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Whether you're buying a brand new car or a gently used resale, the prospect of an extended warranty plan may be on your radar. An extended warranty could be a shrewd financial decision, to help you have a cushion against the inevitable costs of future repairs.
Are extended warranties worth the investment? From a reputable company, absolutely. We've all experienced the frustration of a major malfunction just as the manufacturer's coverage runs out - or, even worse, a mere few days after driving that "as-is" car off the used car lot.
Wednesday, March 26th
Ensurall, a reputable family-owned Canadian business with nearly 50 years of experience, has consistently protected car owners from substantial repair costs. With three comprehensive plans - Powertrain Plus, Essential Components, and Fully Loaded Coverage - Ensurall offers fantastic coverage for cars under 10 years old, allowing even better coverage without per-claim maximums on vehicles under 6 years. While still not offered to residents of British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, Ensurall stands out in customer satisfaction. Glowing reviews from loyal clients attest to the reliability, transparency, and overall value of Ensurall's policies, solidifying its position as the top choice among Canada's car warranty options.
AutoPair, despite being a "newer-comer” in the Canadian car warranty sector, has quickly risen in our rankings with an "A-" BBB rating, accreditation, and numerous 5-star customer reviews. Offering three plans priced from $1,299 to $2,599, AutoPair provides transparent, no-quote-needed pricing for dealership-level coverage. Plans like Standard, The Works, and The Works Plus offer 2 to 4 years of coverage, no deductibles, and a 30-day/1500km waiting period. While surcharges apply to claims on "premium" or "exotic" class vehicles, the absence of deductibles is a big advantage. AutoPair's customer-friendly approach allows you to choose any mechanic, and quick claim resolution within 12-24 hours underscores its commitment to hassle-free service. With its transparent pricing and positive customer feedback, AutoPair receives an excellent rating here, solidifying its position as a reliable auto warranty provider in Canada.
Obvi provides warranty coverage for most vehicles up to 10 years old and under 200,000 km. With three mileage-based plans - the Powertrain Plus, Elite and Premium - each tailored to specific odometer ranges, you can choose any mechanic and enjoy a straightforward claims process with no more than a $100 deductible per claim. However, Obvi's service area is still limited to vehicles in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Despite this, the company has earned an "A+" rating and accreditation from the BBB, with a stellar reputation in just a few years of operation. While the limited service area may be a drawback, Obvi's potential for expansion and hassle-free approach make it a recommended choice among Canadian car warranty plans.
Olive is a more recent entry among providers of car warranty plans in Canada, but that hasn't stopped the company from earning a strong reputation (including an "A” rating from the BBB). There's no 30-day waiting period on coverage, and you can choose from three tiers of protection. However, because Olive isn't available nationwide and covered vehicles have to be newer than 10 years old, many Canadians won't be able to use this service for auto warranties.
Global Warranty, headquartered in Ontario, has been a key player in the car warranty industry for over 30 years, serving more than two million Canadians through a vast network of 8,000 dealerships nationwide. The Bronze to Platinum plans in their Ultimate series encompass everything from powertrain components to bumper-to-bumper coverage, with additional add-ons available if you need specific benefits. However, Global Warranty's coverage is exclusively accessible through dealership vehicle purchases, limiting options for those with privately-bought vehicles. Despite an "A+" rating and accreditation from the BBB, these factors contribute to Global Warranty being considered "just average" in the realm of Canadian car warranty providers.
GuardTree takes a slightly different approach to car warranties, with a focus on monthly subscription plans and the eco-friendly benefit of applying part of your premiums to offset your vehicle's CO2 emissions. Monthly premiums range from $49.95 to $85.95, with deductibles of $100, $250, or $500 per claim, and claim limits of $2,500 or $5,000 per repair. The coverage includes roadside assistance, car rental benefits, and trip interruption benefits. Despite these positive aspects, GuardTree's service is limited to Ontario, with eligibility criteria for cars within 13 model years and under 200,000km, and some luxury brands not qualifying.
With over a million vehicles covered between Canada and the US since 2005, CarShield offers two main warranty plans: the New Car Diamond and the Gold. While promising customized options and a money-back guarantee, the process involves waiting for a representative to contact you with a quote. Customer reviews raise concerns about mechanics refusing to work with CarShield, and the BBB gives it a concerning "D" rating, citing issues with denied claims, extended repair times, and subpar customer service. CarShield's overall rating remains at a disappointing score (and we'd say even that's generous).
But here's a nugget of wisdom: buying the extended warranty directly from the dealer might not be your savviest move. Dealers often slap on hefty mark-ups, and their coverage might not be as comprehensive or flexible as you'd like. Fortunately, Canada boasts several reputable auto warranty companies, providing stellar coverage at competitive prices.
Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of what these extended warranty plans entail. Similar to car insurance, these plans range from covering just the major systems, like the powertrain, to offering comprehensive bumper-to-bumper protection, excluding only normal wear and tear. So, while they'll handle your in-dash electronics going haywire, don't expect them to foot the bill for your fresh set of brakes or wiper blades.
As you embark on the quest to find the ideal car warranty plan in Canada, keep these essential factors top of mind to guide your decision-making:
For a comprehensive rundown of your options in the Canadian car warranty marketplace, check out the reviews here at Top Consumer Reviews. Our experts have meticulously reviewed and ranked the best choices, arming you with the knowledge to pick the perfect plan for your vehicle. We're confident that your chosen warranty plan will provide the peace of mind that accompanies knowing you're covered when the unexpected road bumps appear!
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