If you are planning to purchase a car soon, you will likely be offered an opportunity to purchase an auto service contract. After shelling out big bucks for your car, you might be reluctant to add an additional fee to your bill – especially if you are purchasing a vehicle still under warranty, you might think that there is no value in getting a service contract. However, as the experts like Omega Auto Care can tell you, there are benefits to auto service contracts that your warranty probably doesn’t cover which make them well worth the investment.
Roadside Assistance
Getting stranded by the side of the road is never a fun experience, and it can be costly to get towed or roadside assistance. However, some auto service contracts include coverage for things like flat tires, towing, fluid replacements, and more. They can also provide help with lockout services and provide replacement keys if you get stuck!
Rental Car Reimbursement
While warranties will cover repairs to your vehicle, you can still find yourself out of pocket if you need to rent a vehicle while yours is in the shop. Some auto service contracts will reimburse you for these costs up to a daily limit. Some plans make this even easier by arranging for direct payment to the rental company so you are not out of pocket.
Accommodation Reimbursement
If you break down and find yourself far from home with no way to get back, or end up having to wait a few days while the local auto shop orders in a part, you can end up out of pocket for hotel and other expenses. Some auto service contracts will reimburse you for these costs, up to a daily maximum.
Road Hazards
Ideally, when you see something on the road ahead you are able to stop or swerve to avoid it, but sometimes this just isn’t possible and you end up with one or more flat tires. In this instance some auto service contracts provide reimbursements for the costs of repairing or replacing tires. If you blow out all four, this can be a significant savings.
Of course, not every auto service contract will necessarily include all of these features, so it is always a good idea to ask for the specific benefits included in the contract you are considering. Make sure that you understand the limitations and caps on service – you may be allowed a certain number of claims per year, or have reimbursements subject to ceilings. Also, make sure that you know about any deductibles that must be paid. With this information in mind, you can make in informed decision about whether an auto service contract is right for you.
