1. Implying they represent the manufacturer of the vehicle. Many extended service contract companies imply that they are offering you an “extended auto warranty” – as if they represent the manufacturer of the vehicle. Unless explicitly stated, (With evidence to verify) this is simply not the case. Many innocent shoppers fall victim to this practice as they are misled into purchasing one thing, when in reality they are getting another.

In contrast, US Auto Protection discloses exactly what it is we offer, and what level of protection to expect. Our policies are offered for all major manufacturers and can be used at your local dealership for repairs. These policies are administered by A-Rated companies.

2. Disclosing coverage without disclosing what is not covered. You’ve likely seen this technique before. Everyone likes to talk about what is covered, but rarely do you hear any chat about what is not. In fact, the only way most consumers find out what is not covered within their policy is to review the paperwork with a fine tooth comb and magnifying glass! (After they’ve received the policy)

Frankly, we find this type of “buy now, tell you what you’re getting later” approach to sales to be distasteful. We are not afraid to to disclose everything that is, and is not covered in your policy.  We offer only the highest level of protection for every customer, and more options than most competitors. The bottom line is that if it’s available, we will have it.You can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing all the facts before you make a decision.

Want to have a closer look at those facts we just talked about? Have a look to the right. Fill in the short form, and we will give you all the details you like on available extended protection plans for your vehicle.

See, the article I was reading detailed a new way auto repair shops are jacking up the costs to unsuspecting consumers. They call it “Jive Talk.” Goofy sounding term to be sure, but the impact this ‘technique’ can have on your wallet is anything but ‘goofy.’

Here’s how it works: Let’s say you need some relatively minor repairs. You head out to the local repair shop, drop the car off, and return later to what will hopefully be a minor problem that’s been fixed.

Let’s say the problem was a rebuild of a transmission component that should cost about 750 – 850.00… The repair tech works up a list of what was done to the vehicle, but instead of the normal itemization that would be 8 – 10 items long, you’re assaulted with a 3 page report that lists 30 – 40 line items!

Wow! Bet you didn’t know there were so many things wrong with your car right? Of course, the price is now double, or even triple what is “usual” – But you, the consumer are stuck paying the bill thinking all this extra work was needed.

In reality, all that has happened is the tech listed all the fine details, and threw in some industry jargon to make it seem like all sorts of complications had to be taken care of…

Unless you’re intimately familiar with modern auto repair, how could you be expected to know the difference? It’s sad that in today’s day and age you have to be mindful of such tactics, but at least now you’re clued in as to what’s been happening.

If you don’t mind me saying, this is yet another example of how extended automobile service contracts can protect you as a consumer. Even if “jive talking” is involved, we’re the ones paying the bill, not you…

We’ve compiled a list of the typical repair costs for a vehicle in the U.S., as well as a list of the most unreliable (Read as: “At Risk”) vehicles for 2007 – 2009. Here you go:

Typical auto repair prices:
Mechanic’s hourly rate      $105/hour
Engine Rebuild     $2600
Engine Replacement     $3900
Transmission Rebuild     $1600
Transmission Replacement     $3400
Power Steering     $875
Air Conditioning     $925
Fuel Injectors     $960
Water Pump     $560
Fuel Pump     $535
CV Joints     $410
ABS Brake Module     $1380
Electronic Control Unit     $1125
Suspension     $630
Power Seat     $510
Cruise Control Module     $550
Power Window     $375

Wow! That’s no fun! But what are the chances of something going wrong? Well you know us. We like to give you the facts, and let you draw your own conclusions.  Sources: CNN Money

Chevrolet Cobalt -2006 Nissan Sentra – Volkswagen Jetta – Chevrolet Aveo – Volkswagen Passat – Jaguar X-type

Chrysler 300 (V8) – Saab 9-3 – Kia Sportage – Buick Terraza – Chevrolet Uplander – Saturn Relay – Nissan Quest

Nissan Titan – Ford F-250 (diesel) – Dodge Dakota (4WD) – 2006 Cadillac Escalade EX

Now this list is just a small sampling of what was available. The CNN Money article we found this list from did list far more vehicles, and also took the time to separate the vehicles into categories such as “economy car,” or “SUV” etc. But the point I wanted to make with this article is that breakdowns are a fact of life.

You need to be aware of the risks regardless of what you drive. The average repair costs listed above can add up very quickly. Driving a vehicle fr 3 – 5 years also adds up, as many breakdowns are caused from normal wear and tear. So what advice can we offer? Take a look at the way you use your car. How many miles do you drive in a given month, or even year?

What sort of conditions will the vehicle be subjected to? Hot weather? Cold? Rain and/or snow? All of these temperature changes and conditions can take a toll on the vehicle. We’re here to offer you an opportunity to reduce that risk. What if you could have your vehicle towed, repaired, and in most cases even enjoy a rental while passing off the bill to us?

Find out how by filling in the short form to your right. We’ll get you a quote quickly. You may also contact us direct at: 800-474-4716.

So what’s changed? Why are cars so difficult to maintain and repair these days? With seemingly simple tasks such as changing a headlight, or replacing a muffler  running into the hundreds of dollars, what is driving up these costs?

Greater demands are placed on modern vehicles to meet ever strict pollution, safety, and fuel efficiency requirements. This means that more expensive and even exotic materials are often used to keep the weight down without compromising safety.

Add to this the fact that consumers demand more comfort and entertainment in their vehicles than ever before. GPS Navigation systems, BlueTooth, CD Changers, and more have become standard options in even the lower priced models. Most cars also now offer air-bags strategically located through the vehicle to protect all occupants.

All of this comes at a price. And that price is complexity. The more complex the vehicle, the more time it will take to repair is the general rule of thumb. Most consumers consider this a small price to pay for extra safety, enjoyment, and fuel efficiency at the pump. But why pay at all when you can have us pay when the time comes?

This is our job. To supply you with extended automobile protection that keeps you covered whenever your car decides to try your patience. It happens to everyone! You’ll be glad to have us by your side when you find yourself stranded on the side of the road, or even worse – Standing at the cash register with a hefty repair bill to pay!

You don’t have to make a decision right this second. You need to know all the details first right? Well even that is simple when working with US Auto Protection – Simply take 60 seconds to fill in the short form to the right, and we’ll go to work finding the best coverage for your situation. We go to work for you.

If you prefer to speak with someone live, you may also reach our friendly staff at: 800-474-4716.

- In the U.S. there has been a documented 125% increase in revenue streams being driven through the Service Department of new and used car dealers (Repair shop)

-  The AAIA reports that consumers pay upwards of 11.7 billion dealers more than they should annually due to rising costs at auto dealerships. An estimated 34.3% higher price tag to independent shops

- The #1 cause of consumer credit car debt is auto repairs

- Labor rates have risen 60% in the last 5 years alone, and continue to rise

- Many repair shops now charge $100 or more per hour for labor and are expected to top $150 per hour

Some of those bullet points are kind of scary aren’t they? The fact of the matter is that owning a car can be quite costly. Sure, cars have increased their engine reliability for the most part since say, the 1980’s, but there’s something else going on here that counter-acts the engine reliability increase over the past few decades…

Complexity.  Cars of today are kind of like desktop computers on wheels. (With a more comfy seat) Your average car on the road these days has features built into them that cars of the 80’s could only dream of. Most vehicles, including economy cars, have “brains” that can perform millions and even tens of millions of calculations per second.

This complexity comes at a price – More stuff to break down, and more difficult to fix! This is why costs continue to rise, even though vehicles of today have engines that are more reliable than in the past. Makes sense doesn’t it? That’s what U.S. Auto Protection is all about – Finding extended auto protection that “makes sense” for you. You’ll find that we’re very straight forward and easy to deal with. If we can’t get you the peace of mind that you seek, then we’ll come right out and tell you. How about getting one of our famous free, no obligation quotes?

Simply fill in the short form to the right, and we’ll have some numbers for you quickly! You may also reach us direct if you’d like to chat live: 800-474-4716

MYTH – Shop for the cheapest price; All contracts are the same

FACT – This myth is easy to disprove. Imagine shopping for a used car and buying the cheapest vehicle you can find regardless of make, model, or condition.You’d never think of shopping this way would you? Cheapest does not equal “good value” as some used vehicles can be purchased for $1,000 or less, but they are “cheap” for a reason.

The same applies to your extended service contract. There are literally hundreds of types of service contracts. The only way to know if your needs are being met is to review and compare the  contracts. Thankfully, US Auto Protection helps you accomplish this without much effort.

Here is a list of what we call “Deal Breaker” language to watch for in contracts. Run, don’t walk away if you find such language in the contract you are considering:

- Parts may be used or recycled
- Gradual reduction in operating performance not covered – These contracts require you to adhere to an overly strict maintenance requirement that can triple your costs to maintain the vehicle
- Any covered part that has not failed (you should have coverage on parts that fail too). Items such as gaskets and seals can “leak” or “seep” – You do want those covered right?

MYTH – A “mechanical breakdown” warranty is the same as a “wear and tear” warranty

FACT – Many consumers fall for this myth as the language can be tricky. Wear and tear contracts offer a higher level of protection. While a mechanical breakdown contract covers you in the event of mechanical defects, or “workmanship, a wear and tear contract will offer coverage on parts that wear out over time. If your vehicle is driven frequently, this coverage can be more and more important for you to consider.

MYTH – I don’t need to buy an extended vehicle protection plan until my manufacturer’s warranty expires.

FACT – While this may sound reasonable up front, the truth is that you are not buying double coverage.Add to this the fact that the newer the vehicle, the lower your costs will be. As costs go up from year to year, purchasing an extended auto protection plan now will serve to lock in your lower rates while also providing you with peace of mind.

As you can see, there is no shortage of well intentioned “advice” out there. Unfortunately, this advice usually amounts to little more than an opinion, or someone repeating something they heard from a “friend of a friend.” Really, the only way for you to know if an extended auto protection plan is going to serve your needs, is to find out for yourself by getting a free personalized quote.(Which you can do by filling in the form to the right)

Let’s look at it this way. Have you ever went to see a movie that your friends told you was great, only to walk away disappointed? Or have you ever had the opposite happen, where someone said the movie was terrible, and you really enjoyed it? The lesson here is that there is no substitute for first hand experience – Getting all the facts.

There is zero risk to you, as a quote is just that – A no obligation, low pressure fact finding mission. We look forward to helping you get the answers as well as the peace of mind that you seek. 800-474-4716.