AUL Warranty: Wide Coverage, Dealership-Only Access

AUL at a Glance

AUL Corp was founded in 1990 and originally headquartered in Napa, California. Following Protective Life's 2022 acquisition, operations are now administered by Protective Asset Protection, Inc., headquartered in Chesterfield, Missouri. AUL is a Finance and Insurance (F&I) provider, meaning their vehicle service contracts are sold exclusively through franchised and independent dealerships, not directly to consumers. Plans are available in all states except New York, where Protective's licensing structure limits availability.

The product range is the defining characteristic of this provider. AUL offers one of the widest selections of vehicle service contract tiers and named products in the industry, covering everything from basic powertrain protection to exclusionary lifetime coverage. Select products carry an "Any Year Any Mileage" eligibility standard, making coverage accessible for older and higher-mileage vehicles that many providers decline. Most plans activate from day one with no waiting period, and AUL advertises same-day claims processing, with most approved claims paid to the repair facility within two hours.

A disappearing deductible feature is also available on select plans, rewarding customers who go extended periods without filing a claim. As part of Protective Asset Protection, the AUL-branded lineup sits within a significantly larger operation: Protective currently administers over 10.8 million in-force vehicle protection plans, has paid over $6.2 billion in claims since inception, and serves more than 10,000 dealerships nationwide. It is also worth noting that Protective offers additional vehicle service contract products beyond the AUL-branded lineup, though this review focuses specifically on AUL Corp's plans.

The reputation picture is one prospective buyers should examine carefully. Protective Asset Protection, Inc. carries a C+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, is not BBB-accredited, and has an active consumer alert after the BBB identified a pattern of complaints centered on claim denials, refund failures, and poor customer service. On other independent review forums, customer feedback reflects mixed critical results.

AUL Coverage & Plans

AUL, as administered by Protective Asset Protection, features one of the widest vehicle service contract catalogs in the dealership market. Rather than a single unified product, AUL operates through a suite of named contract products, each tailored for different vehicle types, dealership contexts, and coverage needs, that your selling dealer selects from based on their inventory and partnership agreements. The current AUL-branded lineup includes products for new and pre-owned vehicles, with several plans available across both categories. The specific plans available to you will depend entirely on where you purchase your vehicle.

Plan tiers

Most AUL vehicle products are structured around the following coverage tiers, which give you a reliable framework for evaluating whatever your dealer presents:

Here is what you generally need to know about AUL plans:

• Eligibility: AUL's Any Year Any Mileage program is available on select products, particularly at lower coverage tiers. Higher-tier and longer-term plans typically require vehicles to be no older than 20 years or under 150,000 miles. Vehicles beyond those thresholds may qualify for 12-month terms only. No physical inspection is required for most products
• Waiting period: Most AUL plans have no waiting period; coverage is active from the day of purchase
• Repair facility: Customers within 60 miles of their selling dealer are typically required to return there first, provided the dealer has a repair facility. Those outside that radius, or whose dealer does not perform repairs, may use any licensed facility in the United States or Canada
• Claims payment: AUL advertises same-day claims payment, with most approved claims paid to the repair facility within two hours of receiving a finalized invoice. Claims can be submitted online 24/7 through the eClaims portal, though approvals are only processed during business hours: Monday through Friday, 6 AM to 5 PM Pacific time
• Transferability: Most plans are transferable to a new owner, though typically only once. A transfer fee may apply

Named AUL products

The following AUL-branded products are currently available through Protective Asset Protection's dealer network.

Available for new and pre-owned vehicles:

Powertrain Plus (AUL PTP): An entry-level stated-component plan covering the engine group, transmission, and transfer case (4x4/AWD included), drive axle group, and turbocharger/supercharger. A practical option for buyers who want core mechanical protection without paying for broader coverage.

Essentials (AUL ES2): A tiered product with three sub-levels. Essential covers powertrain components plus power steering and basic electrical. Basic adds air conditioning and expanded electrical. Comprehensive adds the brake group, front and rear suspension, and cooling group. Best suited for buyers who want meaningful coverage beyond powertrain but do not need exclusionary protection.

Vehicle Protection Plan (AUL ESB): A multi-tier product offering Powertrain, Classic, Vintage, Estate, and Reserve coverage levels, plus a Wrap option. The tier framework in the table above maps directly to this product, making it one of AUL's most flexible and widely available contracts.

Absolute Lifetime Protection Plan (AUL ALP): A lifetime-term contract built around the Reserve exclusionary coverage level. It includes wear and tear coverage, no waiting period, deductible options from $0 to $250, and the full roadside assistance package, including rental car reimbursement and trip interruption.

Reserve Care Plus (AUL A2N): An exclusionary plan available on unlimited time terms up to 150,000 miles. One of the few products in the extended warranty market that explicitly covers the hybrid drive battery, electric drive battery, and high-voltage battery—components most providers exclude entirely. Deductibles range from $0 to $200, and alternate transportation reimbursement via rideshare services is included alongside standard rental coverage.

Available for pre-owned vehicles only:

Pre-owned Vehicle Coverage Protection Plans (AUL SNI and AUL SNE): Each offers five coverage tiers, including roadside assistance, structured around the standard Powertrain through Reserve progression. These are the core pre-owned vehicle products for franchise and independent dealers, respectively.

Powertrain Vehicle Protection Plan (AUL FI2): A powertrain-only contract for pre-owned vehicles, best suited for older or higher-mileage vehicles where broader coverage may not be available or cost-effective.

Pre-owned Vehicle Protection Plans (AUL SNF and AUL SNL): SNF offers four coverage tiers, and SNL provides coverage against costly repairs with additional roadside benefits. Both follow the standard tier structure and are pre-owned specific.

Additional benefits and what's not covered

Most AUL vehicle service contracts include the following roadside assistance benefits, available 24/7:

• Towing: To the nearest qualified repair facility within a 150-mile radius
• Flat tire change: A professional will mount your spare; transportation to the nearest tire store, provided that the spare is non-functional
• Emergency fuel delivery: Two gallons of fuel delivered; the customer pays for the fuel itself
• Battery jump service: Available around the clock
• Key lockout service: Up to $100 per occurrence for locksmith services; replacement key cost is the customer's responsibility
• Rental car reimbursement: Up to $30 per 24-hour period, with a maximum of $150 per claim on most products. The vehicle must be kept at the repair facility overnight and have a failure of a covered component. Select products also allow reimbursement for rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft under the same limits
• Trip interruption: Up to $100 per day for up to three days for meals and lodging if a covered mechanical breakdown occurs more than 150 miles from home

Standard exclusions across AUL plans include:

• Routine maintenance items such as oil changes, filters, spark plugs, belts, hoses, and wiper blades
• Wear items, including brake pads, brake drums, rotors, and tires
• Damage from neglect, misuse, overheating, or failure to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
• Failures caused by a non-covered part
• Damage from collisions, theft, vandalism, or environmental causes
• Aftermarket modifications, unless specifically covered via surcharge
• Exhaust systems, catalytic converters, body panels, trim, and upholstery
• Any repair not authorized by AUL prior to work beginning

Ancillary products

Beyond vehicle service contracts, AUL offers a suite of add-on protection products available through dealerships: GAP coverage, tire and wheel protection, key replacement, paintless dent repair, scratch repair, front windshield repair, vehicle theft protection, advanced appearance protection, and prepaid maintenance packages.

Costs & Contracts at AUL Corp

AUL Corp does not publish pricing online, and because their plans are sold exclusively through dealerships, there is no quote tool or direct inquiry process available to consumers. The only way to obtain pricing is to visit an authorized dealership, either when purchasing a vehicle or by contacting one directly to ask about their AUL plan offerings.

This dealership-only model introduces an important dynamic that direct-to-consumer providers do not have: dealer markup. As an F&I product, the price you are quoted at the dealership includes the dealer's profit margin on top of the underlying contract cost, so the same AUL plan can carry different price tags at different dealerships. There is no standardized consumer price, and comparison shopping is difficult without visiting multiple dealers.

Based on available research and customer reports, total plan costs typically range from $1,000 to $4,000, though this range is wide by design. A 12-month powertrain plan for an older vehicle will cost significantly less than a lifetime exclusionary contract for a newer, lower-mileage car. Actual pricing depends on your vehicle's make, model, year, and mileage, your chosen coverage tier, your deductible selection, the term length, and the dealer from whom you purchase.

Key pricing notes:

• Deductible options: Most AUL plans offer deductible choices ranging from $0 to $250, charged per repair visit rather than per component. The disappearing deductible feature, available on select plans, reduces your deductible over time, the longer you go without filing a claim
• Payment options: Because AUL plans are sold at the dealership, they can typically be rolled into your vehicle financing, spreading the cost across your monthly car payment
• Surcharges: Additional fees apply for certain vehicle types and use cases, including commercial use, lift kits or tire modifications, diesel engines, AWD/4WD systems, and hybrid or electric vehicles on select products
• Cancellation: Most AUL contracts are cancelable upon submission of a signed cancellation form by both the contract holder and the selling dealer, along with a mileage affidavit. Refund terms depend on your specific contract
• Transferability: Most plans can be transferred to a new owner if the vehicle is sold before the contract expires, though typically only once. A transfer fee may apply, and terms vary by contract

Advantages of AUL Warranties

• One of the widest plan selections in the dealership warranty market: AUL offers a product catalog that spans basic powertrain protection through exclusionary lifetime coverage, with specialty contracts for technology components, hybrid and EV systems, leased vehicles, and high-mileage used cars. Few providers at the dealership level come close to matching this breadth
• Any Year Any Mileage eligibility: AUL is one of the originators of the any-year, any-mileage vehicle service contract concept, a product category they trademarked. Select plans accept vehicles regardless of age or mileage, provided the vehicle is in good working condition at purchase
• Lifetime and unlimited time term options: The Absolute Lifetime Protection Plan and the Reserve Care Plus unlimited time contract offer coverage terms that most direct-to-consumer providers do not. For buyers who intend to keep a vehicle long-term, the ability to purchase coverage without a fixed expiration date is a genuine advantage
• No waiting period on most plans: Coverage activates from the day of purchase on most AUL contracts, with no standard 30-day or 1,000-mile delay. This is uncommon in the extended warranty market and particularly valuable for buyers of used vehicles who may be driving a car with an unknown history
• Disappearing deductible feature: Available on select plans, this feature reduces the deductible over time, the longer a customer goes without filing a claim
• Hybrid and EV battery coverage: The Reserve Care Plus plan explicitly covers the hybrid drive battery, electric drive battery, and high-voltage battery; these are components that most extended warranty providers exclude entirely
• A plan covering advanced driver assistance systems: The AUL-Tech contract covers a comprehensive list of technology components, including blind-spot detection, lane departure warning, adaptive lighting, parking assist, and connected vehicle features. This is a product category that few warranty providers address at all
• Same-day claims payment on approved repairs: AUL advertises that most approved claims are paid to the repair facility within two hours of receiving a finalized invoice, and the eClaims portal allows shops to submit claims online 24/7. For repair facilities, this makes AUL operationally easier to work with than providers who process payments over days or weeks
• Financing at point of sale: Because AUL plans are sold through dealerships, the cost can typically be rolled into the vehicle financing, spreading payments over the life of the loan
• Comprehensive ancillary product suite: GAP coverage, tire and wheel protection, key replacement, paintless dent repair, prepaid maintenance, and theft protection are all available through the same dealership transaction, making it possible to bundle multiple protection products in a single purchase

Why You Might Not Choose AUL

• Sold exclusively through dealerships: AUL plans cannot be purchased independently. Buyers encounter them only when purchasing a vehicle, which may leave them feeling pressured to decide without adequate time to research or compare options. If the dealership you purchase from does not offer AUL or does not offer the tier you want, there is no alternative channel available to you
• Dealer markup: As an F&I product, the price you are quoted at the dealership includes the dealer's margin on top of the underlying contract cost. There is no published consumer price, no way to comparison-shop between dealers, and no transparency into what portion of your payment represents the actual contract value versus dealer profit. Bundling the cost into vehicle financing also means paying interest on the warranty premium over the life of the loan
• Repair facility requirement: Customers within 60 miles of their selling dealer with a repair facility are expected to return there first. For buyers who moved, whose dealer closed, or who simply prefer an independent mechanic they trust, this restriction adds friction to the claims process before it even begins
• Claims authorization must be obtained before any work begins: No repair can proceed without prior authorization from AUL. If a customer pays for a repair out of pocket and then seeks reimbursement, even for a covered component, the claim will be denied. This places the full burden of process compliance on the customer
• Rental reimbursement is notably low: The $30 per day and $150 per claim maximum does not reflect real-world rental costs, particularly for larger vehicles or extended repair timelines. Customers whose vehicles sit at shops for multiple days or weeks while claims are reviewed or inspectors are awaited can face rental bills that far exceed what AUL will reimburse
• Inspector delays extend vehicle downtime: Multiple customers across platforms describe their vehicles waiting at repair facilities for several days or weeks before an inspector arrives, during which time repairs cannot proceed. This delay is entirely outside the customer's control and can cause significant disruption
• Cancellation process is more cumbersome than direct providers: Canceling an AUL contract requires a signed form from both the contract holder and the selling dealer, along with a mileage affidavit. If the selling dealer has closed, changed ownership, or is uncooperative, completing this process becomes significantly more complicated
• No sample contracts available online: Prospective buyers have no way to review the full contract language, including exclusions, claim authorization requirements, and maintenance obligations, before purchasing. This is a meaningful transparency gap for a product where the fine print has direct bearing on whether claims will be paid
• Not available in New York: Protective's licensing structure excludes New York residents from purchasing AUL plans, which is worth confirming before visiting a dealer if you are in that state

The AUL Customer Experience

Online feedback for AUL Corp and its parent, Protective Asset Protection, is available across multiple platforms. It's worth noting upfront that reviews span both the original AUL brand and the Protective name, and in some cases cover Protective's non-automotive products, such as RV and powersports contracts. Where possible, the focus below is on automotive vehicle service contract experiences. The overall picture is significantly more negative than positive, and the volume of complaints is substantial.

On Yelp, their rating sits at 1.7 out of 5, and Google Reviews for the Napa location reflect a similarly mixed result at approximately 3 out of 5. Across platforms, the gap between positive and negative feedback is wide, and the negative reviews are notably more detailed and consistent in their complaints than the positive ones are in their praise.

Positive feedback

A few customers report genuinely positive experiences with AUL and Protective. Several reviewers describe smooth claims processes in which covered repairs, including major items like transmissions, rear axle bearings, and engine work, were handled without dispute and paid directly to the repair facility. One long-term customer who purchased a warranty for a used vehicle in 2015 described it as the best decision they made and said they would buy an AUL warranty again without hesitation.

A repair shop owner with 20 years of industry experience described AUL as a good company to work with on the shop end, noting that their claims process makes things easier for customers. A dealership reviewer expressed similar sentiments, saying AUL stands behind coverage in a way other warranty companies do not. Some verified purchasers praised the ease of the claims process and the company's cooperative handling of significant repairs. Notably, several positive reviews specifically mention customers who maintained thorough service records and followed manufacturer maintenance schedules, suggesting that preparedness plays a meaningful role in claims outcomes.

Critical feedback

Claim denials are the dominant complaint by a wide margin. Customers describe repairs being denied for components they understood to be covered, with reasons that frequently feel technical rather than substantive. The overheating exclusion, which excludes coverage for failures "resulting from overheating, regardless of the cause," is cited repeatedly as a mechanism for denying engine claims even when the overheating was a consequence of the covered component failing. One customer who purchased a Wrap policy on top of a Lifetime Powertrain contract had an engine claim denied on those grounds, despite the overheating being a consequence of the failure rather than the cause. Others describe claims denied due to a non-covered part being identified as the initiating failure, effectively voiding coverage on the covered parts that failed as a result.

Maintenance record disputes are a second major theme. Multiple customers describe claims denied or delayed because of missing oil change records, absent cabin air filter documentation, or incomplete brake flush history. In several cases, customers provided what they believed to be sufficient records, only to have additional requirements introduced during the claims process.

Inspector delays are also consistently mentioned across platforms. Customers describe their vehicles sitting at repair facilities for days or weeks while awaiting an inspector, during which time the shop cannot proceed with repairs, and the customer is without their vehicle. In some cases, inspectors arrived late, did not appear at all, or conducted virtual inspections that customers and shops found inadequate for diagnosing the actual failure.

The rental reimbursement limit is a recurring frustration. The $30 per day and $150 per claim maximum is widely described as insufficient for real-world rental costs, particularly for customers whose vehicles sit in shops for extended periods while claims are reviewed. Additionally, refund and cancellation delays are documented extensively in BBB complaints. Multiple customers describe waiting months for prorated refunds after cancellation, with checks routed to lenders who had already been paid off, stop payments issued and reissued, and follow-up calls and emails going unanswered for weeks.

A former repair facility owner stated that they had previously filed a complaint with the California Insurance Commissioner, had AUL suspended and fined, and would no longer accept AUL claims. A service writer at a dealership described AUL as one of the most difficult warranty companies to deal with over a 22-year career in the automotive repair industry.

How they respond to feedback

Protective Asset Protection responds to BBB complaints, though the responses follow a consistent template: an apology, a request for the contract number or VIN, and a promise to investigate once the information is received. In a number of resolved complaints, this process led to actual resolution, such as reissued checks, authorized repairs, or error acknowledgments. However, the template-style responses have been criticized by reviewers, who note that the company's public reply pattern does not reflect substantive engagement with the specific issues raised.

On Google and Yelp, the company does not appear to engage with reviews at all. The BBB consumer alert remains active, indicating that the underlying pattern of complaints has not been resolved to the BBB's satisfaction despite the company's response activity.

Customer Support

Because AUL contracts are sold through dealerships rather than directly to consumers, your first point of contact for most issues should be the dealership where you purchased your plan. For general inquiries, claims, cancellations, and contract management, Protective Asset Protection maintains a dedicated customer support channel for existing contract holders.

• Phone: 800-323-5771
• Email: customersupport@protective.com
• Live support hours: Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 7 PM CST
• Online: protectiveassetprotection.com/existing-customers

A contact form is also available for consumers who want to learn more about plans or have questions not covered by the existing customers' portal.

Filing a claim:

Take your vehicle to your selling dealer first, provided you are within 60 miles, and they have a repair facility. If not, any licensed repair facility may be used. Provide your service contract number and the claims line number: 800-432-4566. The repair facility must call to open a claim and receive authorization before any work begins. Failure to obtain prior authorization will result in denial.

Proof of repair must be submitted within 90 days of the claim being opened. Claims can also be submitted online 24/7 by the repair facility through the eClaims portal, though approvals are only processed during business hours, Monday through Friday, 6 AM to 5 PM Pacific time.

Contract management:

Protective's existing customers' portal handles the following actions online:

• Cancel a plan: requires a signed form from both the contract holder and the selling dealer, plus a mileage affidavit
• Transfer a plan: applicable to service contracts only; a transfer fee may apply
• Update contact information: name, address, or other personal details on an existing contract
• File a claim: instructions and contact numbers for automotive, marine, powersports, and GAP claims

Final Thoughts

AUL vehicle service contracts bring a genuinely impressive product catalog to the dealership warranty market. The breadth of coverage options is difficult to match among F&I providers. For buyers who encounter an AUL plan at the dealership and whose vehicle and coverage needs align with what is available, the product range and day-one coverage make for a compelling offering on paper.

The practical reality, however, is more complicated. The dealership-only sales model introduces pricing opacity and purchase pressure that direct-to-consumer providers avoid by design. The claims process imposes significant compliance burdens on customers, including that prior authorization is non-negotiable, maintenance records must be thorough, and the overheating exclusion clause is used to deny engine claims. Their customer experience record reflects a pattern of claim denials, inspector delays, low rental reimbursement, and slow refund processing that is consistent enough across years and platforms to warrant serious attention before purchasing.

If an AUL plan is offered to you at a dealership, make sure to read the full contract before signing, paying particular attention to the exclusions section, and compare it against other choices. Our full library of extended warranty provider reviews can help you compare AUL against those other options, and our interactive comparison tool makes it easy to evaluate providers side by side. For guidance on what to look for in a vehicle service contract and how to navigate the claims process, our auto warranty blog is a useful resource before you sign anything.

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