The Atlas Auto Protection Peace of Mind

Great Article From MSN and Mainstreet.com

2011-09-09T07:22:00.001-07:00

2 of 9

Extended warranty

Verdict: Consider . . . at a later date.
Philip Reed, senior consumer advice editor for car review site Edmunds.com, says an extended warranty can have "real value" for consumers looking to buy peace of mind. However it can also be a big waste of money if it goes unused or the warranty covers only major repairs.
"It's a gamble for both sides," Reed says, explaining that the dealership can lose money if you take advantage of the extension.
According to Consumer Reports, around 42% of extended warranties are never used, mostly because the vehicle didn't need repairs or the standard manufacturer's warranty sufficed.
These warranties typically cost about $1,000, so someone who intends to keep the car for more than three years should take some time to review the fine print of a dealer's offer and manufacturer's warranty before agreeing to buy the extension.
"You don't have to buy any of these services that day," Reed says, adding that you can buy the warranty later.

Companies still doing Subprime Loans for Missouri Consumers.

2011-09-06T07:48:00.000-07:00

Consumer Auto Loans In Missouri
AutoLoansInMissouri.Com, Subprime Credit is OK with Us Jefferson City, MO 65106	Phone: Site: Visit Web Site
1st Investors Financial Services
675 Bering Drive, Suite 710 Houston, TX 77057	Phone: 888-622-9210 Site: Visit Web Site
722 Redemption
7901 Vine Street, Suite 200 Cincinatti, OH 45216	Phone: 888-721-2800 Site: Visit Web Site
AFS Acceptance LLC
101 NE 3rd Avenue, Suite 2000 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301	Phone: 877-223-3254 Site: Visit Web Site
American General Auto Finance
2768 Eastern Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36117	Phone: 800-457-3741 Site: Visit Web Site
AmeriCredit Financial
4001 Embarcadero, Arlington, TX 76014	Phone: 888-556-4616 Site: Visit Web Site
Capital One Auto Finance
3901 Dallas Parkway, Plano, TX 75093	Phone: 800-227-3863
CAR Financial Services, Inc.
600 Westpark Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269	Phone: 877-570-8857 Site: Visit Web Site
Chase Custom Finance
201 N. Central Avenue, 19th Floor Phoenix, AZ 85004	Phone: 800-223-5050
CPS
16355 Laguna Canyon Road, Irvine, CA 92618	Phone: 800-304-6812 Site: Visit Web Site
Credit Acceptance Corp. (CAC)
25505 W. Twelve Mile Road, Suite 3000 Southfield, MI 48034	Phone: 800-873-0512 Site: Visit Web Site
Drive Financial Services�
8585 N. Stemmons Freeway, Suite 1100 Dallas, TX 75247	Phone: 888-540-5626 Site: Visit Web Site
Exeter Finance Corp.
222 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Suite 1800 Irving, TX 75039	Phone: 877-393-8379 Site: Visit Web Site
EZ Dealer Finance
8998 RT. 18 N., Suite 210 Old Bridge, NJ 08857	Phone: 866-343-6714 Site: Visit Web Site
Fifth Third Alternative Finance
925 Freeman Avenue, MLD 009014 Cincinatti, OH 45202	Phone: 877-782-8102
Financial Solutions (Bulk Purchase)
2446 Durham Manor Dr, Franklin, TN 37064	Phone: 615-414-6708 Site: Visit Web Site
Inspire Auto Finance
P.O. Box 190349, Dallas, TX 75219	Phone: 214-4677473 Site: Visit Web Site
InterActive Financial Marketing Group
114 Virginia St., Richmond, VA 23219	Phone: 888.905.1002 Site: Visit Web Site
Interim Funding (Funding Insurance)
1 South 270 Summit Ave, Oak Brook Terrace, IL 60181	Phone: 888-495-7300 Site: Visit Web Site
Mid-Atlantic Finance
15500 Lightwave Drive, Suite 201 Clearwater, FL 33760	Phone: 800-793-9661 Site: Visit Web Site
Prestige Financial
1420 South 500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84115	Phone: 800-984-6737 Site: Visit Web Site
Regional Acceptance
1202 East Fire Tower Road, Greenville, NC 27858	Phone: 252-321-7700 Site: Visit Web Site
Security National Automotive Acceptance
6951 Cintas Bulevard, Mason, OH 45040	Phone: 800-995-0591 Site: Visit Web Site
Service Finance
1956 NE 5th Avenue, Suite 8 Boca Raton, FL 33431	Phone: 866-336-1504 Site: Visit Web Site
United Acceptance Inc.
2400 Lake Park Dr. SE, Suite 100 Smyrna, GA 30080	Phone: 888-951-9512 Site: Visit Web Site
Universal Special Auto Finance
5690 DTC Blvd., Suite 340W Greenwood Village, CO 80111	Phone: 303-773-44200 Site: Visit Web Site
Virtual Lending Source
7084 Miramar Road, Suite 400 San Diego, CA 92121	Phone: 800-400-9192 Site: Visit Web Site
Westlake Financial
4751 Wilshire Bulevard, Suite 100 Los Angeles, CA 90010

compliments of: http://www.autocreditexpress.net/resources/lenders

Good Read from Warranty Week.

2011-08-26T15:05:00.001-07:00

More Solid Tips from CarJunky

2011-08-24T07:08:00.001-07:00

Help Keep Your Car From Early Retirement

(ARA) - Many Americans are trying to get the full value out of their vehicle, as evidenced by the recent findings that the average age of a vehicle on the road has reached over 10 years old, according to an R.L. Polk & Co. study. In order to make sure that their vehicles remain durable, it is important that motorists look for ways to help keep their vehicles running smoothly, longer.

"The engine in a vehicle is much like the heart in our bodies: In order for the heart to be fit and strong, we need to take care of it," says Jeff Hsu, technology manager for the Quaker State brand, who wants to help drivers take the steps that can help extend the life of their vehicles. "Proper and regular maintenance of a vehicle can help save money on repairs down the road, especially for vehicles that have reached milestones in age and mileage."

There are many ways to help increase your vehicle's longevity and keep your peace of mind intact. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of one of your largest investments.

Make It Your Routine
Just as regular check-ups with your doctor are important for your own health, heeding regularly scheduled maintenance intervals as determined by the vehicle manufacturer is also an essential step to help keep your vehicle healthy. Taking your vehicle in and having it regularly maintained helps to make sure your vehicle has what it needs to keep it running. Of the overall maintenance regimen, one of the most frequently missed maintenance tasks is the oil change. By changing your oil as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, you can help maintain the performance of your engine. Regular maintenance and recommended intervals are typically outlined in a vehicle's owner's manual.

Take It Easy
To make sure your vehicle can stand the course of time, it is important to avoid unnecessary strain on the engine.

"A vehicle that has been sitting for an extended period of time will have next to no oil left on the moving parts of the engine, as it has accumulated in the oil pan," says Hsu. "Allowing your engine to warm up by easing into acceleration will help the oil flow quicker and decrease the amount of wear and friction-related damage that may occur."

Maybe even more important than taking it easy on startup is making sure to not overexert your vehicle. Constant, high RPMs, short braking, high-speed driving and other severe types of driving can lead to accelerated engine and transmission wear and potentially more substantial issues.

Keep It Clean
"When trying to keep a vehicle running and to extend its life, it is important to not overlook the body of the vehicle," says Hsu.

Consumers' vehicles likely take a beating throughout the year with the months of harsh winter conditions and corrosive elements. High temperatures, bird droppings, tree sap and UV rays in the warmer months can also cause damage to the interior and exterior of a vehicle. Keeping vehicles clean can help protect them from the chemicals and dirt that may attack the car's finish and undercarriage.

Make Sure It's Covered
Having your vehicle covered for any issues that may arise is important, and extended warranty programs are becoming more and more prevalent. Last year alone, Americans bought 250 million extended warranties, according to the Service Contract Industry Council.

Story from CarJunky

7 Tips From CarJunky

2011-08-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

Seven Vehicle Maintenance Tips and save money by keeping your car in good running condition.

(NAPSI)—A good way to drive down the cost of keeping your car is to have a professional check it regularly, at least seven ways:

1. Check Tires.
Tire wear is a good indicator of how the steering and suspension are performing. Excessive edge, center or shoulder wear suggest other maintenance is needed. Check air pressure on all tires, including the spare, as incorrect tire pressure can cause tires to wear prematurely. Tread and sidewall areas should be inspected for uneven or irregular wear and replaced if worn or damaged.

2. Check Brakes.
Pads, shoes, rotors, calipers, fittings, brake hardware and parking brake should be checked. If your brakes squeal, it may be time for replacements.

3. Check Fluid Levels.
Engine oil should be changed or replenished and all vehicle fluids and lubricants checked and changed at factory-recommended intervals. Low or dirty fluids can damage your engine.

4. Check Engine Belts, Hoses and Fuel Filter.
In today’s vehicles, a single drive belt provides power to many engine accessories and hoses carry vital fluids under high pressure. Prevent a breakdown or serious engine damage by replacing belts and hoses at recommended intervals.

5. Change Air Filter.
The air filter is designed to protect your engine from airborne contaminants. Poor airflow to the engine inhibits performance and can mean greater fuel consumption. A new air filter lets clean, unrestricted air flow into the engine for proper performance and longer car life.

6. Check Battery. Whether for starting up in the morning or running the air-conditioning and other accessories, the battery is critical. Corroded terminals or a bulging or cracked case are signs it’s been subjected to extreme conditions. Each battery has a limited “life” to it. Test yours and replace it if necessary.

7. Check Wiper Blades.Worn wiper blades can affect your ability to see the road and vehicles in front of you.

Story from CarJunky

A Good Article from Autonews and Chris Chin.

2011-08-08T11:21:00.001-07:00

AAA: One-fourth of U.S. drivers have trouble paying for auto repairs

Posted: Aug 04, 2011

Paying to fix a broken car is never fun. Then again, the car is the second most expensive acquisition in anyone’s life next to a house and a mortgage. So it should be no surprise that one out of ever four Americans have trouble paying for auto repairs, according to the AAA.

Specifically, one quarter of Americans said that they would be unable to pay a bill that exceeds $2,000 while one out of every eight Americans said that they would be unable to pay for a $1,000 bill. It should be also added though that majority of the people surveyed in the study also stated that they are driving an older vehicle “because they do not want the financial burden of a new one.”

“Economic conditions have taken their toll on many Americans resulting in them neglecting their cars and leaving them at increased risk for very expensive repair bills,” said Marshall Doney, AAA’s vice president of automotive and financial services. “Many Americans rely on their cars for their livelihood, and losing access to them could be financially devastating during an already troubling economic time.”

It also doesn’t help that cars are getting alarmingly expensive to fix as they get newer. This is due to the fact that newer cars are built with more options and standard features, which means more to go wrong. Anyone who was in the market for a European, or even a Japanese car would know that if you were to consider one outside of warranty, they would be very expensive to repair when something goes wrong. The same can’t be said for older cars, depending the make and model.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Automotive News

Does Groupon work in the Auto Industry

2011-07-26T10:50:00.000-07:00

There was an interesting article by Donna Harris in this weeks Automotive News magazine, http://www.autonews.com/, that discussed the use of Groupon Vouchers, http://www.groupon.com/, at LaFontaine Buick-GMC-Cadillac in Highland Michigan. The takeaway from the article was that while Groupon has a huge database and enormous following, it is less successful on larger ticket items or those where the price is negotiated. The thought is that people, especially those looking for deals, would rather try there hand at firm negotiation then a pre-set discount. The concept of Groupons or look-a-likes is not dead in the Auto Industry.....what about a groupon offer for a discount on a Vehicle Service Contract (commonly referred to as an extended warranty)?

Vehicle Service Contracts (f/k/a Extended Warranties)

2011-07-15T15:19:00.000-07:00

A vehicle service contract is commonly referred to as an extended warranty. A warranty must be given away or included in the purchase of something like a vehicle, tv, or home. All Automobile manufacturers including Toyota, Chrysler, Honda, and GM, include at least a 3 year and 36,000 warranty with all of the new vehicles. A service contract is an agreement between the purchaser and the obligor, in which the obligor promises to pay for covered repairs on the item or vehicle. Because these two products are so similar the VSC is often times called an extended warranty.

Used Car Prices are Increasing

2011-07-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

Check out this article on the price of used cars.....so it you thought you were going to trade in your vehicle and buy something nice and used, you may want to think again. One solid alternative is to protect your current investment with an Vehicle Service Contract (or extended warranty). http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/05/19/earlyshow/living/money/main20064314.shtml

Great Article!

2011-07-06T09:02:00.001-07:00

Service contract groups: Don't lump us with Fidelis

Jim Henry
Automotive News -- July 6, 2011 - 12:01 am ET

> Send us a Letter to the Editor

The Vehicle Protection Association, a trade group which includes companies that sell extended-service contracts directly to consumers, is complaining that press coverage of the ongoing U.S. Fidelis case in Missouri is lumping all extended-service contract marketers together, and that could make contracts harder to sell.
"Some reports suggest that the entire industry operated and continues to operate in the same way that U.S. Fidelis did. This is simply not true," Larry Hecker, executive director of the association, said in a blog posted last week.
U.S. Fidelis, of Wentzville, Mo., sold contracts directly to consumers, at times using automated "robocalling" to contact consumers. A big part of its appeal was a national TV ad campaign in which U.S. Fidelis said it could beat prices at dealerships.

The company went bankrupt last year. Two of its co-founders were indicted last month in Missouri on criminal charges, accused of stealing, unlawful merchandising practices, insurance fraud and operating an unauthorized insurance business.
"U.S. Fidelis was the exception, not the rule," Hecker wrote in his blog. The VPA, headquartered in Selbyville, Del., insists that a few bad apples shouldn't be allowed to spoil the barrel.
Rival group agrees
The Service Contract Industry Council agrees.
"We get the black eye" for extended-service contract scams, even though others are to blame, says Stephen McDaniel, SCIC assistant executive director.
The SCIC, of Tallahassee, Fla. is made up of automakers, captive finance companies and independent extended-service contract marketers that primarily sell indirectly to consumers through dealerships. The group says that some SCIC members also sell contracts directly to consumers, but that's not their primary business.
That makes some consumer-direct VPA members a competitive threat to some SCIC members. To an extent, every extended-service contract that's sold over the phone or online represents one less sold in a dealership.
Nevertheless, both lobbying groups joined a task force appointed by the Missouri state attorney general earlier this year to overhaul the applicable laws in the state. Both groups supported stricter requirements for registering with the state and for the timing of required consumer disclosures.
'Problems at call centers'
Helen MacMurray, an attorney in New Albany, Ohio, who represents the VPA, said the group acknowledges a need for ethical standards for extended-service contracts sold by call centers.
In 2009, the group adopted a Standards of Conduct document. MacMurray is a former chief of the Consumer Protection Section of the Ohio attorney general's office. She said she was instrumental in writing the standards.
"That's what they hired me for, to get a regulator's point of view," MacMurray said in a phone interview last week.
"This association was formed to deal with problems at call centers. When marketers do the wrong things, we object to that. And we don't just issue statements, we do something about it," she said, such as adopting the Standards of Conduct, or participating in the Missouri task force.
When all extended-service contract marketers get lumped together, she said, "Our members get frustrated."
You can reach Jim Henry at autonews@crain.com.

Read more: http://www.autonews.com/article/20110706/FINANCE_AND_INSURANCE/110709953/1142#ixzz1RLF1Ty7r

How Long is my Manufacturer Warranty?

2011-06-28T14:27:00.000-07:00

See the list below for information on the coverage that comes on your new or slightly used vehicle. Your coverage may have expired or may be about to expire and you will want to consider purchasing a Vehicle Service Contract or Extende Protection Plan (commonly known as an Extended Warranty)

Manufacturer	Basic Warranty	Powertrain Warranty
Acura Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles	4 years/50,000 miles
Audi Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles	4 years/50,000 miles
BMW Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles	4 years/50,000 miles
Buick Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles	3 years/36,000 miles
Cadillac Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles	4 years/50,000 miles
Chevrolet Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles	3 years/36,000 miles
Chrysler Warranty (10/31/01 or earlier)	3 years/36,000 miles	3 years/36,000 miles
Chrysler Warranty (11/1/01-7/8/02)	3 years/36,000 miles	7 years/100,000 miles
Chrysler Warranty (7/9/02 or later)	3 years/36,000 miles	7 years/70,000 miles
Dodge Warranty (10/31/01 or earlier)	3 years/36,000 miles	3 years/36,000 miles
Dodge Warranty (11/1/01-7/8/02)	3 years/36,000 miles	7 years/100,000 miles
Dodge Warranty (7/9/02 or later)	3 years/36,000 miles	7 years/70,000 miles
Ford Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles	3 years/36,000 miles
GMC Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles	3 years/36,000 miles
Honda Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles	3 years/36,000 miles
Hummer Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles	3 years/36,000 miles
Hyundai Warranty (1998 and earlier)	3 years/36,000 miles	5 years/60,000 miles
Hyundai Warranty (1999 and later)	5 years/60,000 miles	10 years/100,000 miles
Infiniti Warranty	4 years/60,000 miles	6 years/70,000 miles
Isuzu Warranty (1999 and earlier)	3 years/50,000 miles	5 years/60,000 miles
Isuzu Warranty (2000 - 2002)	3 years/50,000 miles	10 years/120,000 miles
Isuzu Warranty (2003+)	3 years/50,000 miles	7 years/75,000 miles
Jaguar Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles	4 years/50,000 miles
Jeep Warranty (10/31/01 or earlier)	3 years/36,000 miles	3 years/36,000 miles
Jeep Warranty (11/1/01 - 7/8/02)	3 years/36,000 miles	7 years/100,000 miles
Jeep Warranty (7/9/02 or later)	3 years/36,000 miles	7 years/70,000 miles
Kia Warranty (7/2000 and earlier)	3 years/36,000 miles	5 years/60,000 miles
Kia Warranty (7/2000 and later)	5 years/60,000 miles	10 years/100,000 miles
Lexus Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles	6 years/70,000 miles
Lincoln Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles	4 years/50,000 miles
Mazda Warranty (2003 and earlier)	3 years/50,000 miles	3 years/50,000 miles
Mazda Warranty (2004 and later)	4 years/50,000 miles	4 years/50,000 miles
Mercedes-Benz Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles	4 years/50,000 miles
Mercury Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles	3 years/36,000 miles
Mitsubishi Warranty (2003 and earlier)	3 years/36,000 miles	5 years/60,000 miles
Mitsubishi Warranty (2004 and later)	5 years/60,000 miles	10 years/100,000 miles
Nissan Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles	5 years/60,000 miles
Oldsmobile Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles	3 years/36,000 miles
Plymouth Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles	3 years/36,000 miles
Pontiac Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles	3 years/36,000 miles
Porsche Warranty (1998 and earlier)	2 years/unlimited	2 years/unlimited
Porsche Warranty (1999 and later)	4 years/50,000 miles	4 years/50,000 miles
Saab Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles	4 years/50,000 miles
Saturn Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles	3 years/36,000 miles
Scion Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles	5 years/60,000 miles
Subaru Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles	5 years/60,000 miles
Suzuki Warranty (prior to 8/1/02)	3 years/36,000 miles	3 years/36,000 miles
Suzuki Warranty (8/1/02 and later)	3 years/36,000 miles	7 years/100,000 miles
Toyota Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles	5 years/60,000 miles
Volkswagen Warranty (2001 and older)	2 years/24,000 miles	10 years/100,000 miles
Volkswagen Warranty (2002 and later)	4 years/50,000 miles	5 years/60,000 miles
Volvo Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles	4 years/50,000 miles




Types of Warranties
Basic Warranty, also know as "Bumper to Bumper"- The specific terms established by each manufacturer (typically 3 years/36,000 miles for domestic and Asian vehicles and 4 years/50,000 miles for luxury cars) to repair vehicles for a specific time and/or mileage period. All factory installed parts and some dealer installed accessories are covered for defects and workmanship. Items such as tires, wiper blades, battery are generally not covered under the basic warranty, although some of these parts may have their own warranty.

Powertrain Warranty:
A separate extended powertrain warranty that offers protection beyond the basic warranty can be offered by many manufacturers. The powertrain warranty is applicable for major components such as the engine, transmission, and driveshafts. Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury have lengthened their powertrain coverage for 2007. Many other manufacturers offer longer powertrain warranties than basic warranties. Some offer powertrain coverage as long as 10 years / 10,000 miles.

June Meineke Newsletter, subscribe now and enjoy some great savings.

2011-06-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

June 2011 - In this Issue:

All You Need to Know About Brakes

Brakes are a normal wear item for any car and eventually they’re going to need replacement. Avoid letting your brakes get to the “metal-to-metal” point, which usually means expensive rotor or drum replacement. Some symptoms of a faulty brake system are:

The car pulls to one side during braking
The brake pedal pulsates when you apply the brakes
The brake pedal feels “mushy”
You hear noise when you step on the brake pedal
You repeatedly need to add brake fluid to the master cylinder

It is recommended to have your brakes inspected every 12 months or 15,000 Miles*

Why do my front wheel brakes wear out faster?

Braking causes the weight of the vehicle to shift forward, therefore most of the works is done by the front brakes and as a result the front brakes wear out faster than the rear brakes.

Did you know?

Brake fluid is a key component of your brake system. It transfers the force from your foot on the pedal to the brakes in order to stop your vehicle. It also keeps the internal components of your brake system lubricated and protected from corrosion.

Tips for Spotting Faulty Air Conditioner

The most common cause of poor air conditioning performance is a low refrigerant level. Because refrigerant is a gas, it escapes easily through worn valve seals and o-rings as well as through deteriorated hoses and damaged components. A system running on low refrigerant will inevitably lead to major component failure. Repairing small leaks in advance could save on large, costly repairs in the future.

Symptoms of faulty air conditioning system

The most common symptoms for a fault in a car air conditioner are:

Air conditioning system is blowing warm air
Intermittent cooling performance
Excess noise
Foul odor
Frequent recharging of A/C system

It is recommended to have your A/C inspected every year.

Join Meineke Car Care Club and Save

As a member, we will keep track of the work we do on your vehicle, what the manufacturer recommends for service, and advise you when service is due. Benefits that are exclusive to Meineke Car Care Club members are:

FREE Oil Change after 4 Oil Changes
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Sign-up now and get an instant coupon for $4.00 off your next Oil Change service, valid at any participating neighborhood Meineke Car Care Center.

Meineke Offers and Savings*

50% Off Brake Pads & Shoes
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Save on service - $10 / $20 / $50
$19.95 Basic Oil Change Service

To see complete savings click here
*Some conditions and restrictions may apply.

Shop online or Over the Phone

2011-06-24T09:52:00.000-07:00

Some companies may try to handle the entire sale of a Vehicle Service Contract (often refered to as an extended warranty) via on-line chat or email. Purchasing protection for your vehicle is an important decision and you should speak to experts who understand what works for your vehicles age, mileage, and most importantly for your budget.
The Vehicle Protection Association (http://www.vpaorg.net/) has a comprehensive list of all certified companies, such as http://www.atlasautoprotection.com/, who will be able to walk you through the process of selecting a plan that fits your vehicle and your budget. The recommendation is to go online at http://www.atlasautoprotection.com/, view some of the sample contracts, then call an agent at 1-888-591-3123 and speak to them live regarding your ideas on a VSC (or extended warranty). Agents at http://www.atlasautoprotection.com/ have an average tenure of over 6 years in the VSC direct industry and they understand all levels of coverage and will work with you and your family to select a protection plan that works best for your vehicle.
So the answer is yes.....you should shop online at http://www.atlasautoprotection.com/ and you should call 1-888-591-3123 and speak to an agent today regarding your new or used automobile.

Why does my Mail Say "Urgent Notice"

2011-06-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

Many people who are interested in a VSC (commonly referred to as an extended warranty) or a mechanical breakdown plan often receive direct mail solicitations from companies that seemingly know very little about their vehicle. However, these same mail pieces still say "URGENT NOTICE", so the question is why is this notice so urgent.
The answer is very simple, the rate you pay for a Vehicle Service Contract (or extended warranties) is always based on your vehicles age and current odometer reading. The rates are based on rating tables that utilize actuarial data to reserve enough money to cover all of the anticipated (covered per the terms and conditions of the contract) mechanical repairs. Therefore, the notice is urgent because if your vehicle is a 2007 Ford Focus with 35,975 miles on it your price may be different then a 2007 Ford Focus with 36,015. So by not responding to the mail piece and driving another 40 miles you may have to pay more money for your extended protection plan.
A company like http://www.atlasautoprotection.com/ can walk you through your vehicles age and mileage to help you understand just how urgent it is to get your car protected with a high quality Service Contract (or extended warranty). Certified companies by the VPA, such as http://www.atlasautoprotection.com/ will be able to provide strong extended protection for your vehicle so that you can have the peace of mind you need, so you can throw away the rest of those "URGENT NOTICE" postcards. Do not discard the mail pieces from Consumer Protection Services (http://www.atlasautoprotection.com/), they have been in business since 1998 and they have the team available to help you select the VSC (commonly referred to as an extended warranty) that is best suited for your vehicle and your budget, call them today at 1-888-591-3123.

Claims Paid is Important

2011-06-21T08:56:00.000-07:00

When looking for a company to purchase a Vehicle Service Contract (Commonly referred to as an Extended Warranty, Car Warranty, or Auto Warranty) you should ask them about recent claims that were paid by the 3rd party administrator that they use to administer claims on the policies they promote and sell.

For example below are 3 repairs paid by Marathon Administrative and Century Administrative on behalf of polices sold by Consumer Protection Services/ www.atlasautoprotection.com:

4/25/11- $835 paid to All Day All Night Auto Repair for a AC repair on a 2001 Buick Lesabre
5/18/11- $889.81 paid to Steve Marsh Ford for an AC and Electrical Repair on a 2005 Ford Freestar
5/23/11- $1,139.38 paid for a Fuel Pump, Fuel Sender, and a TSTAT on a 2005 Chevy Uplander

One thing to point out is that these repairs were handled by both franchise dealerships as well as independent repair facilities. Another important feature found on most quality policies sold by http://www.vpanet.org/ certified companies such as www.atlasautoprotection.com is that the Vehicle protection plan or VSC (commonly referred to as an extended warranty) will be accepted by any certified mechanic, repair facility or dealership.

Whether you drive a new car or used car you should look into how the claims are handled and who handles them, this is critical information so that you can purchase the best possible Auto Protection Plan available for your vehicle. There is a number of plans offered by http://www.atlasautoprotection.com/ for vehicles with 175, 000 miles on the odometer and as old as 1995.

We are all not the same

2011-06-17T14:14:00.000-07:00

The 2 owners of US Fidelis were indicted this week on charges of fraud and stealing, the link to the news conference is below.

The speaker makes a great point about bringing honesty and integrity back in to the VSC (Commonly referred to as extended warranties) industry. This industry has incredible merit and offers consumers a product that they were initially offered at thier local Ford, Chevy, or Toyota dealership. The issue is not the product offered, but the way it is sold and represented. The key for consumers is to look for VPA certified companies, such as Consumer Protection Services which can be found at http://www.atlasautoprotection.com/. These companies adhere to a strict Standard of Conduct and are monitored by a 3rd party to ensure compliance and quality.

Consumers purchase well over a million VSC's (Extended Warranties) per year on their new and used automobiles to protect them against the rising costs of auto repairs. And being able to purchase this type of coverage at the time when they need it most, which is when the manufacturer's warranty is expiring, is very important for the consumer and the free market.

The criminals at US Fidelis were criminals, but selling a VSC (Extended Warranty) in the right way to the right customer is not a criminal action, it is satisfying a consumer need at the most appropriate time. Quality companies have been around since 1998, like http://www.atlasautoprotection.com/, and they are looking out for the consumer at all times.

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How to Shop for a VSC

2011-06-16T15:04:00.000-07:00

If you drive a 2006 or older; Ford, GM, Toyota, Chrysler, Honda, or VW and you have over 50,000 miles on the vehicle then there is a very good chance that your factory warranty has expired. If you did not purchase the extended option at the time of sale from your dealership then now is the time to look for a VSC or Vehicle Service Contract (Commonly Reffered to as an extended warranty). Unlike a Warranty which is included in the purchase price of a vehicle, a VSC is purchased separately and covers a number of components (coverage level depends on year, make, mileage, and price). There is an entire aftermarket industry that focuses solely on the sale of VSC's direct to the consumer. Some of the companies are very strong and have been around for 10+ years, such as Consumer Protection Services/ www.atlasautoprotection.com and some are just fly by night scams. The best way to shop for a VSC is to visit http://www.vpanet.org/ and look for a certified company. This means the company has gone through a very thorough 3rd party audit and is regularly monitored. Protecting an investment like a 08 Honda Accord with 55,000 miles on it, is a very important decision and certified companies like www.atlasautoprotection.com will be able to walk you through the entire purchase of your policy so that your car repairs are covered and you are driving with a peace of mind! Even if you drive a used car or a nice new car, it is still important to protect your investment with a Vehicle Service Contract (commonly referred to as an extended warranty), it will keep the repair facilities honest and your pocket full!

The Vehicle Protection Association's Disclosure on an Extended Warranty is spot on!

2011-06-14T09:40:00.000-07:00

A vehicle service contract (VSC) is often referred to as an “extended warranty,” but it is not a warranty. A VSC does, however, provide repair coverage for your vehicle after the manufacturer’s warranty expires. A VSC is a contract between you and a VSC provider or administrator that states what is a covered repair and what is not. Consumer Protecton Services/www.atlasautoprotection is a marketer of VSCs and does not sell warranties. VSCs sold by Consumer Protection Services are agreements between consumers and third party VSC providers, not Consumer Protection Services.

This is a very true and acurate description of a VSC and all consumers should understand this completely when responding to direct mail or web solicitations. A great resource for this type of information is http://www.vpanet.org/ as well as Certified providers such as http://www.atlasautoprotection.com/.