Mechanics Choice Review
Mechanics Choice keeps car warranty options simple with three vehicle service contracts that include great benefits like roadside assistance at no additional cost. Regardless of whether you own a new car or an older vehicle, Mechanics Choice offers protection against mechanical failure and is accepted nationwide at licensed repair facilities rather than just a few select repair shops. Covered repair services are only subject to the plan’s deductible, so you don’t pay the entire bill if your vehicle breaks down. Considering that a recent AAA study found that nearly one out of three Americans said that they couldn’t afford to pay a $500 to $600 car repair bill without going into debt, a car warranty, also known as a vehicle service contract, makes sound financial sense.
Pros
- Three plans with varying levels of coverage for cars up to 15 years old
- High scores from trusted reviewers
- Roadside Assistance, Road Hazard Coverage for Tires, Rental Car Reimbursement and Trip Interruption included with every plan
Cons
- You must keep all vehicle repair and maintenance records to maintain coverage
Mechanics Choice Car Warranties
Mechanics Choice offers three extended warranty plans with varying levels of coverage. The age of your vehicle and the mileage on the odometer determine the warranties you are eligible to purchase, and you can add optional coverage for factory-installed navigation systems to the New Exclusionary and Used Stated Coverage packages. Sample contracts for each plan can be found on the Mechanics Choice website, where you can read the details.
| Plan | Vehicle Age/Mileage | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| New Exclusionary Comprehensive |
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All assemblies and parts, excluding those listed in the contract. Examples of exclusions are regular maintenance and body damage |
| Used Stated Coverage Primary Systems |
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Most major component systems such as transmission, engine, suspension |
| Powertrain Protection Basic Yet Powerful |
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Engine, transmission, transfer case and drive axles. There are two options for additional powertrain coverage as well |
Keep in mind, exclusions come with each car warranty plan. The sample contracts published on the Mechanics Choice website thoroughly define what is and is not covered in each warranty. Read the entire contract when you receive it, so you know the specific covered parts and systems. If you decide the exclusions outweigh the benefits, you can cancel the plan. Cost of repairs cannot exceed the value of your vehicle.
How To Submit A Claim With Mechanics Choice
Mechanics Choice must authorize repairs to your vehicle. The claims department hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. CST on Saturdays. You need to keep a copy of Mechanics Choice contract in your vehicle at all times because you will need it if your car breaks down. Also, remember to keep your repair and maintenance records organized. You may need them to ensure continued coverage.
For mechanical breakdowns, follow these steps:
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Use all reasonable means to keep your vehicle from receiving any additional damage. You may need to pull over and call for roadside assistance and a tow from the two services listed on your contract.
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Take your car to a licensed repair shop of your choice and have them call the number on your contract before they start any repairs.
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Have the auto repair shop diagnose the problem and then call Mechanics Choice’s claims department to authorize your claim. Authorization from Mechanics Choice is strictly required before any repairs begin.
Mechanics Choice Costs and Warranty Benefits
Regardless of the warranty, Mechanics Choice provides the four additional benefits listed below at no charge to all customers.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Roadside Assistance | Roadside assistance through United States Auto Club is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Includes jump starts, towing, lockout service and more. No reimbursement for other roadside assistance providers |
| Road Hazard Coverage/Tire Repair | Pays up to $20 for tire repair. If the tire is beyond repair, Mechanics Choice pays up to $100 per tire to replace, per occurrence. Benefit caps at $400 |
| Rental Car Reimbursement | Pays $25 to $30 per day to reduce the cost of a rental car. Maximum $125 to $150 per occurrence. Coverage and maximums depend on your plan |
| Trip Interruption | If your vehicle breaks down at least 100 miles from home and can’t be repaired the same day, the trip interruption benefit reimburses up to $75 per day for a hotel and meals. Maximum three days |
Mechanics Choice Complaints
Many Mechanics Choice reviews refer to the Omega Auto Care car warranties offered by the company, and those reviews on ConsumerAffairs are mostly positive with nearly all customers rating the company a 5 out of 5 stars. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) gives Mechanics Choice an “A+” rating, and the company is BBB-approved. Many customers left high ratings and positive reviews with the BBB as well.
Complaints surrounding warranties offered by Mechanics Choice revolve mostly around customers having to pay more than they thought they should have.
Mechanics Choice FAQ
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Why do I need a Mechanics Choice extended car warranty?
If you plan to keep your car after the manufacturer’s warranty expires or you own a used vehicle, a car warranty can be a wise investment to save money on the cost of repairs an older vehicle frequently comes with. A study by AAA reveals that auto repair rates average between $47 and $215 per hour and that’s not counting the cost of parts. Car warranty service contracts can save you thousands of dollars, especially as your car rolls past 100,000 miles. -
Does Mechanics Choice sell car warranties or service contracts?
Although automotive service contracts are frequently called extended warranties, they are not warranties as defined by the Federal Trade Commission. The dictionary definition of a warranty is a contract or a promise to repair or replace a product, which is what Mechanics Choice car warranties do within the parameters of each agreement. Mechanics Choice service contracts are available for purchase at just about any time over the life of a vehicle. A vehicle manufacturer’s warranty is included with the cost of a new car and can’t be purchased separately. -
How does the Mechanics Choice car rental benefit work?
If you need a rental car while your car is being repaired you can rent one through Enterprise Rent-A-Car and contact Mechanics Choice to discuss direct billing options. If you use another car rental company, you will submit a claim to Mechanics Choice to get reimbursed the amount on your contract. -
Can I transfer my Mechanics Choice car warranty if I sell my vehicle?
As long as you originally purchased the warranty from Mechanics Choice, you can transfer your extended warranty when you sell the covered vehicle. Many states require a transfer fee, and Mechanics Choice has to be notified in writing within 30 days of the sale. There are some restrictions with transferring car warranties, so be sure to understand the terms and conditions of the contract before you buy. -
How do I know a car warranty isn’t a scam?
Just about any product, including car warranties, can be part of a scam. However, you can rest assured that Mechanics Choice is a reliable, U.S.-based vehicle repair contract company with a financially sound parent company that has been doing business for over 40 years.
Conclusion
An extended warranty or service plan is only as good as the company behind it. According to most reviews, Mechanics Choice is professional, knowledgeable and customer-focused. The staff we spoke with were personable and helpful.
The cost of repairs continues to rise as the technology in cars becomes more advanced, and a service plan from Mechanics Choice can help keep money in your pocket when your vehicle isn’t covered by a manufacturer’s warranty.