Car Warranty Scams to Avoid and How to Spot Them

As a vehicle owner, you may have received unsolicited calls and emails claiming that your car warranty is about to expire and urging you to purchase an extended warranty. While some of these offers may be legitimate, many are scams designed to trick you into paying for unnecessary or non-existent coverage. At Warranty First, we believe in protecting our customers from fraudulent activities. In this article, we'll explore common car warranty scams and provide you with tips on how to spot and avoid them.

1. Unsolicited calls claiming your warranty is about to expire

One of the most common car warranty scams involves unsolicited phone calls from individuals claiming to represent your vehicle's manufacturer or a warranty company. They may assert that your warranty is about to expire and that you need to purchase an extended warranty immediately. Be cautious of these calls, especially if you haven't provided your contact information to the company they claim to represent.

2. High-pressure sales tactics

Scammers often use high-pressure sales tactics to convince you to purchase an extended warranty. They may offer a limited-time deal or claim that you'll face expensive repair costs if you don't act immediately. Remember, a reputable warranty company will provide you with clear information about their coverage options and allow you to make an informed decision without unnecessary pressure. If a salesperson is using aggressive tactics or refusing to provide detailed information about the warranty, it's likely a scam.

3. Requests for personal information

Be wary of any unsolicited requests for personal information, such as your vehicle identification number (VIN), driver's license number or credit/debit card details. Scammers may use this information to commit identity theft or make unauthorised charges to your card. Legitimate warranty companies, like Warranty First, will only request personal information after you have initiated contact and expressed interest in their services. Always verify the identity of the company before providing any sensitive information. It’s important to point out that it’s extremely unlikely that Warranty First will be calling you as most casing, customers call into our call centre.

4. Unverifiable company information

Before purchasing an extended warranty, research the company offering the coverage. Scammers often use names that sound similar to well-known manufacturers or warranty providers to trick consumers. Check the company's website for a physical address, phone number and customer reviews. If the company's information is difficult to verify or if they have a history of customer complaints, it's best to avoid doing business with them. At Warranty First, we pride ourselves on our transparency and customer service, ensuring that our customers can easily reach us and verify our legitimacy.

5. Unusually low prices or "too good to be true" offers

While everyone loves a good deal, be cautious of extended warranty offers that seem too good to be true. Scammers may offer incredibly low prices to entice you into purchasing their coverage, only to provide inadequate or non-existent protection when you need it most. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Warranty companies like Warranty First offer competitive pricing based on the level of coverage provided, ensuring that you receive fair value for your investment.

To protect yourself from car warranty scams, always do your research before purchasing an extended warranty. Verify the legitimacy of the company, read customer reviews and carefully review the terms and conditions of the warranty. If you're unsure about a company's reputation or the validity of its offer, use the internet to find out as much information on the business.

At Warranty First, we are committed to providing our customers with transparent, reliable and comprehensive warranty coverage. Our team of experts are always available to answer your questions and help you make informed decisions about protecting your vehicle. 

By staying vigilant and working with reputable warranty providers, you can avoid falling victim to car warranty scams and enjoy peace of mind on the road.

Our warranty policies provide a similar level of cover to what the manufacturer provided when the vehicle was new, so you can rest easy should anything unexpected go wrong. With a price promise that we stand by, you can be assured that we’ll match a like-for-like quote so that you get the best value and the best service.