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Home / FAQs / Don't fall for warranty traps - read our guide on ASC Extended Car Warranty

Don't fall for warranty traps - read our guide on ASC Extended Car Warranty

Nicholas Hinrichsen - Published: September 15, 2023

Overview of the ASC Warranty Car Warranty (VSC Plan)


Our goal is to help you build financial strength by making the right financial choices when it comes to your car. We wrote in-depth articles on a variety of VSC plans (Vehicle Service Contracts, and also known as aftermarket warranties) so you can compare the different carriers, lower your monthly payments, decide whether a VSC contract is right for you, and get the best plan at the lowest rate possible. If you’re looking for ways to manage your ASC Warranty VSC, you might be interested in one of these quick links:

Manage your VSC Plan

Managing your extended auto warranty plan isn’t always easy! Sometimes all you’re left with is the phone number and contact details for your aftermarket warranty provider. To reach ASC Warranty you can call (800) 442-7116.


Luckily ASC Warrantyhas on online portal where you can login and manage all aspects of your VSC contract. You can find the login screen at :Login Portal This makes it very easy to manage all aspects of your VSC like billing, claims, etc.

Get a Quote for Coverage

Not every provider is able to give a quote directly to its members (known as direct providers). Many times you’ll need to purchase an aftermarket warranty at the time of sale, and through a dealership. There are several reasons why a warranty company will only sell through a dealer: The car is in a known condition, there is no adverse selection (e.g. the dealership is selling a warranty before an issue has arisen), and the dealership has repeated experience with the warranty company so that pricing can reflect the risks of “the vehicles that a dealer sells”. So if a dealer tends to sell vehicles that need additional repairs, the warranty company can adjust prices accordingly to the dealership as a broader group.

Make a Claim

The process of making a claim is pretty straightforward with ASC Warranty. You can find details of how to submit a claim here - https://web.ascwarranty.com/page/customer-claims.

The process is like most VSC providers where:
  • First contact the claims department (normally via email, phone call, or through an app)
  • The repair facility will then communicate with ASC Warranty with an initial estimate before repairs are made
  • A claims adjuster will then submit/give approval for the authorized repairs in scope


Cancelling your ASC Warranty Insurance Policy

You can cancel your ASC Warranty insurance policy anytime after you’ve purchased. You’re entitled to a full refund within the first [30] days, and afterwards entitled to a prorated refund. In order to cancel the contract just ensure to have your policy number, current vehicle odometer, and other plan details ready.
You’ll need to contact ASC Warranty directly through one of the contact methods listed below to complete your cancellation.


Get in Touch with ASC Warranty

If you want to just get in touch with ASC Warranty there’s the formal channels:
  • Email: info@ascwarranty.com
  • Phone: (800) 442-7116
  • Address: P.O. Box 2400 Mountain Home, AR 72654
Or you can find some of the more informal channels to get their attention on social media.

    These are the social links listed below:



    Background on ASC Warranty Warranties & VSC’s


    ASC Warranty warranty and VSC company has a storied history:
    • It was founded in the year 1986
    • Company headquarters are located in Mountain Home, Arizona
    • Currently employes around: 158
    • Has a current estimated revenue of: $40 million


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What plans are available from ASC Warranty?


ASC Warranty has a variety of plans available for coverage for your car. You can find a complete list of coverage options by going here: https://web.ascwarranty.com/page/customer-plan-coverages

In general VSC coverages generally fall into several categories (but are all relabeled something else):



  • Exclusionary Coverage Plans: These plans are generally the highest coverage plans available for used cars and they’re labeled exclusionary plans because they generally provide coverage for everything “except” what’s listed in the plan. So rather than listing what components ARE covered, the plans list what IS NOT covered (or excluded). These plans are most similar to the bumper to bumper coverage that normally comes with the vehicle. Reading the fine print is often easier for these plans, but they also tend to be more expensive.
  • Inclusionary Coverage Plans: These plans work oppositely from the exclusionary coverage plans. These plans only cover what is explicitly mentioned in the plan. So if the plan covers “Pistons and Crankshaft” but not “Crankshaft Shell Bearing” you may end up paying for lots of components that need replacement but weren’t explicitly mentioned. Often these plans exclude electrical components, gaskets and seals, turbochargers, and other high expense items.
  • Powertrain Coverage Plans: These plans can be either inclusionary or exclusionary, but these plans cover only the drivetrain of the car. This is generally limited to the Engine, Transmission, Differential and drive axles. This more limited coverage is generally less expensive, but obviously excludes a large portion of the vehicle.

How to contact ASC Warranty for customer service or claims


To contact ASC Warranty for customer service, there’s several means to reach them:

You can find various means to contact ASC Warranty Get in Contact :
In general there may be several departments you mind need to reach:

ASC Warranty warranty and VSC plan reviews and ratings


ASC Warranty has mostly good, but there are some negative reviews reviews if you look online. While its often considered a better alternative to other VSC providers, there are items in its review history worth examining.

ASC has a strong reputation within the extended warranty industry. Currently, ASC Warranty has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with a 4.65/5 from customer ratings. Customers report high overall satisfaction and service that is affordable, quick, honest and straightforward.

You can find some more complete review, and find other details on accreditation through looking at these resources:

  • BBB Reviews are Located Here: Link
  • Yelp Reviews are Located Here: Link
  • Motor1 Reviews are Located Here: Link

Picking the right plan from ASC Warranty Warranty


Most aftermarket VSC, and protection plan companies have multiple coverage plans. We’ll cover only the most popular options here. ASC Warranty has three major plans for covering your auto repairs:

Factory Type Coverage
The Factory Type Coverage warranty plan covers all items included under the manufacturer's original coverage. The catch here is this plan is exclusionary and will not cover items under "Items not covered" on the Service Agreement. To name a few -- oil, brake shoes, belts, hoses, tires, and tune-up items are not covered. Be sure to review the service agreement to be clear on what is covered. Bundled with the Factory Type Coverage is 24-hour emergency road service which includes; towing, flat tire assistance, fuel delivery, jump-starting, lock-out services and more. Finally, a rental car allowance is provided as well.

Drivetrain "Plus" Coverage
The Drivetrain "Plus" Coverage warranty plan extends inclusionary coverage to engine parts, transmission parts, drive axle assembly (parts covered vary by type of drivetrain), seals and gaskets, cooling, and electrical. Engine parts that are covered are the crankshaft and bearings, oil pump, oil pump pickup/screen and tube, pistons, piston rings, wrist pins, connecting rods and rod bearings, timing gears and chain/belt, timing tensioners/guides, balance shafts, camshaft and camshaft bearings, push rods, rocker arms, rocker arm shaft and hydraulic lifters, intake and exhaust valves, valve springs, cylinder head gaskets. Engine blocks are covered if mechanical failure was caused by any parts listed above. Transmission parts that are covered consist of gears, input and output shafts, bearings, front pump, planetary assembly, sprags, governor assembly, valve body, torque converter, transmission case, overdrive carrier, reaction carrier, center support, parking lock actuator, stator and stator shaft, separator plate, pressure regulator valve, dipstick and filler tube. Front and Rear-Wheel drive axle assembly parts that are covered are: Drive shaft, ring and pinion gears, pinion bearings, side carrier bearings, carrier assembly, thrust washers, axle, axle bearings and limited slip clutch pack assembly. Universal and CV joints. 4-Wheel and All-Wheel drive axle assembly parts that are covered are: Transfer case including gears, main shaft, drive chain, thrust washer and shims, bearings. Front drive shaft, differential, axles, u-joints and CV joints. Applicable surcharges are not covered. Seals and gaskets that have coverage are cylinder head gaskets and any seals or gaskets in conjunction with repairs of parts listed above. The water pump, alternator, starter and voltage regulator are covered up to one-half of the cost of parts and labor. In addition to the above mentioned coverages, the Drivetrain "Plus" Coverage plan offers 24-hour road assistance (towing, flat tire assistance, fuel delivery, lock-out service and jump-starting) and a rental car allowance.

Deluxe Coverage
In addition to all parts covered under Drivetrain "Plus" Coverage, the Deluxe Coverage warranty plan includes coverage to air conditioning systems, front suspension, steering, brakes, cooling, fuel delivery and electrical. Only factory installed air conditioning parts are covered, such as the compressor, clutch and coil assembly, evaporator, accumulator, condenser, evacuation and recharge in conjunction with the replacement of listed parts. The front suspension upper and lower control arms, as well as upper and lower ball joints, steering knuckle, wheel bearings, control arm shaft and bushings are covered. Components covered under brakes are the master cylinder, ABS master cylinder, brake booster, wheel cylinder, disc brake calipers, hydraulic lines and fittings. Cooling system parts that have coverage are the radiator, fan clutch, water pump and cooling fan motor. Fuel delivery components include the fuel pump, fuel sending unit, fuel tank, fuel injectors and metal fuel lines. Finally, electrical components that are included in the warranty plan are the battery, engine operation computer, voltage regulator, alternator, front/rear wipers, wiper module, window motors, window regulators, seat motors, ignition module, ignition coil, distributor, starter, starter solenoid and door lock actuators and any manually operated switches for parts listed above.

Choosing the right plan obviously depends on your level of comfort with contracts and coverage, but we have a few general pieces of advice for extended warranty buyers.
  • If you’re buying a named coverage plan, its very important to understand exactly what is covered, and understand there is additional expense often associated with each repair. E.g. often gaskets and seals are excluded
  • For most VSC plans we recommend the plan only if the consumer experience is “ruined” by expensive repairs. If the thought of a $1,500 repair could severely dampen your ownership, its worth considering paying for insurance. But remember that on average VSC plans are money-making, and so these plans are more for peace of mind and ownership management than a savvy financial decision.


    • Getting a quote from ASC Warranty Warranty


    To get a free quote started, you’ll need your vehicle’s VIN and exact mileage. Then you can:

    Call to get a quote: (800) 442-7116

    Competitors and Alternatives to ASC Warranty Warranty


    ASC Warranty isn't the only extended service contract company. In fact there are many large national players. A few of the largest (which ASC Warranty is a member of) are listed below:

    • ASC
    • Endurance
    • GWC
    • Fidelity
    • Carmax
    • Alpha
    • Route 66
    • Warranty Solutions
    • AUL
    • Proguard
    • Zurich
    • AAA
    • SilverRock
    • Warranty Group
    • CarShield
    • CarChex

    Who should get an ASC Warranty VSC or warranty plan


    In order to determine whether a VSC from ASC Warranty is right for you, you’ll need to answer several questions first:

    • What is the expected repair costs of the vehicle you are purchasing and how does that compare to the warranty cost?
    • Could you handle the cost of a large repair without undue financial stress?
    • Can you find an alternative service contract or warranty for cheaper?
    • How much is convenience worth to you?
    Question 1: What is the expected repair cost of the vehicle you are purchasing and how does that compare to the Endurance Warranty cost?

    On average, ASC Warranty warranties are making money. So on average the ASC Warranty customers spend more money buying a service contract than what the warranty pays out in repairs after factoring in for the deductible, denied claims, and un-cancelled contracts. For a normal dealer these plans make about $500-1000.

    But, these figures are AVERAGES and so often there’s examples where the ASC Warranty Warranty is underpriced relative to the expected repair costs. In order to find some of the expected repair costs for a given make model, RepairPal is one of the best resources to find these costs, as well as Edmunds.

    Question 2: Could you handle the cost of a large repair without undue financial stress?

    Since warranties are often money-makers on average it's generally a good idea NOT to get them. That said, often these warranties can be a good means for financial discipline and protecting against extreme downside that might ruin your car experience and cause undue financial stress. Let’s take a money-making warranty case to make a point below.

    Suppose you’re about to buy a 2010 Mercedes SL63 where the engine fails 1 percent of the time at a cost of $20,000. So, the average repair costs is $200 (.01 x $20,000). As a company, ASC Warranty can make money on the warranty by charging $500. And on average, this warranty is not a good financial decision since the repairs costs are only $200 expected vs. $500 cost.

    However, if you ARE the 1 customer who has a $20,000 engine failure, you would be ecstatic to pay the $500. Not to mention, a $20,000 bill would cause other financial stress, and you may not even have the money to pay for this expensive repair. So now you’re left having to sell a broken vehicle, find new transport, and your perception of the Mercedes SL63 will be forever ruined.

    So if the “bad luck” of expensive repairs could bankrupt you, cause undue stress, or ruin the vehicle experience than an Extended car warranty could be a safe means to buy peace of mind and avoid “car induced bankruptcy”.

    Question 3: Can you find an alternative extended service contract or warranty for cheaper than the Endurance Warranty?

    Up until now, we’ve focused on whether to buy “the ASC Warranty warranty” or not to buy. The reality is there’s a third alternative - buy an extended warranty/service contract through another third party. Before buying the warranty from ASC Warranty, you can also compare warranty options through a variety of different warranty companies mentioned earlier.

    Make sure to be comparing plans with similar plans, deductibles, and mileage limits to get comparable costs. Additionally, ensure you vehicle doesn't already have some existing factory warranty coverage. For many car companies, the manufacturer's warranty is often still valid until 36,000, 50,000, or 100,000 mile intervals for the new car.

    Question 4: How much is convenience worth to you?

    Another benefit of ASC Warranty warranty - you don’t need to think too hard when your car requires unscheduled repairs. Instead of price shopping repairs, getting cost estimates, and renting a car while yours is in for repair - you can just drop off your car at your favorite ASE certified repair shop and get a rental car through ASC Warranty. Additionally, if your vehicle fails on the side of the road - an extended warranty often covers roadside assistance, towing expenses and other emergency roadside needs.

    So while it might be possible to find cheaper alternatives, save money on repairs longterm, the ASC Warranty warranty just helps reduce the need for you to think too hard about repairs and maintenance.

    When does ASC Warranty deny or make claims difficult


    Like any company that specializes in losses (insurance companies, warranty providers, bond services) - ASC Warranty needs to ensure its not simply paying out in all cases. This can be extremely frustrating as a consumer but generally a warranty company falls into several categories when it comes to claims:

    • The company makes money by making it “difficult” to file claims and get reimbursement.
    • The fine print in the contracts makes it extremely difficult for the consumer to understand what’s covered and what’s not - often revealing hidden costs only at time of repair
    • The company makes its best full faith effort to make claims easy, painless and transparent before and during a claims process.
    Judging by ASC Warranty reviews: Overall, ASC Warranty offers comprehensive coverage that is affordable -- resulting in high customer satisfaction.

    Some customers had particularly bad things to say about ASC Warranty: "ASC Warranty was a true waste of $600. I am one who reads the fine print, and still ask questions to ensure I understand what is being offered. We purchased this warranty for a used vehicle that we purchased and every issue that arouse with the vehicle ASC declined coverage. Apparently the fine print that allows ASC to negate every claim is on the pages not provided. I will be seeking a full refund for the remained of the warranty but am confident I will not receive the refund either. FOR ANY PERSON CONSIDERING AN ASC WARRANTY, SAVE YOUR MONEY THEY ARE NOT WORTH THE HEADACHE OR FRUSTRATION THEY WILL CAUSE YOU. If I could give a negative star rating I would." Eva T

    This has to be balanced against the good things customers have said like: "I recently purchased a 2015 Chevy 3500HD LTZ with Duramax 6.6 turbo and included the ASC Warranty. I always add ASC to every vehicle purchase. They have always had me covered, last truck had a $2,700.00 transmission replacement that ASC covered! Was on a 2500 mile trip with my LTZ when the fuel pump shredded, $15,886.07 repair bill!!! ASC got the dealer straightened out and got me back on the road pronto! Thank You ASC!!" Bill H undefined
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