Administrator
The Administrator is the company that actually pays for work done on your car at a repair facility. They work with your mechanic to make
sure your claim is handled properly, and make sure you and your vehicle are back on the road as quickly as possible.
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes and rates insurance companies, and supplies the information to you. Any reputable administrator will be backed
by an insurance company. You can find their rating on the A.M. Best Web site: www.ambest.com.
Basic
The manufacturer of a vehicle has specific terms and conditions for covering repairs. Their basic protection cover most parts installed by
the factory or dealer, but only last for a limited time period or up to a certain mileage.
Breakdown
When a part doesn’t do what it’s designed to do, that’s a breakdown or failure. As long as the part is covered on your extended auto
protection plan, it’ll be repaired or replaced, at very little out-of-pocket expense.
Certified Car
A certified car has been through a quality inspection process. There is no industry standard for the quality inspection or certification.
Manufacturers often certify a vehicle before sale or lease, and attach a limited powertrain protection. A certified car does not come with
a bumper-to-bumper protection.
Claims Reserve Account
An account containing insured funds that the administrator uses to pay claims.
Corrosion Protection
Parts that are never covered under protection because they wear out in the normal, everyday use of a car. They include such parts as tires,
wiper blades, batteries and clutch plates. See also Wear and Tear.
Extended Warranty
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 Protection Services/Atlasautoprotection.com 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.
Deductible
A small amount that you, as the car owner, pay to have your vehicle repaired. Once the deductible is paid, the rest of the repair bill is
covered by your extended auto policy.
VSC
Also known as a Vehicle Service Contract. Extended protection protects against mechanical failure and breakdown for covered repairs after
the manufacturer’s protection expires.
Gray Market Vehicle
A “Gray Market” vehicle is one not manufactured for sale in the U.S. Often not meeting U.S. standards and guidelines, and carrying no manufacturer’s
protection, these vehicles are typically not eligible for extended protection.
Inclusionary Policy
An inclusionary policy lists every component covered by your extended protection. If a part doesn’t appear on the list, then it isn’t covered.
In-Service Date
The date a car or truck was originally purchased and put on the road.
Insurance Company
The best protection providers are backed by insurance companies whose policies guarantee that the administrator can pay for repairs on your vehicle.
Lemon Law
A “lemon law,” or “buyback” vehicle is so named by the state when it has one or more major, recurring problems and has been bought back, or had its
purchase price renegotiated by the manufacturer. These vehicles are not eligible for coverage.
Maintenance Guidelines
Normal, routine maintenance recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle to keep it in optimum condition. Suggested timing for oil changes, tune ups,
fluid checks, tire rotation, wheel alignment, belt and hose replacement and other maintenance is spelled out in your owner’s manual.
Manufacturer's Protection
Every new vehicle comes with a standard auto protection, covering all factory-installed parts against defects. Typical manufacturer’s auto protection cover
3 years/36,000 miles, 4 years/50,000 miles or 5 years/60,000 miles.
Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
An insurance policy that guarantees repairs or replacements to a vehicle when parts break down due to defects or poor mechanical labor. Normally, MBI
does not cover parts that fail due to normal wear and tear. In California, insurance companies must be authorized by the California Department of
Insurance (CDI) to offer MBI. The CDI reviews the insurance company’s business practices to make sure you are protected and receive a fair price
for this coverage.
Provider
Your protection’s provider is ultimately financially responsible for your claim. A provider stands behind an administrator and makes sure your policy
and claim are properly taken care of. At Continental, our providers are highly rated and respected insurance companies.
Powertrain protection
After the basic, bumper-to-bumper protection lapses, the powertrain protection goes on to cover the engine and transmission only. A powertrain protection
is very limited, and does not cover the parts that most frequently break down. Powertrain protection often are not transferable if you sell
your vehicle during the contract period.
Repair Facility
You can go to your choice of any repair facility that is authorized and licensed in the United States, whether you prefer your dealership, local mechanic
or a national repair facility.
Risk Retention Group (RRG)
Only in existence since 1981, Risk Retention Groups (RRG) back certain protection companies in place of insurance companies. But unlike insurance companies,
RRG are not rated by A.M. Best and may not meet the same operational and financial standards. While RRG are exposed to the same risks, they lack the
level of risk diversification that ensures protection for customers of insurance companies.
Roadside Assistance
A roadside assistance program offers you emergency help—24 hours a day, 365 days a year—no matter where you are in the U.S. or Canada. If your vehicle
breaks down, has a flat tire, needs a jump or water, or even if you just lock your keys in the car, just call our toll free number and someone will be
there to help.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Your VIN is a 17-digit number unique to your vehicle. Kind of like a social security number, but for your car.