In This Review:
- Protect My Car Pros And Cons
- Is Protect My Car Legit?
- Protect My Car Reviews
- Protect My Car Costs
- Protect My Car Extended Warranty Coverage
- How Protect My Car Extended Warranties Work
- Bottom Line On Protect My Car: 4.4 Stars
- Protect My Car Reviews: FAQ
Dash Lewis
Dash Lewis Content Writer
01/04/2024 01:15 PM
The Gist:
- You’ll find three levels of coverage with Protect My Car, and each comes with perks like roadside assistance, rental car reimbursem*nt, and trip interruption coverage.
- Protect My Car reviews mention some of the longest payment terms and lowest monthly rates in the extended warranty industry.
Protect My Car is no longer enrolling new customers for vehicle service contracts. Nevertheless, the company will continue its support for existing clients. You can still review the information provided below for comparison or explore alternative warranty options here.
Endurance
4.5
Reputation: 4.5/5.0
Coverage: 5.0/5.0
Price: 4.5/5.0
Customer Experience: 4.5/5.0
Quick Facts
- Best Plan Offerings
- Mileage Covered: 200,000 miles on the odometer
- Free Cancellation: Full refund within 30 days
- Plan Options: 6 different plans to choose from
- Longest Plan Term: Up to 8 years
- Discounts: $300 same-day signup discount, $250 shopping voucher, and others
Plan Coverage and Perks
| Plan coverage includes | Endurance Elite perks™ |
|---|---|
| Exclusionary plan | One-year membership for free |
| Powertrain plan | Tire repair and replacement |
| Maintenance coverage with Endurance Advantage | Key fob replacement |
| Roadside assistance | Total loss protection |
| Towing | Collision discount |
| Rental car | $250 rewards voucher |
| Trip interruption coverage | Endurance Protect app |
Protect My Car Pros And Cons
ProsPlans that cover vehicles of all agesOffers long repayment terms, up to 48 monthsEasy claims process via the company’s phone numberBenefits include tire rotations and oil changes
ConsOnly available in select statesNot available for vehicles 10 years and older
Is Protect My Car Legit?
Founded in 2005 in St. Petersburg, Florida, Protect My Car offers extended auto warranties ranging from basic protection to bumper-to-bumper coverage for vehicles with up to 200,000 miles. Drivers can purchase a Protect My Car vehicle service contract in every state except for California and Washington.
There are a high number of positive Protect My Car reviews compared to other providers in the industry. The company has a “Great” rating on Trustpilot from over 3,500 reviews. Additionally, over 5 percent of the respondents in our March 2022 extended warranty survey stated that they had purchased a Protect My Car warranty plan, making it the fourth most popular provider in our survey.
Protect My Car Reviews
Over 3,500 Protect My Car reviews on Trustpilot give the company a score of 4.2 out of 5.0 stars. Protect My Car also has a 3.6-star rating out of 5.0 from over 2,300 reviews on Google. Protect My Car reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) are average, with 3.2 stars from over 500 ratings.
See the table below for our ratings in each category we base our overall provider score on:
| Reputation | 4.3 |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 4.7 |
| Cost | 4.2 |
| Transparency | 4.5 |
| Customer Experience | 4.4 |
| Overall Rating | 4.4 |
Positive Protect My Car Reviews
Positive Protect My Car reviews mention professional and knowledgeable staff. According to reviewers, agents at Protect My Car take the time to make sure customers understand what is and isn’t covered.
“This is so worth the money … We have had [Protect My Car] for almost a year and so far they have come through on everything they say they would.”
– Aleksandr via Trustpilot
“Used after only one month of signing on and they were wonderful. Even the dealership complimented them on how easy they were to work with.”
– Tonya via Trustpilot
Negative Protect My Car Reviews
Some negative Protect My Car reviews state that customers didn’t have a clear understanding of the plan terms before getting started. Other reviewers were upset when claims got denied or were annoyed by PMC’s pushy advertising tactics.
“I don’t know what is going on but at this point I want my money back. I can never get anyone on the phone and had to pay out of pocket to get my car fixed.”
– Patricia via Trustpilot
“This company starts to call people at 8 a.m. and will keep calling. I asked them not to call me anymore and was told we always call people this early in the morning. […] Not happy with this rude company.”
– Alan via BBB
Protect My Car BBB Rating
Protect My Car is not accredited by and currently holds a C rating from the BBB. While it used to have an A+ rating, current alerts mention a pattern of complaints and customer service issues. Customers have been filing complaints about long phone call hold times and lack of communication.
Protect My Car’s response to these complaints states that the provider is moving toward the use of automated systems to handle a higher volume of calls. Because of this, there have been a number of complaints during the transition period.
Protect My Car Costs
Protect My Car’s extended warranty plans are generally more expensive than competitors’ when it comes to the total price tag for coverage. However, its monthly payments tend to be among the cheapest in the extended car warranty industry. Based on our research, Protect My Car costs between $100 and $116 per month on average or between $3,600 and $4,200 in total for a 4-year/unlimited-mileage warranty.
If you’re looking for the best deal overall, Protect My Car reviews say it may not be the best option. That being said, anyone who needs to be careful with their monthly budget could benefit from Protect My Car’s lower-end monthly payment options. Payment plans can last up to 48 months, which is significantly longer than terms offered by some other third-party warranty companies.
Protect My Car Prices
Protect My Car’s total warranty costs are within the range of what nearly half of the 1,000 respondents reported paying in our recent survey. Here’s a closer look at the cost breakdown of what people paid for an extended warranty:
Protect My Car Cost Examples
Our team received the following free quotes from Protect My Car to compare coverage plan costs:
| Vehicle | Protect My Car Plan | Monthly Payment | Total Cost | Down Payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Civic | Ultimatefor 4 years | $100 for 36 months | $3,600.00 | $100.00 |
| Subaru Outback | Deluxe for 4 years | $110 for 36 months | $3,960.00 | $110.00 |
| Subaru Outback | Essentialfor 4 years | $116 for 36 months | $4,176.00 | $116.00 |
Note that Protect My Car has rebranded its extended car warranty plans. What were once known as the Supreme plan, Select plan, and Driveline plan are now the Ultimate, Deluxe, and Essential plans.
You may notice that the cost of the more comprehensive PMC plan is actually cheaper in our research. The quote for the Ultimate plan is for a newer vehicle with fewer miles, whereas the quote we received for the Essential plan is for a nine-year-old vehicle since the plan is intended for older cars between fourand 10 years old.
The price that you pay for your Protect My Car warranty will depend on the factorsshown in the graphic below:
Protect My Car Extended Warranty Coverage
For newer vehicles, drivers can choose one of three levels of Protect My Car coverage. These extended warranties are available for vehicles up to 10 years old and with fewer than 200,000 miles. Each plan has different criteria for vehicle age and mileage and covers slightly different features.
| Ultimate | Deluxe | Essential | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Transmission | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Transfer case | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Drive axle | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Differential assembly | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Timing chain | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cooling system | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Air conditioning and heating | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Electrical | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Front and rear suspension | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Select brake components | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Turbocharger | ✔ | ||
| Navigation system | Optional |
Ultimate Coverage
The Ultimate plan is designed for new vehicles but helps drivers prepare for the long haul. Factory warranties typically expire within three years. If you plan to hang onto your car for longer than that, the Ultimate plan can continue to provide coverage. This plan includes everything the lower-tier Deluxe plan covers, plus the turbocharger and optional navigation system protection.
While this is Protect My Car’s highest coverage plan, keep in mind that it’s not a bumper-to-bumper warranty. Protect My Car doesn’t offer that type of contract, and the Ultimate plan lists out each covered item. If you’re looking for exclusionary coverage, you’ll find it through other providers like Endurance or CARCHEX.
Deluxe Coverage
Protect My Car’s Deluxe plan is for new and used cars with under 100,000 miles and is the middle-ground option of the three plans. This plan takes care of everything the lower-tier Essential plan covers plus front and rear suspension and select brake system components.
Essential Coverage
The Essential plan is for high-mileage vehicles four to 10 years old with more than 80,000 miles. It is PMC’s cheapest extended warranty option and covers the fewest auto repairs of all the plans, though it still has robust offerings. It basically covers the powertrain plus a few other crucial components.
The Essential plan covers the following systems and components:
- Engine
- Transmission
- Transfer case
- Drive axle
- Differential assembly
- Cooling system
- Air conditioning and heating
- Electrical
- Timing chain
Protect My Car Benefits
All plans include the additional benefits below, which are often mentioned in Protect My Car reviews. The reimbursem*nt amounts described below are listed in sample vehicle service contracts posted on the Protect My Car website.
- Roadside assistance: This pays for up to two roadside assistance calls per year for things like towing, flat tire changes, and fluid delivery.
- Rental car reimbursem*nt: This coverage reimburses the cost of rental vehicles while your car is in the shop for covered repairs at a rate of $30 per day for up to seven days.
- Trip interruption reimbursem*nt: If your car breaks down more than 150 miles from your home, PMC will reimburse hotel and restaurant expenses at $50 a day for up to three days.
- Maintenance benefits: Each warranty contract with Protect My Car comes with three free oil changes and two free tire rotations per year. The licensed repair facility of your choice will need to use the self-serve portal through ProtectMyCar.com to receive these free maintenance plan benefits.
Protect My Car Rewards
Protect My Car also offers a free, points-based customer loyalty program included with each policy as long as the account is in good standing. You can use your rewards to unlock deals, discounts, and savings with major companies for shopping and dining.
Protect My Car Exclusions
Protect My Car reviews note that its plans don’t cover everything. Most warranties exclude damage from wear and tear, misuse, overheating, car accidents, and environmental events. They also exclude wear and tear items like brake pads, brake rotors, and wiper blades. Other exclusions include but aren’t limited to:
- Unauthorized repairs
- Parts that have worn but not failed completely
- Parts that upgrade the value of the vehicle
- Modifications and aftermarket parts
- Cosmetic items
- Exhaust pipes
- Wires, plugs, and bulbs
Is Protect My Car Worth It?
If you’re looking for solid coverage at an affordable price, Protect My Car is worth considering. The company provides several benefits for drivers, including:
- High coverage limit: Protect My Car can cover vehicles that have up to 200,000 miles.
- PMC Rewards: Protect My Car customers have access to PMC Rewards, a shopping and dining discounts reward program.
- Flexible payment terms: Protect My Car has flexible payment terms, with monthly payment plans that last between 36 and 48 months that allow you to finance your coverage over many years.
How Protect My Car Extended Warranties Work
To file a claim according to Protect My Car reviews, call the claims department as soon as you experience a mechanical breakdown. The claims department will call a tow truck to bring your vehicle to an approved repair shop if needed, taking the hassle out of the claims process. If you don’t need a tow, you can go to any licensed repair facility for coverage.
Protect My Car pays repair costs directly to the repair shop, minus your deductible.
How To Cancel Protect My Car Coverage
Like many extended warranty providers, Protect My Car offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re unhappy with your plan or have simply changed your mind about protecting your vehicle, you can request a cancellation within 30 days and receive a full refund. After the 30-day period, you can still transfer your policy at any time. If you cancel altogether, you’ll receive a prorated refund if you’ve paid for more coverage than you’ve used.
Protect My Car warranties are also fully transferable, so if you’re thinking of selling your covered vehicle, know that canceling your warranty isn’t the only option. An extended warranty plan could potentially add value to your car if you’re looking to sell.
It’s important to note that although there is a 30-day money-back guarantee, extended warranty customers can’t actually use their benefits until after the 30 days.
Protect My CarCustomer Service Number
If you want to contact Protect My Car’s customer service, you can call 1-800-253-2850 to speak to a representative. Customers who need to file a claim due to a mechanical issue can contact roadside assistance at 1-888-676-4762.
Bottom Line On Protect My Car: 4.4 Stars
It’s definitely worth it to get a quote from Protect My Car, especially if you’re budget-conscious or looking to protect an older vehicle. With some of the lowest monthly payments on the market and a dedicated plan for older vehicles, Protect My Car reviews often reference peace of mind.
Top Recommendations For Extended Car Warranties
When searching for an extended auto warranty, make sure you’re getting the best coverage and price for your needs. That’s why it’s important to compare quotes. Never go with the first company you come across, or you could end up with too much or too little coverage at a price you might not love.
You may want to consider the following reputable extended car warranty companies in your search to find the best choice.
Endurance: Best Plan Offerings
Endurance has earned our award for Best Plan Offerings, earning the highest rating in our review of the best-extended car warranty companies. One thing that sets the company apart from the rest is its range of coverage options. The company offers extended warranties for cars over 100kmiles, short waiting periods, and many levels of component coverage.
Endurance customers also get one year of free extras including key fob replacement and total loss protection under its Endurance Elite Benefits program.
Read more: Endurance warranty review
CarShield: Month-to-Month Contracts
If saving money is your goal, CarShield has flexible payment plans, low monthly costs, and fair coverage. Being a CarShield customer also has its perks, like 24/7 roadside assistance and rental car coverage when your car is in the shop. Budget-conscious drivers should add CarShield to the top of their lists for good coverage at a great price.
Read more: CarShield review
Month-to-Month Contracts 4.3/5
Read Review
Learn More
Protect My Car Reviews: FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions answered by our Protect My Car review.
Is Protect My Car legitimate?
Yes, Protect My Car is a legitimate extended car warranty company. It’s a reputable provider based in Saint Petersburg, Florida, with positive customer satisfaction ratings from reviews on the BBB, Trustpilot, and Google. Protect My Car is one of our top 10 recommendations and isn’t a scam or an untrustworthy company.
Does Protect My Car cover the engine?
Each Protect My Car extended warranty plan covers major engine components, plus the gaskets, seals, and other internal lubricated parts.
How much does Protect My Car cost?
Based on our research, Protect My Car costs between$100 and $116 per month on averageor between$3,600 and $4,200 in total.
Who has the best vehicle protection plan?
After comparing all major extended car warranties on the market, we recommend Endurance as the best option overall. Our top five picks also include ForeverCar, Olive, CarShield, and CARCHEX.
Are car protection plans worth the money?
Extended warranties are worth the money if you’re looking for peace of mind when it comes to unexpected car repairs. If your car has had no issues in the past, you’re on a tight budget, or you drive a newer car, purchasing a vehicle service contract may not be right for you.
Does Protect My Car cover the transmission?
Yes, Protect My Car covers the transmission in most cases. Be sure to refer to your vehicle service contract to find out what components are excluded from coverage following a mechanical breakdown.
Does Protect My Car cover tires?
Protect My Car covers tire rotations under its maintenance benefits. It also covers spare tire installation through roadside assistance. However, Protect My Car does not cover tire repair or replacement.
Should I get an extended warranty from the dealership?
There are pros and cons to getting an extended car warranty plan from a dealership. On the plus side, the warranty will cover original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and factory-trained technicians. On the other hand, you can only go to the dealership for car repairs, and you usually have fewer levels of coverage to choose from. Dealerships may only offer extended warranties before your new car warranty has expired or at the time of vehicle purchase.
Does Protect My Car offer car insurance?
No, Protect My Car does not offer auto insurance. It is a third-party warranty company that sells vehicle service contracts for new and used cars.
How We Rate Warranty Providers
Our review process aims to deliver consistent and unbiased assessments of extended auto warranty providers. While there are multiple qualities that make a warranty company successful, our review team focuses on those we believe are the most important for consumers:
- Reputation: It’s important that an extended car warranty company is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) score well in this category. Established providers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
- Coverage: Our team of experts looks at the number of extended warranty plans available, as well as term limits, exclusions, and added benefits like roadside assistance. Ratings also take into account the availability of maintenance coverage.
- Cost: Cost can be difficult to compare between providers because so many factors impact vehicle service contract pricing. To determine our cost score, we perform a secret shopper analysis for a variety of vehicles and plans and consider available deductibles.
- Transparency: Our team evaluates the availability and transparency of each company’s contracts, as well as whether each provider offers a money-back guarantee.
- Customer Experience: We listen to real customer sales calls and comb through reviews on sites like the BBB to learn about customer experiences. Warranty companies with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the availability of mobile apps and chat features.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
Dash Lewis Content Writer
