Is Concord Auto Protect Legit?
There are now so many choices in the extended auto warranty arena that it can be difficult to tell them apart. Though newer than most, Concord Auto Protect is still ten years old, offering some of the most affordable auto warranty coverage on the market. The company is not as popular as some rivals, though that’s mostly due to its age and how well-known it is, rather than a reflection of its quality or value.
Concord Auto Protect Price, BBB Rating, Complaints and Customer Reviews vs. Top-Rated Providers
In the image above, it’s noticeable that these leading extended car warranty companies have received a significant number of complaints. While Concord Auto Connect also has its share of complaints, it pales in comparison to the quantity of complaints attributed to its closest competitors, including Endurance Warranty Services and CarShield. We will delve into the specifics of these complaints and discuss key aspects to consider when striving to select the optimal extended car warranty plan.
About Concord Auto Protect
Pennsylvania-based Concord Auto Protect offers three coverage options that range from powertrain coverage to more comprehensive options. However, it does not sell a bumper-to-bumper policy like some providers boast. Though its premium plan is quite comprehensive, Concord’s lack of a full bumper-to-bumper warranty means that some components are not covered under any of its plans. Customers also enjoy several benefits, including roadside assistance, full transferability, towing, and repairs at almost any shop.
Concord undercuts much of the industry, offering coverage that comes in at half the price of some competitors or less. The downside is that it doesn’t have as many coverage options as companies like Endurance and Carchex. The good news is that Concord handles its own claims internally, so the administration and customer service operations are all in-house. That can mean faster service and a better experience overall.
Pros
Bargain pricing
Solid bonuses like roadside assistance
Huge selection of service facilities
Cons
Concord is a newer company in the industry
Many negative reviews for claims payment and timing.
Concord Auto Protect Process to Get Started
Prospective Concord Auto Protect customers have to give up some personal information to get a quote, but the company is quick to respond and transparent about its coverage options.
Once signed up, new customers have a 30-day/1,000 waiting period to ensure that there are no pre-existing conditions that you brought when obtaining warranty coverage.
While Concord’s is longer than some, waiting periods are fairly standard practice in the industry, and most companies require at least a month and 500 miles.
Many customers are happy with the sign-up process, stating that it’s quick and relatively painless.
Concord Auto Protect Costs and Prices
Concord’s prices undercut almost every other company on the market.
Compared to others, the company’s monthly payment amounts can be as much as half of rival companies’ charges.
Popular vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 can cost as little as $45 per month for basic coverage, though it’s important to note that older, higher-mileage cars cost more to cover. Endurance, one of the most popular extended warranty companies, costs more than twice as much for the same level of coverage. That said, Endurance and others have much more time in business, so it’s up to the owner whether that experience is worth the extra charge.
Customers also get add-ons with coverage, including 24/7 roadside assistance.
Other benefits include towing, rental car reimbursement, locksmith services, and help for out-of-fuel situations. While it’s nice never to need such services, it’s also nice to be covered when you do. That Concord offers bonuses and holds its price point low is significant and should be a big selling point for prospective customers.
Does Concord Auto Protect offer a 30-day money-back guarantee?
The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, and all plans can be transferred to a new owner if the vehicle is sold. Concord also has several discount programs, and people can get reduced rates for being an AAA member, a senior citizen and working for the government or military.
Other ways to save money:
- Earn cash back on groceries and gasoline purchases
- Consolidate debt with low interest personal loans
- Shop for low-cost home insurance options
Concord Auto Protect Extended Car Warranty Claims Review
Concord customers can take their vehicle to any ASE-certified repair shop for diagnosis. The shop communicates directly with Concord, and the company pays the shop with no additional action from the owner. The repair timeline is up to the shop and has nothing to do with Concord, though some customer reviews state that the company was slow to pay claims and that it caused delays in their ability to get back on the road. Others had confusion about what is and isn’t covered, so if you’re considering a Concord plan, it’s a good idea to understand what you’re getting into.
Reasons Concord Auto Protect Denies Claims
Claims can be denied for various reasons, though most are fairly standard across the industry. Concord won’t cover vehicles with pre-existing conditions, nor will it cover repairs of components that failed due to abuse or neglect.
Modifications are a great way to get a claim denied, and Concord does not cover common wear items like tires, brakes, and oil changes. Concord doesn’t cover repairs for items affected by a recall, and some customers have complained that the company does not pay for parts covered by a technical service bulletin.
Concord Auto Protect Warranty Customer Reviews
Concord’s reviews are mixed, but a large portion of the negative reviews come from people who experienced issues having repairs covered and confusion around terminology. It’s important to understand what terms like service bulletin mean and have at least a little knowledge about how cars work.
Trustpilot, which usually has more positive reviews than the BBB, is actually worse. Its average score is 2.9/5, and many negative reviews focus on similar issues to the more positive writeups. People complain that Concord is slow, and many say that their claims were denied for issues that they weren’t aware of, such as the fact that Concord won’t cover problems that are included in technical service bulletins (TSBs). It’s important to carefully review the reviews because some claim that Concord pays to take down negative reviews, and others say that the company flooded sites with positive reviews in an effort to tamp down the negativity. Whatever the case, do your homework and ask plenty of questions before signing up for an extended warranty.
What to Watch Out for When Considering a Warranty from Concord Auto Protect
When considering an extended car warranty, it’s crucial to be well-informed about the company’s reputation and the potential issues customers might face.
Recent complaints against Concord Auto Protect have highlighted certain patterns that consumers should be aware of before purchasing a warranty.
Here’s a closer look at the issues you should watch out for to ensure you make an informed decision about your investment.
Review BBB Complaints Against Concord Auto Protect:
1.) Delayed Claims and Communication Issues:
- Customer faced significant delays and communication issues when trying to submit a water pump claim.
- Despite numerous promises of expedited processing, there was no progress for over 9 days.
- Constantly changing demands, missing documents, and unrelated requests raised concerns.
2.) Lack of Refund Processing:
- After requesting a warranty cancellation and refund, the customer faced a lengthy process with repeated delays.
- Despite multiple assurances, the refund was not processed within the specified timeframes, causing frustration.
3.) Non-responsive Refund Issues:
- A customer requested a warranty refund, was promised a reimbursement, and faced ongoing delays.
- Despite being given multiple explanations, the refund was not received after a month.
4.) Delayed and Unfulfilled Tire Claim:
- The customer submitted a flat tire claim and faced a lack of communication and follow-up.
- Repeated assurances of reimbursement were not fulfilled, leading to a sense of neglect and frustration.
5.) Refund Delay and Inadequate Communication:
- After policy cancellation, the customer struggled to receive a refund for over 3 months.
- Despite promises, the refund was not transferred as expected, causing frustration and suspicion.
6.) Refund Delay and Miscommunication:
- Another customer faced challenges in receiving a refund after policy cancellation.
- Despite repeated assurances and communication, the refund was not processed as promised.
7.) Refund Processing Issues and Negligence:
- A customer faced ongoing delays and a lack of response after requesting a policy cancellation and refund.
- Despite communication with company representatives, the refund was not processed as indicated.
8.) Refund Delays and Unfulfilled Promises:
- A customer requested a policy cancellation and refund, facing multiple delays and unfulfilled promises.
- Despite repeated assurances and explanations, the refund was not received as expected.
9.) Refund Issues and Communication Challenges:
- Similar to the previous complaints, the customer struggled to receive a refund after policy cancellation.
- Despite establishing a new account and providing information, the refund was not received in a timely manner.
10.) Claim Denials and Poor Coverage Interpretation:
- The customer faced claim denials for repairs not covered by the “Premium” plan, causing frustration.
- An oil cooler repair, deemed essential for engine health, was not covered as expected, leading to dissatisfaction.
Concord Auto Protect BBB Customer Reviews Summary:
The Better Business Bureau currently has 55 customer reviews for Concord Auto Protect, with an average score of 3.96/5.
That’s far fewer than most rivals, though again, it’s likely due to Concord’s shorter time in business and less recognizable name than it does with its business practices or quality.
Many negative customer reviews on the BBB site paint the picture that Concord is slow to respond to claims and that it’s difficult to have covered repairs paid for.
Here’s a summary of the positive and negative reviews on Concord Auto Protect submitted to the BBB within the last year:
Positive Reviews:
- Kim P (5 stars, 07/31/2023): Praises the ease of using the warranty plan, citing efficient repair service and exceptional customer support.
- Peter J (5 stars, 07/17/2023): Highlights the excellent quality of the warranty plan, positive claim experience, and proactive customer service.
- Faith T (5 stars, 07/05/2023): Expresses satisfaction with the advanced warranty plan, impressed by staff attitude and positive reviews.
- Charlie K (5 stars, 06/29/2023): Describes how the premium plan covered a significant repair expense and praises Concord for effective communication.
- Mark C (5 stars, 05/26/2023): Appreciates the smooth purchase process, reasonable price, and non-pushy approach of the sales agent.
- Stanley L (5 stars, 05/16/2023): Commends the coverage quality and responsive customer service, saving money on repairs.
Negative Reviews:
- Helen A (1 star, 03/30/2023): Expresses frustration with lack of response during a repair claim, feeling deceived by Concord Auto Policy.
- James D (1 star, 02/27/2023): Labels the company a rip-off, warning against purchasing a warranty from them due to poor customer service.
- Jeffrey B (1 star, 02/06/2023): Shares dissatisfaction with their experience, mentioning partial bill coverage, lack of rental, delayed refund, and cancellation fee.
- Larry H (1 star, 02/01/2023): Criticizes Concord’s handling of a Subaru repair, citing issues with part choice, labor coverage, and misleading behavior.
Should You Buy a Concord Auto Protect Warranty?
If price is a primary concern, Concord is hard to beat. The company offers comparable coverage to the industry’s biggest players but does so at what is often half the price. At the same time, customers get many of the same benefits and bonus features that the more expensive players offer. Its three coverage plans may not provide the same variety and level of choice as other companies, but the main components are there, and it’s possible to get a high level of coverage with Concord Auto Protect.
Having said that, it’s advisable to have caution when dealing with the company. While it has plenty of good reviews, the negative reviews and allegations of fake reviews are enough to warrant a close look at what’s included, how much it costs, and the conditions for claims denials. The negative reviews focus heavily on challenges of getting claims paid, so it’s a good idea to do your homework to avoid potentially expensive issues down the road.
Concord Auto Protect Alternatives
Olive is a fantastic alternative to Concord Auto Protect, and its services are available through an online form rather than requiring that customers call and spend time talking to a rep. Its prices are higher, but it offers a range of coverage options and solid benefits. Endurance is one of the best-rated companies in the industry, and it offers a broader range of coverage choices. It’s considerably more expensive, though many people are likely more willing to pay extra for the peace of mind from an established, industry-leading company.
Concord Auto Protect Warranty Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Concord Auto Protect a legitimate company?
Does Concord Auto Protect pay its claims?
How long is Concord Auto Protect’s waiting period?
How long are Concord Auto Protect’s warranty plans?
How to file a claim with Concord Auto Protect warranty plans?
Chris Teague
Editorial Reviews
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