Compare Vehicle Service Contract Options
Get help understanding mechanical breakdown coverage before you choose. Compare available vehicle protection plan options, coverage levels, deductibles, exclusions, and important contract terms.
autopom! is an independent broker. We help drivers compare available options from multiple providers and understand the differences without high-pressure selling.
Breakdowns happen. They don’t have to break your budget.
A vehicle service contract can make an unexpected mechanical breakdown easier to manage by helping with the cost of eligible repairs under the contract terms.
- Repair coverage for covered mechanical or electrical failures.
- Towing and rental vehicle assistance when those benefits are included with the selected plan.
- Less back-and-forth with the repair shop because the claims administrator can work directly with the repair facility to review the diagnosis, covered repair, labor and parts.
Coverage varies by contract. Deductibles, exclusions, waiting periods, maintenance requirements and limits may apply.
Find a Coverage Level That Fits Your Needs
Vehicle service contracts can provide different levels of mechanical breakdown coverage. The right fit depends on your vehicle, mileage, budget, location, and the repairs you are most concerned about.
Exclusionary-Style Plans
- Coverage: Covers nearly all components of your vehicle except for a list of exclusions (e.g., maintenance and consumable items such as brake pads, belts and hoses, light bulbs, safety items, emissions, etc).
- Available for: Newer, lower mileage vehicles. Closest coverage to the manufacturer’s original factory warranty.
Mid-Level Plans
- Coverage: Covers listed components in major systems: Engine, Transmission, Drive Axle, Steering, Brakes, A/C and Electrical. Suspension, cooling, and fuel components are included in some plans.
- Available for: Mid-mileage vehicles.
Powertrain Plans
- Coverage: Covers listed components in Engine, Transmission and Drive Axle. A/C and basic electrical components included in some plans.
- Available for: Older, higher mileage vehicles.
Coverage varies by contract. Exclusions, deductibles, waiting periods, maintenance requirements, eligibility rules, and limits of liability may apply.
Helpful Benefits Beyond Repair Coverage
Depending on the selected vehicle protection plan, additional benefits can help make an unexpected breakdown easier to manage.
Choose Your Own Repair Shop
You may choose any repair facility for covered repairs. You can also use one of our certified partner shops listed at RepairPal.com/autopom, which are vetted for quality service and fair pricing to help provide a smoother repair experience.
Rental Vehicle Assistance
All vehicle protection plans include rental vehicle assistance for authorized repairs, helping you stay on the road while your vehicle is being serviced. Terms and conditions vary by plan; please refer to your agreement for details.
Affordable Payment Plans
We offer affordable payment plans to help with your investment.
Share your competitive quote with us and let us find a payment plan that works for you!
Car Genius Expert Advice
Car Genius gives every autopom! customer access to free pre-shop advice from former technicians and service professionals.
Get help understanding noises, warning lights, estimates, and recommended repairs before you authorize work at a repair facility.
24 Hour Roadside Assistance
Car won’t start? Need a tow? Good news! All vehicle protection plans come with 24/7 roadside assistance. Just call our toll-free 800 number.
Trip Interruption Reimbursement
If your much-anticipated trip is interrupted due to a breakdown, many plans offer reimbursement for costs of food/lodging during your trip. Terms vary by plan.
Benefit availability, reimbursement limits, eligibility, and other terms vary by plan and contract. Review your agreement for specific details.
What Is a Vehicle Service Contract?
A vehicle service contract is a separate agreement that may help with the cost of certain covered mechanical or electrical repairs after a breakdown. What is covered is determined by the specific contract you purchase.
Consumers often call this type of protection an “extended car warranty” or “extended auto warranty.” Those are common search terms, but third-party plans are typically vehicle service contracts rather than manufacturer warranties.
Before choosing a plan, review the actual contract for covered components, exclusions, deductible, waiting period, maintenance obligations, cancellation terms, and limits.
From Comparison to a Repair Request
The exact process varies by contract and administrator, but the basic path is straightforward.
Compare Options
Share your vehicle details so available plan options can be reviewed based on age, mileage, location, and eligibility.
Review the Contract
Compare covered components, exclusions, deductibles, waiting periods, maintenance requirements, and contractual limits.
Use an Eligible Repair Facility
If a breakdown occurs, follow the contract instructions and have the repair facility contact the administrator before covered work begins.
Administrator Review
The administrator determines whether the requested repair is covered under the contract terms and communicates the authorization decision.
What Should You Compare in a Vehicle Service Contract?
The lowest monthly price does not tell you how a contract will work when your vehicle needs a repair. These are the details worth comparing.
Covered Components
Which mechanical and electrical parts are specifically covered under the contract?
Exclusions
Which parts, conditions, causes of failure, or circumstances are excluded from coverage?
Deductible
What deductible applies to an authorized covered repair, and how is it assessed?
Waiting Period
When does coverage become effective, and what restrictions apply before that point?
Repair Facility Rules
What requirements apply when selecting a repair facility and obtaining authorization?
Coverage Limits
What limits of liability, labor-rate rules, parts provisions, or other contractual limits apply?
Why Drivers Compare Options Through autopom!
Our role is to help make a complicated product easier to understand before you make a decision — and to remain available afterward if questions arise.
Independent Broker
Compare available options instead of being limited to a single manufacturer warranty or one-size-fits-all offering.
Multiple Plan Options
Available choices can differ by administrator, coverage level, term, deductible, vehicle, mileage, and location.
No-Pressure Guidance
Ask questions, compare contract details, and understand what you are considering before you choose.
Customer Advocacy
If questions arise later, autopom! can help customers understand the process and communicate with the appropriate parties. Claim decisions remain with the administrator.
What Customers Value About the Experience
Selected review excerpts highlight the low-pressure, explanatory approach we want shoppers to expect.
“Their customer service is outstanding, very knowledgeable, friendly, and offers great follow up.”Michael H.
“Very professional, understanding, and thoughtful.”Linda W. · Trustpilot
“Not just looking for a quick sale.”SC Dad · Trustpilot
Questions Drivers Ask About Vehicle Service Contracts
Clear answers to the questions people commonly ask when comparing mechanical breakdown coverage.
What is a vehicle service contract?
A vehicle service contract is a separate agreement that may help pay for certain covered repairs after a mechanical breakdown. Coverage is determined by the contract terms and varies by plan.
Is a vehicle service contract the same as an extended warranty?
Not exactly. “Extended warranty” is common consumer language, but third-party protection plans are typically vehicle service contracts rather than manufacturer warranties.
What does a vehicle service contract cover?
Coverage depends on the contract. Some plans focus on major powertrain components, while broader plans may include additional covered mechanical and electrical components.
Can I get coverage for a used or higher-mileage vehicle?
Many used and higher-mileage vehicles may be eligible for coverage. Available plans depend on factors such as vehicle year, make, model, mileage, location, and administrator eligibility rules.
How much does vehicle service contract coverage cost?
Pricing varies based on the vehicle, mileage, coverage level, term, deductible, administrator, location, and selected options. Comparing the contract details is important in addition to comparing price.
Can I choose my own repair facility?
Repair-facility rules vary by contract. Review your agreement for eligibility requirements and follow its authorization procedures before repairs are performed.
What happens when my vehicle needs a repair?
Generally, the repair facility diagnoses the problem and contacts the administrator with the repair request. The administrator reviews the request under the contract terms before covered work is authorized.
Does autopom! approve or pay repair claims?
No. autopom! is an independent broker, not the claims administrator or claims decision-maker. Claims are reviewed by the administrator according to the contract terms.
Are maintenance and pre-existing problems covered?
Routine maintenance and pre-existing conditions are generally subject to contract exclusions or limitations. Review the specific contract because definitions, maintenance requirements, and exclusions vary.
What should I compare before selecting a plan?
Compare covered components, exclusions, deductible, waiting period, repair procedures, maintenance requirements, cancellation terms, administrator, and contractual limits. A coverage consultant can help explain these differences.
Ready to Compare Coverage Options?
Tell us about your vehicle and let an autopom! coverage consultant help you review available vehicle service contract options and important contract differences.
Check Coverage OptionsPrefer to talk? Call (800) 724-8141Important disclosure: autopom! is an independent broker, not a manufacturer, warranty provider, claims administrator, or claims decision-maker. Third-party plans are typically vehicle service contracts, not manufacturer warranties. Coverage, exclusions, deductibles, waiting periods, maintenance requirements, limits of liability, cancellation terms, and claims handling vary by plan, administrator, vehicle, mileage, location, and contract terms. California residents are offered mechanical breakdown insurance rather than vehicle service contracts.