Red Shield Administration offers a wide range of vehicle protection plans to suit the needs of different types of clients. While most vehicles come with extended warranties, some people may not see the need for a vehicle protection plan.
However, it is essential to note that manufacturer warranties do not cover everything. These warranties also have an expiry period.
Drivers need a vehicle protection plan when their warranty is about to expire. If your warranty does not cover some items, such as routine maintenance and unavoidable repairs, you should purchase a vehicle protection plan as soon as possible.
Similarly, if you purchase a used vehicle whose warranty has expired, you will need to buy a suitable protection plan. These plans fill any gaps in coverage left by manufacturer warranties and auto insurance policies.
Please note that a protection plan is only valid when purchased in advance, just like car insurance.
Guide to Buying a Suitable Vehicle Protection Plan
When looking for a suitable protection plan for your vehicle, your needs are the most critical factor of consideration. This will dictate the type of plan to purchase.
You don’t want to purchase a plan that will not satisfy your needs, so be sure to carry out the necessary research on all the available plans and their terms and conditions before making a decision.
In this regard, the following are some of the critical factors to consider when comparing vehicle protection plans offered by Red Shield Administration.
1. Size of Agent Network
The most important factor of consideration when looking for a suitable plan is the extent of the agent network. The ideal service provider should have an extensive network of agents spread out throughout the country.
If your car breaks down on the other side of the country, you should locate a local agent nearby to have your car fixed. The good news is that Red Shield Administration has one of the most comprehensive networks of agents spread out throughout the country, so this is not an issue.
2. Deductible Specifics
Some plans offer deductibles either per visit or repair. These can affect the cost of repairs or maintenance. Learn how deductibles work and how they affect the cost of repairs or maintenance. Learning how deductibles work is crucial as it will help you make informed decisions.
3. Redundancy Issues
Auto insurance plans usually offer extensive liability coverage. If a vehicle protection plan offers similar coverage, it may be redundant. You may simply be wasting your money.
As noted earlier, vehicle protection plans are there to fill gaps in coverage, so if there is no coverage gap or a plan offers the same coverage as an auto insurance policy, it is unnecessary.
Before purchasing a plan, you must first read the terms and conditions of your auto insurance policy, including the exclusion and inclusion clauses, to know what is covered and what is not covered.
4. Transferability
You may have a protection plan with a validity period of three years but want to change cars. Ideally, the same plan should protect the vehicle you purchase or trade in, whether new or used.
Therefore before purchasing a Red Shield Administration vehicle protection plan, it is worth checking whether or not the plan is transferable from one vehicle to another. If a plan is not transferrable, you may spend more money on a different protection plan for the new vehicle.
5. Flexibility in Coverage
If you’ve read the terms and conditions of your auto insurance cover, you’ve probably identified liabilities that are covered by your policy and those that are not covered.
This information is crucial as it will allow you to choose the protection you need. If your auto insurance already covers windshield replacement, there is no need to purchase a protection plan covering windshield repairs and replacement. The ideal policy should be flexible enough to allow the client to choose what they want to protect.
6. Cost
Cost is obviously a key factor of consideration. Nobody wants to say this, but the cost is the most critical factor because consumers always want to get the best possible value for their money.
For this reason, consumers must compare the rates charged for the different types of vehicle protection plans. Fortunately, Red Shield Administration is an industry leader, so they offer the most competitively-priced vehicle protection plans on the market.
7. Response Times
You expect a quick response when you’re stuck by the roadside waiting for roadside assistance and counting every passing minute. Imagine waiting several hours for roadside assistance only to be left shivering in the cold for several more hours.
To ensure you’ll not have to wait too long for assistance, you recommend comparing the guaranteed response times of different service providers. With an extensive network of agents spread out across the country, it should take less than an hour for Red Shield Administration agents to respond to emergency service requests regardless of the client’s location.
8. Repair Shop Flexibility
When in need of repairs or maintenance services, consumers usually have a preferred auto repair shop where they’re comfortable going.
The ideal vehicle protection plan should offer flexibility regarding where the client can go for repairs or maintenance. Red Shield Administration offers great repair shop flexibility. This means that you may still go to your favorite repair shop for maintenance or repair services.
Buying vehicle protection plans have pros and cons, but the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Having a reliable partner such as Red Shield Administration is one of the most significant benefits.