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Tuesday, March 19th
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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