Warranty Solutions: Cost, Coverage, and Reviews
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Many extended warranty companies administer other companies’ plans, but Warranty Solutions is the marketer, insurer, and administrator for all of its contracts. Our experts wanted to know more about how Warranty Solutions compares to the most reputable extended car warranty companies, so we took an in-depth look at the provider.
Read on to find out if Warranty Solutions earns a spot among the best extended car warranty companies. The easiest way to find the best price is to request quotes from multiple providers. This allows drivers you to compare costs and coverage head-to-head and to find the best deals for their vehicles.
Pros | Extensive coverage options, reasonable prices, and backing from an established insurer. |
Cons | Poor customer service record and potentially misleading sales tactics. |
Bottom Line | The contracts have many exclusions, and Warranty Solutions has a habit of denying claims. |
Table of contents
Warranty Solutions Review: 3.1 Stars
Warranty Solutions stands as an average choice for an extended warranty. The company is backed by a reliable insurance company and tends to offer decent pricing. On the other hand, the wide range of plans may confuse customers and there's very little positive feedback available about Warranty Solutions.
While some drivers enjoy the coverage from Warranty Solutions, we'd recommend avoiding the provider. Multiple options for the best extended car warranty exist that combine reasonable rates with an excellent service standard.
Warranty Solutions Overview
Overall Rating |
3.1 |
|---|---|
Reputation |
3.2 |
Coverage |
4.3 |
Price |
3.4 |
Transparency |
2.8 |
Customer Service |
2.0 |
For nearly 40 years, Warranty Solutions has been selling extended auto warranties through a network of affiliated dealerships. Warranty Solutions acts as the marketer and administrator for its vehicle service contracts, and it insures all contracts through Heritage Indemnity Company, which holds an A- rating from AM Best.
What Does Warranty Solutions Cover?
Plan |
Coverage Details |
|---|---|
5 Star |
Exclusionary coverage that protects most vehicle components in the event of a mechanical breakdown |
4 Star Plus |
Stated-component coverage a step above the 4 Star plan, including power tech, electronics, GPS, and body hardware, as well as an accessories and utility package |
4 Star |
Stated-component coverage that includes many vehicle parts, including powertrain components, electrical systems, air conditioning, and more |
3 Star Plus |
Powertrain plus warranty a step above the 3 Star plan, including added protection for the front suspension, steering, air conditioning, fuel system, cooling system, brakes, and electrical components |
3 Star |
Basic powertrain warranty that includes coverage for the engine, transmission, and drive axle |
Star Cool |
Provides select coverage for the radiator, air conditioning, transmission, and engine |
Star Fuel |
Provides select coverage for the fuel injectors, brake system, fuel pump, transmission, and engine |
5 Star Wrap |
Picks up where a manufacturer bumper-to-bumper warranty leaves off with comprehensive coverage while your manufacturer powertrain warranty is still in effect |
Mileage Select |
Covers engine, transmission, and drive axle for high-mileage vehicles |
Lifetime Limited Warranty |
A lifetime powertrain warranty that covers the engine, transmission, and drive axle |
EcoMind |
S pecialty coverage for vehicle emissions and fuel efficiency components, including the catalytic converter, distributor cap, exhaust pipes, fuel cap, high-voltage drive battery, and more |
All Warranty Solutions contracts are fully transferable and can be canceled for a prorated refund. All plans also include the following benefits:
- Roadside assistance
- Lockout assistance
- Tire changes
- Battery jump-starts
- Fluid delivery
- Towing
- Rental car reimbursement up to $40 per day
- Trip interruption coverage up to $150 per day for a maximum of three days
Warranty Solutions Additional Coverage
In addition to the standard contract options described above, Warranty Solutions sells the following specialty protection plans:
- Tire and wheel
- Windshield
- Key replacement
- Dent and ding
- Interior/exterior
- Theft protection
No matter where your extended warranty needs lie, Warranty Solutions is likely to have a plan for you. There are so many available choices from Warranty Solutions that drivers may become confused or overwhelmed by the variety.
How Much Do Warranty Solutions Plans Cost?
Since Warranty Solutions won't sell directly to consumers, we were unable to contact the company for a quote. Warranty Solutions vehicle service contracts are purchased through dealerships, and the price of each plan may be negotiable.
While we were not able to contact Warranty Solutions for a quote, we found multiple customer reviews that describe how much drivers paid for coverage. One customer reported paying $2,500 for 4 Star Plus protection for 100,000 miles. The vehicle covered was a 2015 Nissan Murano with 3,400 miles. We found another driver who reported paying $2,492 for a 5 Star warranty, though the vehicle model and mileage was not specified. Other reports mentioned similar prices.
For the level of protection offered by 4 Star Plus coverage, $2,500 is a reasonable price. Based on our industry research, it’s on the lower side for similar contracts.
Factors that Affect Car Warranty Costs
While you'll likely find a competitively priced vehicle service warranty from Warranty Solutions, certain variables will change your overall price. Below, we'll list a few of the most common:
- Your vehicle’s manufacturer, age, make, and model
- The mileage on your car
- Your chosen coverage level
- The deductible on your warranty plan
Those with an extensive coverage plan or the owners of luxury or high-mileage vehicles will likely pay relatively steep rates for coverage. While many drivers consider a plan worth the cost to protect their car, it's worth keeping in mind that rates vary considerably.
Warranty Solutions Quotes and Claims
You cannot buy a Warranty Solutions extended warranty directly from the provider. Instead, you’ll need to reach out to a dealership to ask for a quote. Contracts appear to only be available at the time of vehicle purchase, though some dealerships allow drivers to add on Warranty Solutions coverage at any point before their vehicle’s factory warranty expires.
If you already have a Warranty Solutions contract and need to file a claim, you can fill out a form online or contact the company's customer service number at 800-828-1392.
Warranty Solutions Reviews
Warranty Solutions holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), though it's not accredited. On the other hand, the provider only holds a 1.0-star customer average score out of more than 25 reviews. A number of complaints mention claim denials, a fairly typical grievance against extended warranty companies.
More concerning, however, are the reports of slow communication times, lost claim submissions, difficulties contacting the claims office, and misleading advertising. If you’re considering a Warranty Solutions extended warranty, we advise that you carefully read the contract before signing on the dotted line.
Other Top Extended Car Warranty Companies
Endurance: Best Coverage
Like Warranty Solutions, Endurance is a direct provider of vehicle service contracts. Unlike Warranty Solutions, Endurance extended warranty options are consistently transparent, unambiguous, and sold directly to the consumer. Endurance has been certified by the Vehicle Protection Association and is known for reliable customer service.
Based on our assessment of every major auto warranty provider, we’ve determined that Endurance offers the Best Coverage. Endurance’s most comprehensive plan—called Supreme—provides full bumper-to-bumper coverage with very few exclusions. While this contract may cost more than other options, it provides some of the best protection on the market.
All Endurance plans include a free year of Endurance Elite Benefits. Standard perks include roadside assistance, key fob replacement, total loss protection, collision discount, tire repair and replacement, and the Endurance mobile app.
Our rating: 4.6 out of 5.0
Endurance is our pick for best coverage with its comprehensive warranty options.
CarShield: Best Value
CarShield sells six types of extended warranty plans along with coverage for vehicles with up to 300,000 miles. It's an especially good choice for high-mileage vehicles and anyone seeking powertrain coverage. Deductibles can rest as low as $0, and CarShield payment options are flexible.
While prices will vary depending on your vehicle and mileage, here are some of the costs and payment options offered while we performed research for our CarShield review.
CarShield Warranty Plan |
Term Length |
Monthly Payment |
Down Payment |
Deductible |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ford Explorer |
Diamond |
Unlimited |
$130 |
First payment |
$100 |
Dodge Caravan |
Gold |
4 years/ 48,000 miles |
$78 for 18 months |
$250 |
$100 |
Dodge Caravan |
Gold |
4 years/ 48,000 miles |
$63 for 24 months |
$150 |
$100 |
It's difficult to find a top-ranked extended warranty that comes at the affordable rates seen by CarShield. The company's customer reviews aren't the highest, but the vast majority of car owners come away satisfied with CarShield's coverage.
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.
Q & A
How do I file a claim with Warranty Solutions?
To file a claim with Warranty Solutions, contact one of the company's administrators at 800-322-3393 before having repairs done. Drivers in Florida should instead call 800-247-9469.
Can I cancel Warranty Solutions?
Warranty Solutions contracts can be canceled for a prorated refund. You may also receive a full refund in the first 60 days as long as you've filed no claims.
Does Warranty Solutions cover rental cars?
Yes, contracts from Warranty Solutions cover rental cars while repairs are being performed on your vehicle.
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.
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