Auto Warranty Glossary Terms
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Here is an informative video about Extended Motorcycle Warranties with Total Auto Protect. Our representative in the video will explain what an extended motorcycle warranty is, what an extended motorcycle warranty covers and the benefits of purchasing Motorcycle Warranty Coverage through Total Auto Protect.
Auto Warranty Glossary
Here! Find out auto-warranty terms or policies of Total Auto Protect.
Claim
When a car requires repairs, the owner submits a claim to the company managing their vehicle service contract. With Total Auto Protect, you need to take your vehicle to a certified repair shop or an ASE-certified mechanic, get approval from our team for the repairs, and we'll help you get back on the road. There may be a deductible associated with your policy. You can also find a local auto repair shop through our network of trusted partners.
Exclusionary
The most comprehensive form of auto warranty coverage is known as an "exclusionary policy." In the "exclusions" section of these plans, you'll find a list of parts or components that are not covered by your warranty. Total Auto Protect offers various exclusionary coverage options to fit your needs.
Administrator
The administrator of a vehicle service contract is the party responsible for fulfilling the terms and conditions of the agreement. In short, the administrator is the company that pays for your car’s repairs at the shop. They coordinate with your mechanic to ensure the claim is processed properly and your vehicle is prepared for safe road travel. Total Auto Protect manages most of our vehicle protection programs directly, removing middlemen and simplifying the process for our customers. From requesting an estimate to filing a claim, we prioritize your experience, helping you get back on the road quickly and hassle-free.
ASE Certified
Certification as an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) technician is awarded to those who demonstrate expertise and meet the standards set by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The ASE certification process does not endorse specific auto repair shops but ensures that repairs are performed by skilled professionals. With Total Auto Protect, you can trust that any required repairs under your vehicle service contract will be carried out by ASE-certified mechanics, ensuring high-quality service for your vehicle.
Auto Warranty
When you purchase a new car from a dealership, the manufacturer provides an auto warranty. Most vehicles come with two types of manufacturer warranties: (1) A standard warranty, commonly referred to as bumper-to-bumper, which covers mechanical breakdowns and defects in the car's construction, and (2) A powertrain warranty, which provides extended coverage for major components like the engine and transmission. Powertrain warranties typically last five years or 100,000 miles, while standard warranties cover three years or 36,000 miles. If your manufacturer's warranty has expired, Total Auto Protect offers auto protection plans and extended maintenance coverage to keep your vehicle safeguarded.
Breakdown
A vehicle part is considered to have "broken down" when it no longer performs the function for which it was designed and installed. Total Auto Protect covers mechanical breakdowns, ensuring that you don’t have to worry about the cost of covered repairs. With Total Auto Protect, you're backed by comprehensive protection, so unexpected repairs won’t disrupt your peace of mind.
Bumper To Bumper
A new car typically comes with a comprehensive warranty from the manufacturer, known as a bumper-to-bumper warranty. This warranty usually covers the vehicle for 36 months or 36,000 miles, protecting against defects or breakdowns in the car’s mechanical or electrical components. Once your manufacturer’s bumper-to-bumper warranty expires, Total Auto Protect offers additional protection through auto protection plans and extended maintenance coverage, ensuring your vehicle remains safeguarded.
Car Maintenance
Car maintenance involves regular inspections, testing, and repairs to keep your vehicle in optimal condition. This includes everything from routine oil changes to more extensive repairs like replacing brake pads or spark plugs. Regular maintenance is crucial for maintaining the reliability and safety of your vehicle. It also helps identify potential issues early, preventing more severe problems and costly repairs down the road. Total Auto Protect does not offer coverage for your vehicle’s maintenance, which is standard in the industry. You will need to ensure you stay on top of essential upkeep an maintenance.
Car Repair
"Car repair" refers to the process of fixing a vehicle that has encountered a mechanical or electrical issue. To ensure safe and efficient operation, the vehicle must be inspected, diagnosed, and repaired. Repairs can range from minor tasks, such as replacing a burned-out headlight bulb or fixing a flat tire, to major overhauls, like installing a new engine or transmission. With an auto protection plan from Total Auto Protect, you can save money on costly repairs and benefit from roadside assistance if your car breaks down.
Certified Car
A manufacturer-certified vehicle has undergone a thorough quality inspection at an authorized dealership. When a used car successfully completes the manufacturer’s certification process, the company often extends the duration and mileage limits of the powertrain and bumper-to-bumper warranties in preparation for sale or lease. Total Auto Protect also offers extended coverage options to further enhance the protection for certified vehicles beyond the manufacturer’s warranties.
Check Engine Light
The check engine light, which appears as a red or amber warning on your car’s dashboard, signals a potential issue with your vehicle. The problem could range from something as minor as a loose gas cap to more serious issues like engine malfunctions. If your check engine light comes on, it’s important to have your car inspected by a certified mechanic as soon as possible. Technicians will use your car’s onboard diagnostic (OBD) system to diagnose the problem and determine the extent of the damage. Total Auto Protect’s car protection plans can provide coverage for mechanical problems and breakdowns, giving you peace of mind and financial support when you need it.
Covered Component
A covered component refers to any parts and equipment included in the coverage and terms of your vehicle service contract. In a "stated component policy," this term identifies the specific items explicitly listed as covered. Alternatively, an "inclusionary policy" covers all parts and systems except those explicitly excluded in the policy’s terms. It's important to review the details of your coverage to understand what is included. Total Auto Protect offers a variety of auto protection plans, from basic coverage to comprehensive options with no gaps.
Deductible
The deductible is the amount the vehicle owner must pay out-of-pocket for a covered repair. Once the deductible is met, your auto service contract will cover the remaining cost of the authorized repair. Total Auto Protect offers flexibility in deductible amounts, or you can choose a no-deductible policy when purchasing coverage.
Drive Train
The drive train components of a vehicle are responsible for generating power and allowing the car to move forward. This includes parts such as the transmission, driveshaft, transfer case, and differentials. Total Auto Protect offers a range of policies to suit different budgets, providing coverage for these crucial drive train components.
Estimate
An estimate provides a rough idea of the cost to repair your vehicle. After a mechanic or auto body shop inspects the car and identifies the necessary repairs, they will provide an estimate detailing the anticipated expenses. This typically includes both labor costs and the price of any required replacement parts. The total repair cost can vary widely based on the extent of the damage and the specific make and model of the vehicle. Total Auto Protect can help cover these costs, depending on your policy and coverage options.
Exclusionary
The most comprehensive form of auto warranty coverage is known as an "exclusionary policy." In the "exclusions" section of these plans, you'll find a list of parts or components that are not covered. Total Auto Protect offers a range of exclusionary coverage options, allowing you to select the plan that best meets your needs while clearly outlining what is excluded from coverage.
Extended Warranty
An extended auto warranty provides protection against mechanical failures and breakdowns once the original manufacturer’s warranty has expired. This warranty covers repairs specified in your contract. Total Auto Protect offers extended auto warranties that continue to safeguard your vehicle beyond the initial warranty period. Our plans also cover repair costs for your vehicle, ensuring you have comprehensive protection and peace of mind.
Gray Market
The term "gray market" refers to vehicles that were not originally intended for sale in the American market. These vehicles often do not meet U.S. standards and guidelines, which means they may not be covered by standard auto protection plans or vehicle maintenance contracts. Additionally, gray market vehicles typically do not come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Total Auto Protects coverage options may vary for gray market vehicles, so it’s important to check the specific terms and conditions of your plan.
Inclusionary
An inclusionary policy is one that specifies a list of all the components covered by your extended warranty. Any parts or systems not listed are not included in the coverage. This type of policy provides clear information on what is protected under your extended warranty plan with Total Auto Protect.
Manufacturer
"Make" refers to the manufacturer of your new or pre-owned vehicle, such as Honda, BMW, Ford, or Chevrolet. Understanding the make of your vehicle is important for selecting the appropriate auto protection plan with Total Auto Protect.
Manufacturers Warranty
When you purchase a new car, it comes with a warranty provided by the factory or manufacturer. This warranty typically covers the vehicle for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Once this manufacturer’s warranty expires, Total Auto Protect offers extended coverage options to continue protecting your vehicle.
Model
The term "model" refers to the specific type of vehicle produced by the manufacturer. For example, the Nissan Pathfinder is a model name for one of Nissans vehicles. Identifying the model of your car is crucial for selecting the right auto protection plan with Total Auto Protect.
Powertrain Warranty
A powertrain warranty covers the essential components that power your vehicle, including the engine, transmission, transfer case, and differentials. This warranty specifically protects these critical parts, ensuring that major components of your car’s powertrain are covered. Total Auto Protect offers powertrain coverage options to provide you with extended protection beyond the manufacturer’s warranty.
Pre-Existing
A pre-existing condition refers to any mechanical issues or problems with your vehicle that existed before the auto protection contract was issued or before the waiting period ended. These conditions are generally not covered under the warranty or service contract with Total Auto Protect.