![Protect My Car: Reviews, Costs, and Coverage (2024 Guide) (1) Protect My Car: Reviews, Costs, and Coverage (2024 Guide) (1)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn-fastly.autoguide.com/media/2023/07/04/13474924/protect-my-car-reviews-costs-and-coverage-april-2023-guide.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
As of now, Protect My Car is no longer offering vehicle service contracts to new customers. The company remains focused on serving its current clients and processing claims efficiently. Below, we've kept the information available for comparison purposes, or you can explore alternative warranty providers here.
To learn more about our editorial integrity policy and how we make money through affiliate partnerships, read our full disclosure here.
Protect My Car is well-respected in the auto warranty industry and receives high customer satisfaction ratings from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. The company is one of our top choices for extended car warranty coverage, but do Protect My Car reviews from drivers reflect top-notch service?
This comprehensive review of Protect My Car will help you compare the company against some of the industry’s best extended car warranty providers. We’ll discuss Protect My Car coverage plans, average costs, and the company’s claims process. In addition, we’ll look into Protect My Car reviews and ratings from customers since you can learn a lot about a car insurance or auto warranty provider from what customers have to say.
Pros | Superb customer service, long-term payment options |
Cons | Fewer plans, higher standard prices |
Bottom Line | Protect My Car earns 4.4 stars out of 5.0 due to its strong customer satisfaction and flexible financing opportunities. |
Table of contents
- Protect My Car Review: 4.4 Stars
- Protect My Car Warranty Costs
- Protect My Car Coverage
- Protect My Car Benefits and Exclusions
- Protect My Car Reviews
- How Does a Protect My Car Warranty Work?
- Are Extended Car Warranties Worth It?
- Other Best Extended Car Warranty Companies
- Our Warranty Review Standards
- Q & A
Protect My Car Review: 4.4 Stars
Overall Rating | 4.4 |
---|---|
Reputation | 4.3 |
Coverage | 4.7 |
Price | 4.2 |
Transparency | 4.5 |
Customer Service | 4.4 |
When we reviewed the best extended car warranty companies nationwide, Protect My Car was one of our top picks. Protect My Car offers reliable vehicle service contracts and has a strong industry standing. Based on its reputation, coverage options, price, transparency, and customer service, we rate the company 4.4 out of 5.0 stars and recognize it for having the Best Financing.
While the long-term cost of a Protect My Car extended warranty can be higher than competitors’ pricing, we believe the company offers excellent coverage, peace of mind, and reasonable long-term financing options. This opinion is based largely on many outstanding Protect My Car reviews. For customers with smaller monthly budgets, the company may be more affordable in the short term.
Protect My Car Company Overview
Founded: 2005
Headquarters: St. Petersburg, Florida
Availability: All states except for Alaska, California, Hawaii, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Washington
Protect My Car has offered extended warranty plans and auto insurance products for nearly 20 years. The company holds a C rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and receives an exceptional 4.2 stars out of 5.0 from over 3,500 customers on Trustpilot.
Customers of PMC can also benefit from the PMC Rewards program. By participating in this points program, you can get discounts at stores, restaurants, and hotels. You can also enter drawings for perks like free gift cards and products.
Protect My Car Warranty Costs
We reached out to Protect My Car to ask for a quote on a 2017 Ford Explorer with 45,000 miles. We were quoted $121 per month for 36 months to get the high-end Ultimate plan, leading to a final price of $4,356. Details of Protect My Car's offer are available below:
Protect My Car Warranty | Ultimate |
Term Length | 4 years/100,000 miles |
Monthly Payment | $121 per month for 36 months |
Down Payment | $121 |
Deductible | $100 |
Total Price | $4,356 |
Cost per Year of Coverage | $ 1,089 |
We also received a quote for a powertrain warranty on a 2012 Honda Civic with 88,000 miles. For the relatively basic Essential plan, we received a quote of $143 per month for 36 months, coming out to a total of $5,148.
Protect My Car Warranty | Essential |
Term Length | 4 years/75,000 miles |
Monthly Payment | $143 per month for 36 months |
Down Payment | $143 |
Deductible | $100 |
Total Price | $5,148 |
Cost per Year of Coverage | $1,287 .42 |
You likely won't find the cheapest extended auto warranty coverage at Protect My Car, but the company's plans are well-regarded by drivers and receive strong customer satisfaction scores.
Protect My Car Long-Term Financing
Protect My Car is known for its long-term financing options, which make monthly rates more affordable than those from dealerships or other third-party providers. Payments for most extended warranty plans don't last anywhere near 48 months, but this is relatively common with Protect My Car.
While low monthly payments spread over a long time make each month easier on the wallet, it may lead to a higher overall price tag. Luckily, Protect My Car reviews show that the company provides plenty of flexibility with warranty plan lengths.
The total cost per year of coverage from Protect My Car is relatively high. However, Protect My Car reviews reveal that many customers would rather save money month-to-month. The company offers flexible payment plans lasting between 36 and 48 months, so you can expect a smaller price tag if you opt for a shorter plan.
You may also receive a discount if you're a student or in the military, according to the company's website and various Protect My Car reviews.
How Much Do Extended Warranties Cost?
We broke down the average cost of an extended auto warranty from various providers. That way, you'll quickly be able to tell whether you're paying a fair price for extended coverage from Protect My Car.
![Protect My Car: Reviews, Costs, and Coverage (2024 Guide) (2) Protect My Car: Reviews, Costs, and Coverage (2024 Guide) (2)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn-fastly.autoguide.com/media/2023/06/26/12894454/protect-my-car-reviews-costs-and-coverage-april-2023-guide.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
According to our data, most drivers spend between $1,600 and $3,200 for their extended auto warranty. Remember that exact pricing on your Protect My Car warranty will be affected by certain additional factors which we'll run through below.
What Factors Affect Warranty Costs?
Protect My Car considers the factors below when setting rates for each of its vehicle service contracts:
- Car make, model, and mileage: Older cars, models with below-average reliability, and vehicles with high mileage cost more to cover
- Deductible amount: Lower-deductible plans with lower deductibles cost more upfront but less when you're paying for repairs
- Level of coverage: Comprehensive offerings come with a larger price tag, though drivers may save money over time with them
You'll likely pay higher rates if you have an older vehicle or one that's vulnerable to breakdowns. As expected, higher prices typically come with more extensive and longer-lasting plans as well.
Does Protect My Car Have a Deductible?
According to Protect My Car reviews, drivers should expect to face a $100 deductible per visit to the repair shop with the Ultimate plan. With the Deluxe and Essential plans, you will have a $200 deductible. Deductibles require drivers to pay a bit more out of pocket when their vehicle breaks down, but it also reduces the amount people get charged each month.
Protect My Car Coverage
Protect My Car offers three extended car warranty choices: Ultimate, Deluxe, and Essential. The company's vehicle protection plans cover most vehicles for up to 10 years/125,000 miles, though some age and coverage restrictions may apply.
Below is an overview of which car parts and systems are covered by each of Protect My Car's plans:
Ultimate | Deluxe | Essential | |
---|---|---|---|
Engine | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Transmission | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Transfer Case | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Axle | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Differential Assembly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Cooling System | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Air Conditioning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Electrical Components | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Timing Chain | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Suspension System | ✓ | ✓ | |
Select Brake System Components | ✓ | ✓ | |
Turbo/Supercharger | ✓ | ||
Navigation System | Can be added on |
As is standard with most vehicle service contracts, to keep coverage valid, you must have your vehicle serviced regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. You must cover regular maintenance at your own expense and keep proof that such maintenance was completed for your vehicle.
All plans are transferable and have a $200 deductible except for the Ultimate option, which has a $100 deductible. With Protect My Car's 30-day money back guarantee, you’ll receive a full refund if you cancel your contract within 30 days. All other cancellations come with prorated refunds.
Contracts are inclusionary, which means you are covered for only the specific components listed in the vehicle service contract. Inclusionary contracts tend to offer less coverage than exclusionary contracts.
Ultimate Coverage
The Ultimate plan from Protect My Car is the company's highest level of coverage, but it's also the most expensive. It covers most of the same components as a manufacturer's warranty, which is also known as a factory warranty. Protect My Car reviews show that most drivers are satisfied with the scope of Ultimatecoverage.
Below are some details about Ultimate coverage from Protect My Car:
- Most extensive coverage from Protect My Car
- Wide-ranging but inclusionary coverage
- Covers all parts from the Select plan plus the turbocharger
- For cars with less than 50,000 miles on them
- Optional add-on for the navigation system
- $100 deductible
- Benefits include roadside assistance, rental car reimbursem*nt, and oil changes
One difference between Protect My Car and other extended auto warranty companies is that the Ultimate plan is inclusionary, meaning that every covered part is listed in the contract. Many bumper-to-bumper warranties are exclusionary, meaning that every part is covered unless it's specifically listed as an exception.
Deluxe Coverage
Those with Deluxe coverage receive protection that's slightly more limited in scope than the Ultimate plan. It's intended for cars with over 50,000 miles on their odometer that may no longer qualify for Ultimate coverage.
Listed below is some information about Deluxe coverage from Protect My Car:
- More coverage than Essential but less than Ultimate
- Covers all parts from Essential plus the suspension system and certain brake parts
- Meant for cars with less than 90,000 miles on them
- $200 deductible
- Benefits include roadside assistance, rental car reimbursem*nt, and oil changes
You'll receive extremely extensive coverage if you opt for the Deluxe plan. Protect My Car reviews often speak highly of the company's offerings, and there's good reason when drivers enjoy the benefits of Deluxe coverage.
Essential Coverage
Essential coverage is a solid choice for those looking for an extended warranty for cars over 100k miles. While it's somewhat limited in scope beyond what's covered in a powertrain warranty, drivers with older cars often leave positive Protect My Car reviews about the Essential plan.
Details about Essential coverage can be found below:
- Least extensive coverage from Protect My Car
- Covers powertrain parts such as the engine, transmission, and drive axles
- Also protects the cooling system, electrical components, and air conditioning
- Meant for cars with more than 90,000 miles but less than 125,000 miles
- $200 deductible
- Benefits include roadside assistance, rental car reimbursem*nt, and oil changes
The Essential plan is the cheapest option from Protect My Car, but it still provides quality coverage. It's worth consideration for those who plan to keep high-mileage vehicles for years to come.
Protect My Car Benefits and Exclusions
There are plenty of benefits that come standard with each coverage plan from Protect My Car. We'll also mention a few exclusions that sometimes end up in negative Protect My Car reviews so that you understand them before signing up.
Protect My Car Benefits
In addition to the coverage detailed in the chart above, all Protect My Car contracts include the following benefits:
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Towing
- Rental car reimbursem*nt
- Trip interruption reimbursem*nt
- Oil changes
- Tire rotations
While roadside assistance is a common perk for an extended warranty, free oil changes and tire rotations are not. They are benefits worth considering since they could save you a few hundred dollars a year, depending on how often you change your oil.
PMC Rewards Benefits
Protect My Car also offers $50 in rewards points when you sign up and continues to add rewards dollars as long as you are a member. You can use these dollars to purchase gift cards from several companies and restaurants, including Amazon, Panera, Walmart, and Marriott. A few Protect My Car reviews mention the PMC Rewards program as one of the warranty provider’s standout features.
Protect My Car Exclusions
Not every situation receives coverage through a Protect My Car extended vehicle warranty. While you'll receive protection in most situations, that's not true of the following:
- Items damaged by acts of nature, collisions, or vandalism
- Items that had repairs performed without prior authorization from CarShield
- Items with modifications or alterations
- Damage from owner abuse or neglect
- Repairs backed by preexisting warranty coverage
Remember that vehicle service contracts are intended to keep vehicles safe in the event of mechanical breakdowns. That means you'll still need to cover damages caused by collisions, environmental damages, and instances of theft or vandalism.
Do Extended Warranties Actually Cover Repairs?
While there are exclusions to coverage from Protect My Car, motorists rarely face issues getting their car issues covered. Below are survey results from drivers who reached out for help after facing mechanical breakdowns on the road.
![Protect My Car: Reviews, Costs, and Coverage (2024 Guide) (3) Protect My Car: Reviews, Costs, and Coverage (2024 Guide) (3)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn-fastly.autoguide.com/media/2023/06/26/12874033/endurance-warranty-reviews-cost-and-coverage-2023-guide.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
As can be seen, extended warranty providers almost always cover issues caused by mechanical breakdowns. Protect My Car reviews and our survey results show that drivers are typically impressed with the company's administration of warranty services.
Does Protect My Car Cover Brakes?
The Ultimate and Deluxe plans offer service for certain brake components, according to Protect My Car reviews. Keep in mind that brake pads get excluded from coverage, as they're considered a wear and tear part.
Protect My Car Reviews
The majority of Protect My Car reviews are generally positive. Along with an A+ rating from the BBB, the company earned 4.0 out of 5.0 stars from customer reviews on the BBB website along with a 4.4-star rating from Trustpilot. Protect My Car has received just over 200 complaints through the BBB in the last three years, which is a small number for a warranty company of its size.
Every company has its upsides and downfalls, so read through the positive and negative Protect My Car reviews below to learn how the company functions.
Positive Protect My Car Reviews
Satisfied Protect My Car customers often leave positive Protect My Car reviews speaking highly of the company's attentive representatives and timely service with auto repairs.
"I have not had any problems with my claims being paid. Protect My Car is very courteous and professional each time you call."– Clemmie H. via BBB
"No issues at all with the garage or Protect My Car. No waiting for confirmation either. [The] same day my car went to the shop, it was done."– Bryant via Trustpilot
Negative Protect My Car Reviews
Others have left Protect My Car reviews that state how upset they are about challenging claims processes and higher-than-expected prices.
"I have been having issues with this policy since I had it. I called to get a reimbursem*nt, and I got representatives getting nasty with me on the phone. I am very displeased with the service I am getting."– Lateefah via Trustpilot
"I was lied to about my monthly cost. The gentleman told me my monthly [cost] would be $97 a month. When I got my bill or started the auto draft, it was well over $100. Looking for a new company now."– Tosh via Trustpilot
Many negative Protect My Car reviews speak of annoying robocalls that use the company's name. It's worth noting that these issues may not actually come from Protect My Car, and either way, they do not reflect the company's quality of warranty coverage.
Can I Cancel Protect My Car?
A Protect My Car warranty plan can be canceled by first contacting the company by phone at 1-844-556-4762 and then filling out a cancel request form.
How Does a Protect My Car Warranty Work?
You'll likely face no issues when trying to reach out for quotes and services, according to Protect My Car reviews. If you're not sure of how to get in contact with the company, carefully consider the sections below.
How Do I Get a Quote for Protect My Car?
To request a free quote from Protect My Car, you can either call or fill out a form on the company’s website. Based on Protect My Car reviews, the company can work with nearly any customer’s budget to find affordable options.
When we called, the customer sales representative was slightly pushy and tried to get us to purchase a protection plan immediately over the phone. Other customers have had better experiences with the quotes process, though. A number of Protect My Car reviews praise helpful and courteous salespeople.
How Do I File a Claim With Protect My Car?
Filing a claim for a covered repair with Protect My Car is relatively simple. Below are the steps necessary for you to get a repair bill covered after a vehicle defect:
- Take your car to a licensed repair facility.
- Authorize the repair shop to diagnose the vehicle.
- Have the repair shop contact Protect My Car's claims department to receive approval.
- Pay your deductible amount.
As with most extended warranty providers, Protect My Car reviews are quite spotty when it comes to opinions on the claims process. Some drivers express extreme frustration with the company's response time, while many others believe Protect My Car responded to their needs in a professional and efficient manner.
Protect My Car Waiting Period Length
There's a standard 30-day waiting period before coverage begins from Protect My Car. This allows the company to make sure it's not about to offer coverage on a vehicle with countless preexisting issues.
How Do I Contact Protect My Car?
The best way to contact Protect My Car is generally to call the company's customer service line at 1-844-556-4762. If you're looking for roadside assistance, call 1-888-676-4762.
Are Extended Car Warranties Worth It?
Most drivers believe that extended car warranties are worth it, according to our 2021 extended coverage study. We reached out to 1,000 drivers who purchased or thought about purchasing extended vehicle protection. A few of the highlights are listed below:
- About 13 percent said they were dissatisfied with warranty coverage
- 41 percent said they were satisfied with their provider
- 24 percent reported being happy despite never filing a warranty claim
Motorists generally walk away from their extended warranty purchases satisfied with their coverage. In other words, extended warranties are viewed as worth the price by many of their users.
Will I Use an Extended Car Warranty?
Yes, most drivers do end up using their extended auto warranties. According to Protect My Car reviews, it's relatively common for motorists to take advantage of extended coverage. Below is a breakdown of how often drivers tend to face mechanical breakdowns:
![Protect My Car: Reviews, Costs, and Coverage (2024 Guide) (4) Protect My Car: Reviews, Costs, and Coverage (2024 Guide) (4)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn-fastly.autoguide.com/media/2023/06/26/12874036/endurance-warranty-reviews-cost-and-coverage-2023-guide.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
As cars age, they start to face reliability issues. While some models will hold up well as the years go by, expect to face problems far more often if you've got a vehicle that's moving past its prime.
Extended Car Warranty Cost Data
About 41 percent of those we polled believed their purchase was entirely worthwhile, showing strong satisfaction with vehicle service contracts. The average cost of a plan was between $1,500 and $2,500, with 45 percent of drivers having paid within that range.
![Protect My Car: Reviews, Costs, and Coverage (2024 Guide) (5) Protect My Car: Reviews, Costs, and Coverage (2024 Guide) (5)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn-fastly.autoguide.com/media/2023/07/04/13467577/how-much-does-bmw-maintenance-cost-in-2021.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Our rating: 4.4 out of 5.0
Protect My Car is our pick for best long-term financing.
(888) 430-0227
Other Best Extended Car Warranty Companies
It's always smart to compare quotes from providers when considering an extended car warranty. Prices will differ from person to person, so you'll need to review costs based on your vehicle. Here are two of our other top choices for extended auto warranty protection. Endurance: Most Awards Won
Endurance has a Trustpilot score of 3.7 out of 5.0 stars based on more than 8,600 Endurance warranty reviews. We believe Endurance is a dependable extended warranty company and provides some of the best coverage in the industry. Endurance offers six levels of coverage that range from basic powertrain coverage to comprehensive exclusionary coverage. The company also has plans that include routine maintenance.
Most Endurance extended warranty plans come with one free year of Endurance Elite Benefits, which include:
- Total loss protection (up to $1,000 toward a replacement vehicle)
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Key fob replacement ($500 maximum)
- Tire repairs/replacements ($125 each for two tires per year)
- Collision discount (up to $500 per collision, with a $1,000 limit)
Endurance vehicle protection plans are available in every state except California.
Our rating: 4.6 out of 5.0
Endurance is our pick for best coverage with its comprehensive warranty options.
(888) 650-5952
CARCHEX: Best Industry Reputation
CARCHEX has been selling extended auto warranty contracts for over 20 years. The company is accredited by the BBB, where it holds an A+ rating. There are many positive CARCHEX reviews, and in the last three years, the company has received only 166 BBB customer complaints—an extremely low number for how many contracts CARCHEX sells.
The CARCHEX quotes process takes less than 10 minutes, and you can contact the company through an instant message tool on its website. Overall, CARCHEX is a great choice for an extended auto warranty at a relatively low cost.
To compare CARCHEX and Protect My Car, check out our Protect My Car vs. CARCHEX review.
Our rating: 4.4 out of 5.0
Our research found this provider to be the best industry reputation.
(866) 254-0205
Our Warranty Review Standards
Our review team prides itself on sharing accurate and unbiased information with consumers. We have accumulated data from dozens of extended auto warranty companies to formulate our rankings of the industry’s best providers. Companies receive a score out of 5.0 overall, as well as a rating in each of the following categories:
- Price: Comparing providers can be difficult due to the many factors that influence cost. To determine this score, we employ a secret shopper analysis using different vehicles, mileages, warranty plans, and locations.
- Coverage: A wide variety of coverage is essential to support the differing needs of customers. We take into account the number of extended car warranty plans available, term limits, exclusions, and additional benefits.
- Customer Service: The level of customer service and care provided by an extended warranty company is an important consideration. Our review team sifts through customer reviews and complaints from reputable sources such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. We also consider the responsiveness of each company’s customer service team based on our secret shopper analysis.
- Reputation: Good extended warranty providers consistently provide quality experiences. Our team takes into account BBB ratings and the company’s history of reliable service when giving this score.
- Transparency: Customers value a commitment to open and honest communication when it comes to vehicle service contracts. Our team of experts takes into account the availability of money-back guarantees and sample contracts.
Q & A
Is Protect My Car a legit company?
Yes, Protect My Car is a legitimate extended warranty provider and has high customer ratings on Trustpilot and the BBB's website. The company provides real repair cost coverage for vehicles no longer under a manufacturer's warranty, and you can pay as little as $100 for needed repairs.
Can you cancel Protect My Car?
Yes, you can cancel a Protect My Car extended warranty within the first 30 days for a full refund. You can cancel by downloading a cancellation request from the company's website or by contacting customer service.
How much does Protect My Car cost?
Protect My Car warranties vary in cost depending on your car make and model along with the coverage plan. It's not usually the cheapest extended warranty provider, but it typically receives excellent reviews from customers.
Does Protect My Car cover the engine?
Yes, every Protect My Car plan covers major engine components. Gaskets, seals, and other internally lubricated parts are all covered as well.
Is a Protect My Car warranty worth it?
Protect My Car has a variety of vehicle service plans, coverage options, and perks that help customers get the protection they need against costly repairs. The company has high star ratings and many positive reviews, so we believe Protect My Car is generally worth it.
How does Protect My Car work?
If you have a mechanical breakdown, you can take your vehicle to a repair shop and file a claim, and Protect My Car will cover the repair bill. Some plans are exclusionary, so make sure you understand what's covered and what's not. In the end, you should only be responsible for your deductible and the monthly payments for your Protect My Car contract.
Does Protect My Car cover oil changes?
Yes, Protect My Car does cover oil changes and tire rotations under its warranty plans. That's unusual compared to even the best extended car warranty providers.
Does Protect My Car cover the transmission?
Yes, every Protect My Car plan covers your vehicle's transmission along with related gaskets and seals.