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Global Warranty Review

Tuesday, March 19th

2024 Canadian Car Warranty Reviews

Global Warranty Review 3 Star Rating

Global Warranty

3 Star Rating
  • Plans include long- and short-term coverage, tire & rim protection, GAP coverage, and options for RVs
  • Coverage available for vehicles of any make, any model, any year (but only when purchased through a dealership)
  • 60-day/4000km "test drive" on warranty plans
  • Can defer plan start until manufacturer powertrain warranty expires
  • Complimentary 3-month trial of SiriusXM on all warranties
  • In business for 30+ years
  • Over 2 million customers
  • "A+" rated and accredited by the BBB

Navigating the world of car warranties can be frustrating, leaving you fielding calls from companies you've never heard of "calling you about your car's extended warranty" . Fortunately, Global Warranty, based in Ontario, has been a player in this field for over three decades. With a track record of serving over two million Canadians and a sprawling network of more than 8,000 dealerships nationwide, Global Warranty is a prominent name in the industry. However, as you consider your options for car warranty coverage, you may want to weigh the pros and cons before you sign on the dotted line here.

Autos and more can be covered here

Global Warranty offers a spectrum of auto warranty plans, ranging from RV coverage to roadside assistance. Our focus, however, is on the Ultimate Series, as it meets the needs of most Canadians searching for reliable car warranty coverage.

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New plans and coverage types

Since our last evaluation, this company has made some changes to how they structure their Ultimate car warranty plans, renaming them and switching up some of the benefits. So, if you checked out Global Warranty in the past, pay attention because you might see something new:

  • Bronze: covers listed components for the engine, transmission, differential, transfer case, auxiliary differential, turbo/supercharger, seals and gaskets, wear and tear, car rental expenses when your car is undergoing covered repairs, and trip interruption (lodging, meals, bus/taxi).
  • Silver: all of the benefits of Bronze, plus diagnostics, driveline, braking system, and electrical system.
  • Gold: all of the coverage of Bronze and Silver, plus air conditioning, fuel and injection systems, and steering systems.
  • Titanium: comes with the coverage of the first three tiers, as well as heating/cooling, suspension system, electronic modules/controls, sensors/switches, power accessories, emissions, advanced driver assistance systems, electronic high-tech (like heated seats and LCD touch screens), air bags, and hybrid/electric vehicle components.
  • Platinum: bumper-to-bumper coverage designed to be a match for your car's original manufacturer's warranty. It provides coverage for complete systems, including super high-tech/luxury items like falcon/gull wing door motors, massage/vibrating seat components, and more. If your car still has remaining OEM powertrain coverage, you can choose Global Warranty's Platinum Factory Top-Up to get comprehensive protection once more.

Add-ons can round out lower tiers of coverage

If you just want the coverage of a lower-tier package with a few of the benefits of a higher warranty plan, there are add-ons that can get that done. 24/7 roadside assistance (valid throughout Canada and the USA), diesel components, and lift kits are some of the extras you might want to consider for your car.

Pricing will vary

What does it cost? Naturally, that depends entirely on the car you're covering and where you're buying it, so you'll need to get a quote to get the details. All Global Warranty plans have a $150 standard deductible, but there's an add-on to make it a $0 deductible if you prefer.

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Some decent benefits

No matter which plan you choose, coverage here is available for all makes, models, and years. That coverage can also be deferred to start when your manufacturer powertrain warranty expires. Every tier gives you a 3-month free trial of SiriusXM satellite radio, too. And, you've got 60 days or 4000km to exchange your vehicle if you're not satisfied.

Must use an authorized repair facility

So, what's the process if you need a repair that you think is covered under your warranty? You'll need to reach out to the Global Warranty team via toll-free number during regular business hours. The claims department will identify the closest authorized repair facility, where an inspection will be done. If the terms and conditions of your coverage are met and your repair is authorized, payment will be made directly to the mechanic/shop, excluding any deductible you have or any non-covered charges.

Clients aren't 100% satisfied

Globally Warranty's reputation is still a bit of a mixed bag. Among the reviews and complaints offered by the company's customers, it's what you'll find with most car warranty providers: many people are satisfied, but there are some who feel like they didn't get what they paid for. From their perspective, repairs that ought to have been covered by their plan either didn't get paid for at all, or the reimbursement was much lower than they anticipated. It's not like a few dozen complaints is a lot for a warranty company that has covered millions of Canadians nationwide, but it's worth pointing out that not everyone is thrilled by the service here.

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Consistently good grades from the BBB

On the other hand, we're encouraged by the company's "A+" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, and that's been consistent across the years that we've evaluated this Canadian car warranty company. We've actually given Global Warranty a bump up in our own rating, specifically for having such a consistent track record with the BBB.

You can only get these warranty plans through the dealership

But, here's the final catch: you can only get coverage from Global Warranty when you purchase a vehicle from a dealership. That's why you won't find any process for getting a quote or signing up on their website. And, because the pricing is partly determined by the dealers themselves, you could pay a drastically different amount depending on where you buy your car. No wonder some customers felt that they didn't get what they paid for.

Not the best or the worst

So, if you're being offered an extended warranty at the place you're shopping for a vehicle, there's no reason to reject Global Warranty outright. They've been around a long time, and they offer multiple levels of coverage to fit your budget. However, because that's the only way to get protection, it leaves out a lot of us who might want to get coverage for a privately-bought car, or for a vehicle that still has OEM warranty remaining but it's been years since the original purchase. All of that combines to make Global Warranty "just average" on our list.

Where is the Best Place to Get a Car Warranty Plan in Canada?

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.

The Best Canadian Car Warranties Compare Canadian Car Warranties Compare Canadian Car Warranty Reviews What are the best Canadian Car Warranties Best Canadian Car Warranty Reviews

Canadian Car Warranty FAQ

There are lots of companies offering warranty coverage for your car. They work very similarly to health insurance: you'll pay more for higher coverage, some things are covered and some aren't, and your policy will have a time limit. You can shop around for auto warranty plans just like insurance, too: you don't have to go with the plans offered at the dealership.
That depends on your car and your coverage. On a new vehicle, you might pay $25/month for bumper-to-bumper coverage, but an older vehicle's premium could be three times that. You can usually pay in full or monthly, with no difference in total cost.
The cost of your auto warranty will never be cheaper than when your car is new. But, you'll want to read the terms of your plan very carefully. While warranty plans at the dealership usually start from the time the manufacturer's warranty runs out, third-party plans often start from the date you purchase them. That could mean you're paying twice for the same coverage.
Probably. Each provider sets the limit for coverage, but there are options for cars with up to 150,000 miles! Most auto warranty plans are available for cars that are 20 years old or newer.
YES! The most important part of choosing an auto warranty plan is knowing what's covered and what isn't! Even comprehensive plans don't cover items with normal wear-and-tear, like brake pads and tires. The most user-friendly plans usually give you a list of what isn't covered - and if it's not on that list, it's covered!
Sometimes, but it's usually limited to the first 30 days after the purchase date. Again, be sure to read the terms of your auto warranty plan very carefully, to avoid any unpleasant surprises when you go to use your policy for the first time.
Almost all plans let you use the mechanic of your choice. Some providers will reduce your deductible if you go to one of their network partners.
Despite all of the annoying spam phone calls you've gotten, desperately trying to contact you about the expiring warranty on your car, auto warranty plans are a real thing. And, when you choose a plan from a reputable provider, you can save thousands of dollars on car repairs.
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

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:

  • Coverage. Make sure you're crystal clear on what's covered and what's not. Opt for a plan that offers you the most coverage within your budget.
  • Service. Be aware of what you'll have to do to get repairs done. Is it required that you use an in-network mechanic, or is the repair shop of your choice fair game? Will you front the repair costs and turn in the receipts for reimbursement, or does the warranty company settle the bill directly with the mechanic?
  • Reputation. What's the word on the street as you look into customer experiences? Are claims processed smoothly? Does the provider enjoy a solid rapport with both customers and mechanics?
  • Price. How much will you pay for your auto warranty coverage? Is it a one-time lump sum or a monthly commitment? And, most importantly, how long before it kicks in - especially if your new vehicle still has a manufacturer's warranty lasting a year or more?

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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