Vehicle Protection Plan FAQs

Get clear answers to the most common questions about autopom! vehicle protection plans, from coverage and costs to benefits and how they work after your factory warranty expires.

General Vehicle Protection Plan Questions

A Vehicle Protection Plan refers to several types of coverage options available to protect your vehicle after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired. Often referred to as “extended warranty” plans, this includes Vehicle Service Contracts, Mechanical Breakdown Insurance, and Motor Club plans

For California residents, mechanical breakdown insurance plans are very similar to Vehicle Service Contracts you can purchase from a dealership. However, they are closely regulated by the California Department of Insurance for your protection.

The cost for vehicle protection plans will vary by several factors, including vehicle year, make, model, current mileage, your state of residence, level of protection, and how long you want coverage for.

To see what protection plans are available for you, give us a call at (800) 724-8141, or Click Here to submit a quote request.

Not necessarily. As your vehicle gets older and has more miles on it, the price for protection plans will increase, and the longest coverage terms available will decrease.

So, while your coverage may overlap with your manufacturer’s coverage, you will likely be paying less for the same amount of coverage than if you wait to buy later.

Coverage depends on the type of plan you choose, but in general, vehicle protection plans help pay for repairs to your vehicle’s major systems and components if they break down due to a covered mechanical or electrical failure. Plans include:

  • Exclusionary Plans – Most comprehensive; covers almost every component except specific exclusions (e.g., maintenance, brake pads, belts, bulbs, emissions).
  • Mid-Level Plans – Covers major systems: Engine, Transmission, Drive Axle, Steering, Brakes, A/C, Electrical; some include Suspension, Cooling, Fuel.
  • Powertrain Essentials – Covers Engine, Transmission, Drive Axle; some include A/C and basic electrical.

Compare vehicle protection plans here.

Many plans also come with valuable benefits, such as:

  • 24-Hour Roadside Assistance
  • Rental Vehicle Assistance
  • Trip Interruption Reimbursement
  • Affordable Payment Plans
Exclusionary is the most comprehensive vehicle protection plan and the most comparable to the manufacturer’s coverage. All parts of your vehicle are covered unless specifically excluded by the contract.

Alternatively, stated component plans will provide a list of covered components.

Pre-existing conditions are any mechanical or electrical issues that predate your coverage. This could include issues from prior to the purchase of the policy, or if something fails during the waiting period before the coverage kicks in. In either case, pre-existing conditions are not covered under any circumstances.
There is a standard 30-day and 1,000-mile waiting period before coverage takes effect. This is to ensure the vehicle is in good condition at the time of policy purchase.

Depending on your vehicle eligibility, there are some exceptions or alternative options to the standard, such as 60 days/500 miles,90 days/200 miles, or 30 days with no mileage requirement.

Please note, any issues that occur during the waiting period will not be covered by any vehicle protection plan.

Questions for Contract Holders

Repair facilities and dealerships are generally eager to accept the business we refer to them; however, the easiest way to check is to ask them whether they accept third-party vehicle protection plans.

In the rare case they do not, we recommend taking your vehicle to another facility to use your coverage.

The detailed instructions to file a claim are in your coverage booklet. The following is a generalized summary of the procedure:

Take your vehicle to a licensed repair facility.
Inform the service advisor that you have a coverage plan and provide them with your contract number as well as the phone number for your claims administrator. You can find this information on your wallet card and on the inside cover of the booklet.
Ensure the repair facility is aware that they need prior approval for any repairs.

Yes, most vehicle protection plans are transferable to the new owner if you sell to a private party.
All plans are cancelable at any time, and for any reason.

If you change your mind within the first 30 days of purchasing, you will receive a full refund. In some states, this period may be longer, such as 60 days.

If you cancel after the money-back period, you will still be eligible for a prorated refund. Depending on your state of residence, any claims paid may be deducted from your prorated refund amount.

Check your policy book for your lienholder contact information. It will be listed on the same page that includes the policyholder information, the covered vehicle, and the plan selected.

Alternatively, autopom! customer service representatives can assist you during our business hours of Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Pacific Time.

Still have questions?

Our licensed advisors are available to walk through any specific coverage question — for your exact vehicle and situation.

Mon–Fri: 9am–9pm PT
Sat: 8am–4pm PT

Learn More About Vehicle
Protection Plans

At autopom!, we provide more than vehicle protection – we deliver peace of mind. With 4.7 stars on Trustpilot and thousands of satisfied customers since 2010, we’re recognized for our honest, top-rated service that consistently goes the extra mile. Our goal is to help you find the perfect fit for your vehicle, lifestyle, and financial comfort.

If you have a question that you don’t see answered here, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to serving you!

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