Vehicle protection plans are sometimes referred to as manufacturer’s warranties, but they’re different. Manufacturers only offer warranties, while auto dealerships and other third parties offer vehicle protection plans.
They differ from auto insurance policies because they protect vehicles from theft, vandalism, auto accidents, and other liabilities. On the other hand, a vehicle protection plan covers repairs and maintenance, which an auto insurance policy may not cover.
Red Shield Administration offers vehicle protection plans to fill the coverage gap left by manufacturer warranties and auto insurance policies.
Manufacturer Warranties Explained
When a new vehicle is sold to a customer, the manufacturer offers a warranty on parts. The manufacturer’s warranty guarantees that the vehicle and each of its components will not malfunction or misbehave in any way during the warranty period.
In case of parts or defects failure, the manufacturer undertakes to replace the component free of charge or even replace the vehicle. Manufacturer warranties usually cover everything under the hood, the powertrain, and some electrical parts.
These warranties are usually limited in that they are valid for only a limited period. This can be five years or thereabouts. Auto manufacturers usually strive to offer warranties covering at least 30,000 miles or three years, whichever comes first.
When the manufacturer warranty expires, a coverage gap is created. Insurance policies cannot fill this coverage gap, so an additional vehicle protection plan is required. It is important to note that these plans fill the coverage gap left by an expired manufacturer warranty.
Vehicle Protection Plans Explained
While some people usually refer to these plans as manufacturer’s warranties, they are different. These are vehicle protection plans purchased by consumers to get peace of mind. They cover maintenance and repairs within a given period.
A person can have both a manufacturer warranty and a vehicle protection plan. The latter will provide coverage for items not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
What a Vehicle Protection Plan Covers
Almost all the vehicle service contracts offered by Red Shield Administration provide roadside assistance when the vehicle malfunctions on the road.
They also offer reimbursement for rental car hire costs when the car is in the repair shop. They also offer auto repairs, lifetime oil changes, and wheel changes, among other things.
The Cost of a Vehicle Protection Plan
Many factors can affect the cost of a vehicle protection plan. For starters, the make and model of a car have a massive impact on the cost. High-end or exotic cars usually cost more than the average everyday brand.
Secondly, the type of vehicle in question, whether new or used, impacts the cost. New vehicles are cheaper to cover because they already have a manufacturer warranty, and they rarely break down.
Used vehicles can easily malfunction, so they cost more to cover. The type and extent of coverage offered by a plan also affect coverage cost.
Lastly, the duration of the vehicle protection plan can affect the cost of a vehicle service contract. Most plans cost less than $1,000, and the amount is usually paid up front.
Filing a Claim
Red Shield Administration offers a wide range of vehicle protection plans to match the needs of different types of clients. Policyholders can file their claims online through the company’s website.
You will have to pay a deductible to get auto repairs. Be sure to look through the list of auto repair shops that have partnered with the company and pick the nearest shop. The following are steps to follow when filing a claim.
Step 1: Visit the Red Shield Website
When your vehicle breaks down by the roadside or needs maintenance, you should first visit the Red Shield Administration website. Next, click on the “File a Claim” tab. This will open an online claims form.
Step 2: Fill out the Online Claims Form
Once the online claims form opens up, you will need to accurately enter all the required information. Look through the form to ensure all the details provided are accurate.
Step 3: Submit the Form
After filling out the form, click on the submit button. You’ll get a notification after your claim has been received. A member of staff will be notified immediately. Keep your phone on to ensure they can reach you.
Step 4: Claim Approval
Most claims can be approved online or over the phone within a few minutes. Red Shield Administration guarantees claim approval within 24 hours.
The company will reimburse all expenses incurred due to the vehicle breakdown.
What to Look for in a Vehicle Protection Plan
When searching for a suitable vehicle service contract, you need to check the coverage provided by the policy to ensure it is not redundant.
You don’t want to pay for a vehicle protection plan with the same coverage as your insurance policy and manufacturer warranty. Ideally, the service contract should fill gaps in coverage and a vehicle protection plan from Red Shield Administration will do just that.
The ideal plan should be transferable. This is because you may want to sell the vehicle. A transferrable service contract will increase the resale value of the vehicle.
Be sure to check the list of service centers and repair shops where you can take your vehicle for repairs or maintenance services. Ideally, the contract should allow you to continue using your preferred vehicle service center.
