Guide to Auto service contracts

14 What is Not Covered — Many consumers mistakenly believe that a vehicle repair agreement will cover anything and everything that might break. This is never true! All repair agreements have a section called “what is not covered” or “exclusions.” Before you buy a repair agreement, read this section slowly and carefully! You must disregard any coverage that is verbally promised by a sales person but is not contained in the written repair agreement! You may find that parts listed as covered may actually not be covered if a breakdown occurs in certain ways. For example, repair agreements often won’t cover a breakdown caused by or involving: • Failure to service the car as recommended by the manufacturer • Overheating • Insufficient, improper or contaminated coolants, lubricants or other fluids • Alterations to the vehicle • Towing excessive weight • Towing without a manufacturer-installed or a manufacturer - authorized and dealer - installed tow package • Damage to a non-covered part caused by the failure of a covered part • Damage to a covered part caused by failure of a non-covered part • Damage that existed prior to the effective date of the contract (the “pre-existing condition exclusion”) • Negligence or abuse