Just got Warranty Direct for 48/mnth

[dsearle]

I'd heard good things about Warranty Direct and dicided to go on their website a few days ago. I got a quote for 680 pounds for my B6 S4 '04 plate. This morning I received a phone call offering me the same warranty but for 580.

I wasn't really looking out for it so held off snapping his hand off and then he offered me 12 monthly installments at no extra cost and I can cancel the warranty at anytime.

What do you think? A good deal? I'm pretty new to Car warranties but this sounded like a good deal to me.

I have 14 days to refuse the warranty, however unless I get some bad writeups on this board I think I'll stick with it.

Cheers,

Dave

[S4INT]

Sounds reasonable, however check the limit per claim amount. From memory, when I looked at getting one for my B5 RS4, it was £2500, which wouldn't have been enough for a pair of new turbos, or a gearbox etc. I think they were only allowing one claim per year as well.

Just worth checking the small print.

[JonnyX]

Personally, I think it's better to maintain a slush fund than buy insurance. Depends what you think the
risks are. What is likely to go wrong on your car that requires a warranty and would this cost more than
580 per year? These warranties normally have hefty restrictions on labour rates etc.

[TopBear]

You will find lots of info on here and around the various car forums regarding Warranty Direct as well as those like them.

I had a warranty with WD last year, and made a claim for the replacement of the worn camshafts on my RS4. It was declined. I formally complained and appealed against their decision. It was declined again. I then escalated my complaint to their underwriters. Only then was it resolved.

From memory their T&C's state that your not covered for the 1st 3 months, (to mitigate them from paying out for pre-existing faults). The claim limit is also 5K as well.

Also, and more importantly, you have to pay a premium to not have your car fixed at the local tyre fitter's as well. So if you want Audi to fix your car or a specialist of your choice, my advice is to upgrade the cover

[Blue_Thunder]

I had a policy out with Warranty Direct for my S4. When my K03's died, they would only offer refurbed ones, but after a bit of negotiation they said they pay £x00 towards a set of my choice(can't remember now), although they would not be covered in the event of a further failure. They did pay out, although it did take a long time to get the inspectors out, fill in all the paperwork, then get the claim paid. Think I was without my car for over 3 months... the first time!

Oh, and they wouldn't pay out for other issues identified after the engine had been pulled like rocker gasket covers, etc.

[alastairg]

They wil always try to get out of any claim. Just put the money aside instead.

[dhali]

A friend is trying to claim with these guys for the dreaded 1st/2nd gear synchro problems . Car has been taken to a independent specialist who has confirmed the problem. Apparantly warranty direct are insisting that HE PAY first, and if on inspection they find any abnormalities they will NOT cover it. Thats sounds to me they will try and get out of it?? Also where is one supposed to stump up the best part of £1800-£2000 first? I thought the WHOLE point of these warranties is that they cover the cost with the garage. Also they asked if he was still driving the car, and if there is a failure now it will not be covered as the fault has been declared and the milage logged.

[TopBear]

I'm truly amazed that this company is still trading given the amount of people whom complain about the service they provide (and I count myself in this group)

[am8631]

I wouldnt bother with them. Plus as soon as you modify your car they will not cover it - at least thats what they told me a few years ago. As others have said, put a little money aside each month for the 'Audi fund' .

[alastairg]

I'm truly amazed that this company is still trading given the amount of people whom complain about the service they provide (and I count myself in this group)

I suspect they survive as most will not claim over the limited periods they offer

[Iain_S4]

When I had my B5 S4 I took out a 2 year warranty early 2004 for about £600+. For the first 2 years it was great. Had lots of work done (more than the warranty cost) without issue, although none of it was as high value as turbo or gearbox replacement. Didn't pay the premium to use a dealer as I used an independant Audi/VW specialist who are better than the local dealer - no issues from WD to use them.

I got the warranty for peace of mind over big bills related to turbos and gearbox issues that I had read about. It never happened but the cost was offset by getting a few other smaller jobs done - several front suspension links, leaking seam on one intercooler.....

When the 2 years were up it was too expensive to renew and I wasn't going to bother until they reduced their offer and made it by installments. I thought I was rolling over exactly the same cover as before but they made some changes without making it clear. It was only when I went to make a claim for a front suspension link again and it was declined that I found out.

Some good experiences for the first 2 years, shame it was spoiled by the 3rd year.

As much as I would have been p****d off if I had had to pay for initial investigation work in the event of a gearbox or turbo failure, I would be paying for it anyway if I didn't have the warranty.

[West29]

I have no idea how they handle claims but I was impressed by the Tesco plan http://tinyurl.com/tescomotorwarranty. I used it to beat Warranty Direct into an almost like for like match preferring them mostly because of Honest John's comments. Seeing the general opinion above, I feel like I might have been better with Tesco. Ho hum.

I agree with the slush fund comment once you know your car. Unless you really know your stuff though and are confident that you spotted all the gotchas, I think that a warranty (especially for £419) may be good insurance in the first year.

[Rupert]

^^ Tesco won't cover any Audis apart from A2, A3, and A4 4-cylinder models.

[graemep]

Warranty Direct lost any hope of me returning as a customer when they sent out a renewal reminder designed to look like a final demand bill.

Prefer the slush fund approach now.

[mbelle]

^^ Tesco won't cover any Audis apart from A2, A3, and A4 4-cylinder models.

They will... I was quoted £259 for my RS. Entered my reg and it identified my car...

It'll be listed as a Prestige car.