RED Auto Protection Extended Warranty Review
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RED Auto Protection is among the longer-lasting vehicle service contract providers. It has a positive industry reputation, but how does it stack up against the competition? This article will rank RED Auto Protection based on industry reputation, coverage, cost, and customer reviews.
To see how RED Auto Protection compares with some of the best extended car warranty companies, use the quote form above to receive a range of personalized plan options. The price of coverage is different for every vehicle, so it’s always a good idea to compare quotes for yourself in addition to conducting research.
Table of contents
RED Auto Protection Review: 2.9 Stars
RED Auto Protection has standard warranty offerings at average prices. Pushy sales tactics and bonus packages of little value indicate that RED Auto Protection may try to sell you on coverage you do not need. However, if you can navigate the quotes process, you may be satisfied with your warranty.
Given that there are more reputable providers with similar or lower pricing options, we recommend shopping around before making a commitment to RED Auto Protection.
RED Auto Protection Highlights
Overall Rating |
2.9 |
|---|---|
Reputation |
3.1 |
Coverage |
3.0 |
Price |
3.2 |
Transparency |
3.2 |
Customer Service |
2.0 |
RED Auto Protection, headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, is a subsidiary of McClintock Industries. It has been in business for 30 years, and its administrators (CarGuard and Royal Administrative Services) have paid out over one billion in claims. All vehicle protection plans are fully insured, and 80 percent of filed claims are approved according to RED Auto Protection.
RED Auto Protection Extended Warranty Coverage
- Platinum: An exclusionary contract that covers most vehicle components for cars with less than 75,000 miles
- Gold: An inclusionary contract that covers many vehicle components for cars with less than 90,000 miles
- Powertrain Enhanced: Covers major components for vehicles with less than 120,000 miles
- Powertrain Plus: Includes coverage for parts with the highest risk for breakdown
- Powertrain: Covers only the most important engine components
The chart below details some of the major components covered under each RED Auto Protection plan.
Powertrain |
Powertrain Plus |
Powertrain Enhanced |
Gold |
Platinum |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Turbo/Supercharger |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Engine Mounts |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Transmission Case |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Transfer Case |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Drive Axle Housing |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Drive Shafts |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Pistons |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Alternator |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Starter Motor |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Air Conditioning Condenser |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Power Windows |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
||
Fuel Pump |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
||
Cooling Fan and Motors |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
||
Suspension |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
Steering |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
Turn Signals |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
Windshield Wiper Motor |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
Master Cylinder |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
Hydraulic Lines |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
Exclusionary |
✓ |
The big difference between the RED Auto Protection Platinum and Gold contracts is that the Gold plan lists which components are covered, while the Platinum plan lists which components are not covered.
The following components are excluded from the Platinum plan:
- Seatbelts
- Airbags
- Bumpers
- Wheels
- Glass
- Carburetor
- Catalytic converter
All plans also come with the following add-on coverage options at an additional cost:
- Commercial use
- Hybrid vehicle
- Lift kit (for vehicles with under/oversized tires, body lifts, or suspension lifts that were installed by a dealer)
- Snow plow use
Additionally, there is a prepaid maintenance add-on with RED Auto Protection plans, which offers reimbursements for:
- Oil changes: Reimbursement for three oil changes at $40 for non-synthetic or $55 for synthetic
- Brake pads/shoes: $100 replacement
- Battery replacement: $100 replacement
- Cooling system maintenance and lube: $40 reimbursement
The prepaid maintenance add-on is nice, but it doesn’t provide as much value as one might think. According to AutoServiceCosts.com, the average cost for brake pad replacement is $150 per axle, and battery replacement costs between $118 and $216 on average. That means the coverage from RED Auto Protection will most likely only cover part of these services for your vehicle.
Extras
Like most vehicle service contracts, RED Auto Protection plans come with a few extra features that may help you in the event of a breakdown. These include:
- Emergency roadside assistance: This type of coverage pays for one service up to $50 per 72 hours. Services include towing up to 25 miles, battery jump-starts, flat tire changes, fuel delivery, and lockout assistance.
- Trip interruption: This will reimburse you up to $75 per day up to a total of $225 for hotel and meal expenses if you break down far from home.
- Rental car reimbursement: This will pay a maximum daily rate of $35 for up to five days. The maximum reimbursement per occurrence is $175.
Extended Warranty Conditions
There is a 30-day, 1,000-mile waiting period after the contract is signed. In order to keep your RED Auto Protection contract valid, you must meet the following conditions:
- Maintain your vehicle according to the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule at your own expense.
- Keep up with your oil change schedule, and save oil change and service record receipts.
- Don’t make any aftermarket modifications.
- Don’t use the vehicle for commercial use unless you paid the commercial use surcharge.
All contracts are transferable if the vehicle is sold, but you must pay a $50 administrative fee.
RED Auto Protection Cost
The cost of a RED Auto Protection extended warranty is about average. When we reached out for a quote for a 2017 Ford Explorer with 45,000 miles, we were offered bumper-to-bumper coverage for 5 years/150,000 miles for a monthly payment of about $185 for two years.
Your own extended auto warranty price will vary depending on your vehicle make, model, and mileage. Your location could also impact the price of your warranty.
Here’s a closer look at the RED Auto Protection quote we received for the 2017 Ford Explorer:
Extended Warranty Plan |
Coverage Term |
Monthly Cost |
Down Payment |
Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Platinum |
5 years/150,000 miles |
$185.64 for 24 months |
$235.75 |
$100.00 |
This vehicle did not qualify for powertrain coverage because of its low mileage. It may be that RED Auto Protection powertrain contracts are only offered to older vehicles that the company will not cover under Platinum contracts.
Quotes and Claims Processes
To get a RED Auto Protection quote, you can fill out an online form or call 877-580-7750. Be prepared with your vehicle’s year, make, model, and mileage, as well as your vehicle identification number (VIN).
Our review team tried using the online quote form and did not receive a response. We then reached out through email and were contacted within minutes.
All RED Auto Protection plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee in case of a cancellation. Additionally, there is an 18-month dementia/incapacity refund policy. This means that if a policy was inadvertently sold to someone incapable of understanding the terms of the contract, the company is committed to providing a full refund once notified.
RED Auto Protection Claims
When a covered component on your vehicle breaks down, you can have your vehicle serviced at any repair shop certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®) in the United States or Canada. Give the repair facility your contract information and authorization to diagnose the vehicle.
The repair shop should contact RED Auto Protection before beginning repairs. Assuming that the repair is covered, administrators pay the repair shop directly, and you pay only your deductible.
RED Auto Protection Reviews and Ratings
- Trouble canceling
- Pushy/misleading salespeople
- The coverage waiting period
- Difficulties reaching customer service when filing claims
- Claim rejections
- Harassment to continue coverage
Many BBB complaints directed toward extended vehicle warranty providers tend to involve claims denial. Pushy salespeople are also a common complaint. It is not as common for customers to complain about having trouble canceling coverage within the waiting period or harassment to continue coverage. These are troubling indicators of particularly poor customer service.
Top Recommendations for Extended Car Warranties
Endurance: Best Coverage
Endurance marries a strong industry reputation with extensive coverage. The company is a direct contract provider and has some of the most transparent and easy-to-understand contracts of any company we’ve reviewed. All Endurance auto warranties come with one year free of Endurance Elite Benefits. These benefits are some of the best in the industry.
To see how much you would pay for an Endurance extended warranty, get a free quote for your vehicle.
Our rating: 4.6 out of 5.0
Endurance is our pick for best coverage with its comprehensive warranty options.
CARCHEX: Best For Used Cars
Among top providers, CARCHEX is one of the most well-known companies in the industry and is endorsed by experts like Edmunds.com and CARFAX. It holds an A+ rating from the BBB and has many positive customer reviews.
We think CARCHEX has some of the best customer service in the industry and breaks the auto warranty norm of hiring pushy salespeople. Unlike RED Auto Protection customers, CARCHEX customers don’t report many issues cancelling contracts within the 30-day money-back guarantee period.
Learn more about coverage from CARCHEX by getting a free, personalized quote.
Our rating: 4.4 out of 5.0
Our research found this provider to be the best for used cars.
Methodology
- Price: Comparing providers can be difficult due to the many factors that influence cost. To determine this score, we employ a secret shopper analysis using different vehicles, mileages, warranty plans, and locations.
- Coverage: A wide variety of coverage is essential to support the differing needs of customers. We take into account the number of extended car warranty plans available, term limits, exclusions, and additional benefits.
- Customer Service: The level of customer service and care provided by an extended warranty company is an important consideration. Our review team sifts through customer reviews and complaints from reputable sources such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. We also consider the responsiveness of each company’s customer service team based on our secret shopper analysis.
- Reputation: Good extended warranty providers consistently provide quality experiences. Our team takes into account BBB ratings and the company’s history of reliable service when giving this score.
- Transparency: Customers value a commitment to open and honest communication when it comes to vehicle service contracts. Our team of experts takes into account the availability of money-back guarantees and sample contracts.
Stephen Kenney is a writer and editor who focuses on car insurance, auto financing, and vehicle shipping services. He's a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and has experience covering categories ranging from travel to sports to environmental sustainability. In his free time, Stephen enjoys going on long-distance runs, trying out new recipes, and exploring his adopted hometown of Cincinnati.
More by Stephen Kenney
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