Beware: Fake testimonials and fake comments for warranties
http://www.car-guru.us/do-you-need-an-extended-warranty-on-your-vehicle22.php?eid=Mzk=&var1=yahoo&var2=ps8&var3=3&eid=16&vid=52684891
Beware of sites like these! Look carefully at the comments. 100% in favor or auto warranties? Doubtful, as there are always a few unhappy customers. In addition it's a fact that unhappy customers are 10 times more likely to post comments than happy ones. This makes the comments section of this page statistically impossible. Look at the dates on the comments. They are within a 2 week span, but then all of a sudden comments are closed. Really? Closed comments after two weeks with nothing but 7 gloating reviews about how wonderful the extended warranty is? The page is simply an advertisement which in itself is not bad, but the fact that this company who ever they are felt the need to try and decieve people who visit the page should bring into question exactly the type of company you would be dealing with when making an exteded warranty purchase from them.
Finally none of the links work on the page. It looks like the link "Alerts and Newsletters" is highlighted. Only none of the menu items can be clicked on.
Many extended warranties come with roadside assistance but you can only use it if a "covered repair" is the reason your car is stuck...this will probably mean that when you call your extedned warranty company for roadside assistance you will end up paying out of pocket for the tow.
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Roadside Assistance Benefits |
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Motorclub of America |
| Start up fee | $0 | $19.90 each person |
| Total Annual Cost Individual | $44 | $119.40 |
| 2 Family Members | $59 or $64 | $238.80 |
| 4 Family Members | $59 or $64 | $477.60 |
| Services Per Year | 4 | Unlimited* |
| Towing |  |
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| Fuel and Fluid Delivery | |
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| Jump Start and Battery Service | |
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| Lock-Out Service | |
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| Travel Discounts | |
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| Coupons | |
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| Other Ancillary Benefits* | |
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*Please visit Motor Club of America for any updates to there plans and for a full list of ancillary benefits. We cannot be positive as to any of the statements on this comparison page since Motor Club of America does not provide contracts and terms of service until you pay for their services. We are not sure this link is the official Motor Club of America website as we cannot find one in our searches.
We have tried to look up their plans but at this moment they seem to not have one actual website. It's clear they are a multilevel marketing company but as for an actual site you can get definitive information from, we just can't seem to find one. Members of their MLM have sites of their own but we cannot find a company website at the moment.
They seem to have put out an awful lot of websites to combat fraud and ponzi scheme accusations. We have never seen such a thing from Allstate, Paragon Motor Club, AAA or any of our competitors. So do to the lack of verifyable information available as of today January 28, 2013 we cannot be absolutely sure of the claims we have made in this comparison chart.
We are in no way accusing this company of perpetrating fraud or engaging in a ponzi scheme. We only bring up the fact that in searches on the internet we have come across many sites accusing the company of these things as well as many self made websites from MCOA representatives that combat the accusations. As far as we know they just seem to be extrememly expensive. That in itself is not a crime.
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Warning! stopmyrepairbills.com
UPDATE! As of January 3, 2011 the BBB issued an official warning about www.stopmyrepairbills.com's conduct and over 200 complaints for 2010. eCarCare's initial warning was in December of 2009.
Buyer beware! www.stoprepairbills.com is a front for a company called National Dealers Warranty, Inc. Their main website is www.ndwwarranty.com You may have seen their commercials on TV or you may have gotten a letter stating your warranty is about to expire. Your best bet is to buy your warranty directly from the factory or from Warranty Direct. Warranty Direct is the only company that sells their own policies. They are an actual insurance company. Their policies are currently in approximately in 50% of dealerships nation wide.
Remember, just because it's on TV doesn't mean it's trustworthy.
BBB Rating: F BBB Complaints 2007-2009 : 403
Government Actions
On Nov. 12, 2009, Attorney General Koster filed lawsuits against six vehicle extended warranty companies, including Extended Warranty Corp.
According to Koster, the businesses marketed what appeared to be "extended auto warranties" to consumers, but actually were "service contracts" or "automotive additives." Many consumers did not realize they were not receiving auto warranties until they received the package in the mail. The companies sold the products as service contracts and auto additives with the effect of avoiding Missouri's service contract laws, which provide some minimal protection for consumers.
Customers who purchased "service contracts" often later realized the significant limits to coverage. Many contracts contain a 30 to 90 day, 1,000 mile period during which consumers cannot make claims, because that is considered a "pre-existing condition" of the vehicle. However, the extended service contract is only fully refundable within the first 30 days. Customers asked for a cancellation or refund when they discovered the provider would not pay a claim after that initial period, but were refused refunds because they were not within the 30-day cancellation timeframe. Many of the contracts have also been promoted as extending a warranty for 7 years and 100,000 miles. These companies do not tell the consumer that the coverage may be limited to the actual cash value of the vehicle. For an older, high-mileage vehicle, the coverage may soon be less than the price paid by the consumer for the contract.
For companies using the auto additive scam, customers were sent a bottle of fluid for their car's transmission, engine, or cooling system, with instructions to immediately add it to the vehicle. Customers were instructed to install the additive in order for the warranty to be valid. But they later were denied a refund and told the purchase is non-refundable if the product has been used. In effect, the companies encouraged consumers to use the fluids immediately, knowing that would nullify their opportunity for a refund. Many consumers did not request the additive and did not realize they would be sent this additive until they received the packet.
Koster said the companies marketed these products using misleading letters, postcards, and telemarketing techniques, some also in violation of Missouri's No-Call law. He said the businesses would lead consumers to mistakenly believe their current vehicle warranties were about to expire and that they would not have another opportunity to purchase an extended warranty unless they acted immediately. Many potential customers were not informed that the businesses were not affiliated with the dealership or manufacturer from whom the customers bought their vehicles.
In addition, some of the businesses sought to illegally obtain the consumer's bank account or credit card information by misrepresenting the purpose of the information. The businesses would then cause automatic charges to consumers' bank accounts or monthly charges to their credit cards without the consumers' permission or knowledge.
Koster's suits charge the businesses with unfair and deceptive practices violations. Some were also charged with violations of Missouri's No-Call law. In addition, he charged National Dealers Warranty with violation of a prior Consent Judgment and Permanent Injunction issued by the Circuit Court of St. Charles County in 2008.
Koster is asking the court to issue preliminary and permanent injunctions requiring the companies to comply with Missouri's Merchandising Practices Act; provide full restitution to victims and to the state; and pay civil penalties and court costs.
On Jan. 9, 2009, the Superintendent of Financial Institutions for British Columbia, Canada issued a cease and desist order for:
World Wide Warranties, Inc. (Missouri), and World Wide Warranties Inc. DBA Canadian Warranty Services, and The Choice - Gold Key c/o Canadian Auto Warranty Services;
Auto Warranty Protection Services, Inc. (Missouri) and Auto Warranty Protection Services Inc. DBA The Choice - Gold Key c/o Auto Warranty Protection Services; and
National Dealers Warranty Inc. (Missouri) and National Dealers Warranty Inc. DBA National Dealers Warranty
AND:
1. Rudge Gilman of Missouri, "as directing and controlling mind of World Wide Warranties Inc., Auto Warranty Protection Services Inc. and National Dealers Warranty Inc.;"
2. Mark Travis of Missouri as "directing and controlling mind of (same as above)
3. Nicholas Hamilton of Missouri (same as above);
4. Richard Brettelle of Missouri (same as above);
5. Steve Proetz of Missouri (same as above).
As part of the order, the Superintendent states that the companies and individuals were not authorized to do business in British Columbia because they did not meet any of the qualifications to do so under the province's Financial Institutions Act.
The order states that the companies listed have been providing vehicle warranty insurance in British Columbia, collecting premiums and advertising "without proper licensing and authorization" under the act.
It also states that the individuals are in non compliance with the act by "conducting unauthorized insurance business in British Columbia."
The BBB maintains a separate file for Canadian Auto Warranty Services.
National Dealers Warranty, a company that sells extended auto service contracts, agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by the Attorney General of Missouri rather than proceeding to trial in the case. In reaching the settlement, the company agreed to pay $4,955 in restitution to four customers and $25,000 to the Attorney General's Office for costs in bringing the lawsuit.
The settlement agreement also requires the company to make fundamental changes in the way that the company conducts business:
1. Informing potential customers that their current warranties are expired unless this statement is true and is followed by a disclaimer stating that this assertion does not take into consideration any extended service contracts that the potential customer may have already purchased;
2. Offering to sell motor vehicle extended service contracts to potential customers without informing them that National Dealers Warranty is not selling an extended motor vehicle warranty;
3. Offering to sell motor vehicle service contracts to potential customers without informing them that National Dealers Warranty is not affiliated with the manufacturer which produced the customers' motor vehicles or the dealers who sold the motor vehicles when they were brand new;
4. Offering to sell motor vehicle extended service contracts to potential customers without giving them, when requested, an opportunity to review the motor vehicle extended service contract form before they agree to purchase same;
5. Omitting to inform potential customers that National Dealer Warranties is merely selling motor vehicle extended service contracts on behalf of a third party who will actually be responsible for administering the motor vehicle extended service contract; and
6. Offering to sell motor vehicle extended service contracts through the use of automated telemarketing calls unless such calls are administered in full compliance with laws including, but not limited to, Do Not Call regulations and laws at the state and national level.
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eCarCare Gas Saving Tips
1. How important are vehicle gas caps?17 percent of the vehicles on U.S. highways have either misused or missing gas caps, causing 147,000,000 gallons of gas per year to vaporize into the atmosphere. (Source: Service Tech Magazine, Sept. 2000)
Vehicle conditions that cost consumers millions of dollars in wasted fuel:
- Loose or missing gas caps
- Under inflated tires
- Faulty thermostats
- Worn spark plugs
- Malfunctioning engine controls
- Poor wheel alignment
2. Make sure your tires are properly inflated for safety and better mileage!
Underinflated tires and incorrect wheel alignment can lead to conditions which increase rolling resistance. This is like driving with the parking brake not fully released, it can cost a mile or two per gallon on a car that normally delivers 20 miles per gallon. Correct tire inflation pressure is critical for good fuel economy, safety, maximum tire life and proper vehicle handling performance.
3. Tune up your vehicle!
Keeping up with regular vehicle maintenance can improve gas mileage by an average of 4.1 percent. Results may vary depending on the kind of repair and how well it is performed.
4. Replace your air filter!
An air filter clogged with dirt, dust and bugs chokes off the air and creates what is called a "rich" mixture - too much gas being burned for the amount of air, which both wastes gas and causes the engine to lose power. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent.
5. Replace Spark Plugs!
A vehicle can have either four, six or eight spark plugs, which fire as many as 3 million times every l,000 miles, resulting in a lot of heat, electrical and chemical erosion. A dirty spark plug causes misfiring and that wastes fuel. They need to be replaced regularly.
6. Some problems come from old oil, bad transmissions, and poor cooling systems.
- Dirty oil = 1 mile per gallon
- Slipping automatic transmission = 1 mile per gallon
- Cooling system thermostat that causes the engine to run too cold = 2 miles per gallon
7. Watch how you drive your vehicle!
- Avoid quick or 'jackrabbit" starts and stops.
- Aggressive driving wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent in the city.
- Observe the speed limit. Gas mileage decreases rapidly above 60 miles per hour.
- Avoid excessive idling. Idling gets 0 miles per gallon.
- Use cruise control because it helps you maintain a constant speed limit.
- Use overdrive gears because the engine speed goes down saving gas and reducing engine wear.
- Avoid carrying unneeded heavy items in your trunk. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk reduces a typical car's fuel economy by 1-2 percent.
- Use air vents to circulate air instead of air conditioning.
8. Maintenance, Maintenance, Maintenance…
Simple preventative maintenance steps that you can do to conserve energy, protect your investment, improve highway safety and benefit the environment include:
- Regularly changing your oil
- Inflating your tires properly
- Taking your vehicle for annual brake inspections
- Changing the windshield wipers
9. Whether you do it yourself or visit a professional technician, eCarCare recommends regular inspections of the following systems:
- Brakes
- Electrical and ignition
- Emission control
- Fuel
- Heating and cooling
- Steering and suspension
10. The service technician can also evaluate:
- Engine performance
- Tires
- Gauges
- Windshield wipers
- Horn
- Lights
- Mirrors
- Seat belts
- Vehicle's body
eCarCare Winterizing Your Vehicle Tips
1. Inspect your antifreeze while your engine is cold by using a tester to check the mixture for its freeze point. A 50/50 ratio means 50% distilled water and 50% antifreeze, which is sufficient in most climates, except in extreme cold.
2. Have your charging system checked for free at any Advance Auto Parts store. Cold weather starts make the vehicle’s battery work much harder.
3. Change your oil and oil filter. Clean, high quality engine oil goes a long way in protecting the motor in cold start situations. Use the oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
4. Visually inspect all lights, marker bulbs, tail lights, third level brake lights, especially headlights and driving lights. Daylight savings time requires bulbs to work longer hours.
5. Tire Tread condition.Check it yourself, or have it checked. Winter driving requires good traction in snow and ice. Quality tire tread sheds the snow, ice and road grime more quickly, providing better traction for improved safety. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially in colder temperatures. Follow the recommended PSI found on the driver’s side door post for maximum traction.
6. Visibility.Make sure that your wiper blades are in top condition, to fully clear your windshield, and back window if the vehicle is equipped. Road salt and slush can jeopardize visibility. Use washer fluid containing de-icer and Rain-X Treatment on windows to avoid the chiseling of ice early in the morning.
7. Inspect your engine’s belts and hoses. Cracked, frayed or worn out rubber won’t stand up to temperature extremes. Don’t get stranded on your next trip because of a $10.00 belt or hose!
8. Replace the Cabin Air Filter if the vehicle is equipped. Outside contaminants from Fall and Summer driving are stranded in the cabin air filter and running the heater on “high” in the extreme cold only sends the micro-particles deeper into the vehicle.
9. Protect your vehicle’s paint. Rain, snow and salt are extremely tough on paint. A tough coating of quality car wax will add another barrier in-between road grime and your vehicle’s paint.
10. Prepare a roadside emergency kit including a flashlight with fresh batteries, a blanket, food bars, water bottles, cell phone, jumper cables, flares, Fix-a-Flat, and a first aid kit.
11. Purchase Roadside Assistance.Of course this is an option that eCarCare leans toward for obvious reasons, but if you have ever been stranded with a dead battery in the bitter cold you easily find the value of such a membership.When all else fails at least you have someone to call.
]]>eCarCare General Car Care Maintenance
According to recent studies, 5% of all motor vehicle fatalities are clearly caused by automobile maintenance neglect. The following simple and inexpensive preventive checks will greatly extend the life of the vehicle, ensure safer operation and even benefit the environment.
1. Always consult your owner’s manual, but a good rule of thumb is to have the oil filter changed regularly, every 3,000 to 4,000 miles.
2. Have all fluids checked, including brake, power steering, transmission/transaxle, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze. These fluids play a large role in the safety and performance of the vehicle.
3. Check tire inflation. Under-inflated tires can result in a loss of fuel efficiency. This is the least expensive form of preventive and safety maintenance. Tires should be checked once a month.
4. Keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent.
5. Have the chassis lubricated frequently. This step extends the life of the moving components of the vehicle's suspension system.
6. Check battery cables and posts for corrosion and clean them as needed. The battery fluid should also be checked and filled if it is low, except in the case of maintenance-free batteries.
7. Have the lighting system checked frequently, including headlights, turn signals, and brake and tail lights.
8. Check windshield washer blades for cracks, tears and windshield contact. Replace them approximately once a year or sooner if streaking begins.
9. Inspect engine belts regularly. Worn belts will affect the engine performance. Look for cracks and missing sections or segments.
10. Have the air filtration system checked frequently.The air filter should be checked approximately every other oil change for clogging or damage. This system ensures that the vehicle is performing at its peak condition.
Always consult the vehicle owner's manual for individual service schedules as manufacturer maintenance requirements vary greatly.
]]>eCarCare Choosing a Mechanic/Repair Shop
Don't just drop your vehicle off at the nearest establishment or dealership and hope for the best. That's not choosing a shop, that's gambling.
1. Read your owner's manual to become familiar with your vehicle and follow the manufacturer's suggested service schedule.
2. Start shopping for a repair shop before you need a repair; you can make better decisions when you are not rushed or in a panic.
3. Ask friends and associates for recommendations; even in this high-tech era, old-fashioned word of mouth reputation is valuable.
4. Check with your local consumer organization(s) regarding the reputation of the business. Inquire about complaints and the rate of resolution of complaints.
5. If possible, arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop solely on location.
Once you choose a repair shop, start off with something small like an oil change; if you are happy with their service, then let them work on more complicated repairs.
6. Look for a neat, well organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays.
7. Professionally run establishments will have a courteous, helpful staff. The service writer should be willing to answer all of your questions.
8. Feel free to ask for the names of a few customers. Call them.
9. All policies (labor rates, guarantees, methods of payment, etc.) should be posted and/or explained to your satisfaction.
10. Ask if the shop customarily handles your vehicle make and model. Some facilities specialize.
11. Ask if the shop usually does your type of repair, especially if you need major work.
12. Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area: civic and community service awards, membership in the Better Business Bureau, customer service awards and the A.S.A.
13. Look for evidence of qualified technicians, such as trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and ASE certifications - a national standard of technician competence.
14. Keep good records; keep all paperwork.
15. Reward good service with repeat business. It is mutually beneficial to you and the shop owner to establish a relationship.
16. If the service was not all you expected, don't rush to another shop. Discuss the problem with the service manager or owner. Give the business a chance to resolve the problem. Reputable shops value customer feedback and will make a sincere effort to keep your business.
]]>Make sure you READ your CONTRACT TERMS. This is the most important part on your todo list when it comes to Roadside Assistance Coverage. Understand what is covered, how much is covered and if there are any restrictions to use. We have contract examples available when you click the "JOIN NOW" button. At the bottom of each roadside plan you will find a "READ MORE" link. Click it and you will get a drop down of the actual contract you will be signing up for.
How does the coverage work?
Some roadside assistance plans are automobile specific. This means if you are in a friend's car, your roadside service will not provide you with free towing should you breakdown in their car. Some service plans only cover you if your a certain distance from your home. This is usually the case for credit card roadside assistance or cell phone roadside assistance plans. As an example, you must be at least 10 miles away from your home before you can use the service. Some assistance plans cover limited miles. For instance AAA's Basic Roadside Assistance only covers 3 miles of towing. This is essentially a waste of money since most people have a certain mechanic they like to bring their broken vehicle's to for repairs and they are usually 5 or more miles away from where they breakdown.
Additional costs?
Some programs (credit card roadside assistance) make you pay for each call made for service. These plans provide you with a phone number and then you must charge the cost on to that particular credit card. This gives you absolutely no benefit at all as far as pricing is concerned. It is not a true membership benefit to you the card holder, but it does provide one more thing you can charge to your account.
Extended warranty roadside assistance usually only cover you in the event that "a covered part of your vehicle fails causing you to need a tow." These programs are usually a reimbursement program. Beware of the reimbursement programs. They make you pay up front for the roadside assistance and then may or may not reimburse you when you send in the paperwork. With an extended warranty coverage like this it is even worse because if your vehicle did not break down due to a covered part then you are entitled to no reimbursment.
Some services offer a dollar limit on service. For instance if your roadside assistance covers the first $100 dollars worth of towing service or flat tire services then you pay no expense until the $100 threshhold is reached. After the threshhold is reached you are then expected to pay out of pocket for anything that costs more than $100 dollars. This is one of the best plans because you know exactly what your getting. Not only do you know what your getting but your rates are lower than if you were to call a tow truck on your own which saves you money in the event that your vehicle costs more than the threshhold. Most services with the exception of a tow over 30 miles shouldn't cost you more than $100 dollars, so this plan is most beneficial to most drivers.
What is covered by my roadside assistance?
This is the most important question of all. Some roadside assistance services cover a specific vehicle and others follow the person or family member. While individual needs dictate which plan is right for your specific situation, you should know that eCarCare's Roadside Assistance gives you the option of a per vehicle roadside coverage or a per family roadside plan. Choose carefully and be sure to read what your signing up for to ensure your getting what you intended to purchase. Please go to our Roadside Assistance page to check out the details. If you are looking for roadside assistance for your commercial vehicle please go to our Commercial/Fleet Roadside Assistance page.
]]>Roadside Assistance Calls Rise
As we get closer and closer to winter, people start making more and more calls for emergency roadside service. The cold weather brings on difficult driving conditions as well as a harsh environment for your vehicle's components. Extreme cold makes everything freeze. Anyone living in the northern part of the United States knows that starting your car in the morning is almost always accompanied by a sil
ent prayer, "Please start today, I have to get to work."
Due to the tough economy many people are putting off upkeep and basic maintenance for their vehicles. It really shows up in the winter. Old thick oil clogs engine cylinders and can cause a car to not start. Old almost dead batteries always rear their ugly face in the middle of the coldest day of the winter season. Old bald tires always slip on the ice and snow creating a dangerous driving hazard for you and your passengers. Driving with low amounts of fuel in the gas tank puts strains on your fuel pump which will end up costing around $800 to fix. Not only will it cost money to replace your fuel pump but condensation will be sure to build in your gas tank. This in turn will make your engine run horribly and the water build up could freeze your fuel lines making it almost impossible to start your car. Get stuck in a snow storm with no gas and you could end up walking home in the snow or even worse freezing to death.
This winter season, you should seriously think about keeping your vehicle well maintained and your fuel tank full. In addition to this you should purchase one of eCarCare's Roadside Programs for you and your loved ones. Covering your entire family and any vehicle they own costs as little as $59 dollars for the entire year. Our mission is to provide the most affordable roadside coverage and best service in the industry.
The worst tragedies are the ones that could have been prevented. Drive safe this winter and holiday season!
According to AAA(American Automobile Association) there will be approximately 800,000 emergency service calls from December 23rd to January 2nd. Odds are you could be one of them.
Here is a breakdown of the numbers by service type:
Battery Services: 194,000
Lock Out Services: 104,000
Flat Tire Services: 95,000
Towing Services: 250,000
Fuel Delivery Services: 11,000
Extraction Services: 38,000
Remember, the best way to not get stranded this winter is with proper vehicle maintenance.
Just incase you do need emergency roadside service, remember you can always rely on the eCarCare Motor Club Membership.
Have a safe and happy holiday season!
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