even while you are covered by the manufacturer's warranty.

 



12. Can I buy this same type of coverage through my dealer?

Perhaps, but plan on paying as much as 40% more for the similar coverage and be required to have the repairs done at the dealer facility. With American Automotive Protection, you have the freedom to go for repair service wherever you like throughout the United States and Canada. Many dealer plans also have "wear-and-tear" and do not provide the extensive benefits that American Automotive Protection does. Most dealer coverage begins at the in-service date, we do NOT. We offer you longer and more comprehensive coverage for less.
 



13. I've seen lower prices on the Web. Why should I buy a American Automotive Protection plan?

The lowest price often does not provide the best value; a closer look will reveal a different picture. American Automotive Protection offers the best value in extended warranties. We are aware of no other company that offers you coverage as comprehensive as ours, with fewer exclusions, contractual benefits and financial stability of a company that has sold and administered thousands of warranties. Many web sites have appeared offering low prices only to disappear a few months later. Sadly, this has left many people with no protection for their vehicle. Research the company you are buying from as well as the company that will handle the claims. Be an informed consumer. Quotes obtained via the Internet may not tell the whole story either. Will there be additional charges for certain components? Are you receiving prices for all possible coverages? With American Automotive Protection. you are quoted ALL available policies and terms.

One should look at the contract and its language. That is where many companies hide the language that they can use to deny claims. Do they exclude wear-and-tear or certain parts of your vehicle? What special requirements are written into their contract? How long have they been in business? Are they an Internet start-up company? Are adequate claims reserves set aside to assure sufficient funds to pay claims? Will they allow you to preview the actual contract you are buying? These are important questions to ask, questions we're happy to answer and provide verifiable ways to check..

Our customers tell us they are looking for comprehensive coverage and benefits, and a financially stable company that is documented. No other company can match our reputation, comprehensive coverage, outstanding benefits and longevity. We continue to lead the industry with such innovations as "wear-and-tear" coverage and our " no in-service date" and our innovative Sign-and-Drive roadside assistance, car rental reimbursement, trip interruption are all part of one insured contract. You might find a lower price but you won't find a better value.

 



14. What if my repair facility won't take your plan?

It is rare that a repair facility will not accept our plans as we pay them immediately and utilize industry standard manuals to determine pricing. When they find out they do not have to bill us, they are eager to accept the business we refer to them. In addition, they also want your routine maintenance business, so it is rare that they will turn down the rest of your business. We would be happy to call your repair facility to establish a relationship before you buy. We also maintain a database of thousands of repair facilities that will gladly accept electronic payment  and our plan; yours may already be one. In the rare event a repair facility will not accept our direct credit card payment, we will reimburse you promptly for the authorized amount.
 



15. What if I want to cancel my Vehicle Service Contract?

Our agreement contains full details on refunds. You have either 30 or 60 days to obtain a full and prompt refund. After that, you are entitled to a pro rata refund of the unused portion of your contract. Unlike some companies, we do not pro rate your refund from the in-service date of your vehicle.

 



16. Is my Service Contract transferable?

YES. Absolutely. For a modest transfer fee, you can transfer the Vehicle Service Contract to another private purchaser of your vehicle. Vehicles with Vehicle Service Contracts typically offer much higher resale values because the buyer knows they are not going to get hit with huge repair costs.

 



17. Is my Service Contract renewable?

YES. You may renew at the then prevailing renewal rates. Vehicles must meet the current underwriting guidelines at renewal time.

 



18. Do you have a payment plan?

American Automotive Protection offers EZPay, an interest-free payment plan. You can get started with a small down payment and spread payments
out over many months. We accept all major credit cards for payment plans. Please call a Vehicle Service Contract advisor for further details.

 



19. How do I enroll my vehicle with American Automotive Protection?

You may purchase your agreement by calling a Vehicle Service Contract advisor who can take your application over the phone. We'll simply need your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and an accurate odometer reading. It takes only 7 minutes to protect your vehicle from the high cost of future repairs.

Once enrolled, you will receive your contract booklet which will include full details on coverage and the roadside assistance plan.

 



20. Where do I get my Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?

Your VIN is located in several areas and is a unique 17-digit identifier of your vehicle. The most common are:

  • On the driver's side dashboard of your car

  • On your insurance card

  • On the title to your vehicle

  • On the vehicle's registration card

 



21. Do you cover all vehicles?

American Automotive Protection offers coverage to a wide variety of new and used vehicles provided they meet our underwriting criteria.
We reserve the right to reject coverage to any vehicle not meeting our underwriting criteria or not passing an inspection (if necessary). 

We can not offer coverage to the following:

  • Vehicles with salvage or similar titles.

  • Grey market vehicles or those never covered by a full manufacturer's warranty.

  • Exotic and high performance vehicles including those with twin turbo engines.

  • Limited production vehicles including, but not limited to Acura NSX, Cadillacs with HT 4100 engines, Corvette ZR1, Dodge Viper, Plymouth Prowler, Mitsubishi 3000 GT VR4, Dodge Stealth, Ford Mustang Cobra.

 



22. Does American Automotive Protection have a privacy policy?

YES we do. You can view the entire privacy policy by clicking here. Any information you provide to us will never be sold or shared with any other company. We only send out relevant emails about your price quote, promotions and valuable information about your vehicle. Requests to unsubscribe from our list are handled immediately.

 



23. Are you open 24 hours a day?

We provide 24x7 roadside assistance with all our agreements. Just call the toll-free number in your agreement booklet and help will be on the way.
Our Claims Department maintains late hours. They are open Monday-Friday from 11 am-8 pm ET.
Our Sales Department is open Monday-Friday from 9 am-6 pm ET.
Our Customer Service Department is open Monday-Friday from 9 am-6 pm ET.
 



24. How do I know I can trust American Automotive Protection?

There are many factors one should consider before selecting a Vehicle Service Contract company. Longevity and a proven track record are two important factors. As the direct marketing company representing many financially stable companies over 10-year old firms, we have the experience and an outstanding track record to back us up.