Warranties again...

[chrisn6]

Hi all,

I took out a 24 month warranty with click4warranty just under 2 years ago when I bought the car, and I was only able to use it for one claim (CV joints) and I had to pay 50% of the cost (in fact slightly more because of their max labour rate). I've been fairly 'lucky' compared to some people here, but have still needed to replace a few leaking oil pipes, a window regulator, and as some of you know, a crank sensor! None of these was covered.

A quick search for other warranty companies led me to warrantyworks.co.uk. Now, because my car has more than 100K miles, there is a max payout per claim of £750. Obviously no good for when the gearbox goes, BUT they cover ALL electrical and mechanical parts!! I've been quoted £735 for 24 months and I'm considering it bearing in mind that there is NO excess, unlimited claims and NO contribution so smallish failures can be claimed for.

Does anyone here have any experience or knowledge of these guys?

Cheers,

~Chris

[imacool]

A quick search for other warranty companies led me to warrantyworks.co.uk. Now, because my car has more than 100K miles, there is a max payout per claim of £750. Obviously no good for when the gearbox goes, BUT they cover ALL electrical and mechanical parts!! I've been quoted £735 for 24 months and I'm considering it bearing in mind that there is NO excess, unlimited claims and NO contribution so smallish failures can be claimed for.

Does anyone here have any experience or knowledge of these guys?

Cheers,

~Chris

Hi Chris, I haven't heard of them. Given the negative experiences the forum members had with various warranty companies I wouldn't think these guys are any different.
Also looking at the numbers, you may be better off with the AA Breakdown Repair Cover. For your car it would be around £8-£9 a month on top of the normal breakdown cover, so about £110 a year. And you can claim up to 5 times a year, £500 limit per claim.
The only difference (if you take AA) is that it has to be a genuine breakdown, if you want to make a claim. So they won't cover a faulty electric window motor, for example. But if your battery or alternator dies,you are covered. (and if you have AA Home Start, then you are covered even if it happens at your home address)
If you want to help with the cost of possible repair, then warantyworks may be OK. But get ready for some tough negotiations which are often included in the price.

[chrisn6]

You could be right, though my experience with click4warranty was very good for the one claim that I made. They paid up within a few days which was quite shocking! Unless I find anything better, I may go for it. If you think about it, an alternator failure would almost pay for the warranty! The breakdown warranty is cheap, as you say, but doesn't cover much. I also like the fact with warrantyworks that EVERY electrical and mechanical component is covered, so I would have been able to claim for the window regulator and crank sensor, which I couldn't do with click4warranty.

~C

[Simon T]

I would save your money if I was you. The warranty company's just don't want to pay and make it harder and harder to make claims.

[chrisn6]

Of course they don't WANT to pay, but it they are covered by the FSA and you have a legitimate claim they HAVE to pay. They are even listing payments they have made https://www.warrantyworks.co.uk/whoWeAre.jsp. Looks legit.

I may take a punt...

~C

[TechNick]

Looks like they're one and the same as Autoguard Warranties Ltd and 'located' in Camberley, with all the contact details seemingly pointing at a Regus building.

Considering the age of our vehicles (and a scan of their Ts&Cs), the terms "betterment", "wear and tear" and "mechanical failure" would be the usual caveats to be wary of... as with most warranty companies, in fairness.

[chrisn6]

I just spoke to them again. There is NO wear & tear contribution, so if say the alternator fails, they will pay for the whole thing, and no contribution and no excess! It does sound too good to be true...only the £750 limit in my case because of the high mileage.

~C

[cfcdoc]

Chris, no offence my friend and you do seem like a thoroughly nice chap (cant stop thinking of harry enfield when I say that) but these companies are businesses. They have a model. The aim is to make money. They are not in existence to keep your rs6 on the road by putting their hands into their own pockets. They are in existence because they want you to put your hand in your pocket, pay them to give you the impression that they are willing to put their hands in their own pockets to keep your car on the road when deep down you know it will be your pocket, your wallet and your money when it goes pete tong.

I have had the clinic from hell so apologies if I seem curt.

P.S I am with inchcape, I`m not sure if they cover cars over 100k but at that stage, you`ll struggle to find decent cover. I would certainly suggest a slush fund as most companies in any case expect you to pay first then claim back.

[chrisn6]

No offence taken Doc! Part of me thinks I should just have a slush fund as you say, but the other part says that the warranty could easily pay itself off with two relatively small claims. Yes, of course I understand they are in business to screw us, but there is only so much they can refuse. I called Autoguard today, who deal with the claims, and they confirmed that alternator failures would be paid in full. No wear & tear contribution. My crank sensor would also have been covered. For 2 years 'peace of mind' for small to medium failures I think it could be worth it, especially as my car is at that age and mileage where many of these smallish issues are likely to arise...

Have a great weekend ladies & gents!

~C

[Gripper1]

I'm in a similar position to yourself as mine is over 100K miles too.

I've gone down the route of the AA cover for breakdown, parts and labour upto £500 which should cover a lot of the stuff I really can't be bothered tackling myself. If it's more than £500 it will at least take a fair chunk out of the total bill.

Niggly stuff like slow windows/inoperative switches I quite enjoy sorting out it's just the heavy under the car/hanging over the engine stuff that doesn't appeal to me anymore.

For the big one, well I'll put what I save on not paying for a warranty away for when the gearbox gives up. Bit of a gamble, but then so it seems is trying to put a claim in with some of the warranty providers.

[bilko1]

I have the AA breakdown repair cover and so far they have paid for alternator, battery and a large chunk of the gearbox replacement. Afaik the only proper warranties worth buying are Audi and Inchscape from people views on this forum. Warranty direct promised me the earth when i signed up then refused to cover my engine after an inspection. This was due to the common cold start rattle caused by the tappets and cam chain tensioners. They gave me a full refund after i kicked off.

[chrisn6]

Thanks for the info guys. I'm now considering the AA warranty! Will check it out properly.

Cheers,

~C

[skirs6]

Ah the warranty dilemma I went through all the same 6 months ago car came with Audi extended which I think is probably the best but then it should be for £1400 a year.
I opted for Warranty Direct £750 ish plus £70 inspection fee, mainly for gear box and DRC.
Had the cam belt changed and thought I would get the water pump changed at the same time. On removal the bolts sheared and had to be drilled out. Cost an extra £250. I thought I would give it a punt as it may only be a small part but they failed along with my claim. Their answer “If the pump had not been changed and had subsequently failed they would cover the cost in full as I have no access. As it was only the bolts and not a specific part “Not covered”
They did send me a nice letter confirming they would pay nothing.
I considered the slush fund however I know I would spend it on something else

[chunky79]

Think Audi warranty is the only one to have. I have a slush found.

[Mr V10]

*fund