Allstate vs Fidelity Warranty Services

Allstate vs. Fidelity Warranty Services

When your factory warranty runs out, an extended warranty can help safeguard against costly repairs, but not all providers offer equal protection. Allstate and Fidelity Warranty Services (FWS) are well-established names providing vehicle service contracts, though they operate under very different models.

This comparison explores what types of coverage they offer, how their plans differ, what each company does well, where they fall short, and which one might better suit your needs.

Coverage plans and flexibility

Allstate offers five levels of vehicle service contracts (VSCs), from basic powertrain coverage under Basic Care to comprehensive exclusionary protection in Wrap Premier Care. Coverage is available for new and used vehicles, though used cars are typically limited to 100,000 miles and 11 years. All plans include perks like roadside assistance, trip interruption reimbursement, and rental coverage, including hybrid and electric components. However, plans are unavailable in California or Massachusetts, and specific coverage details must be obtained through a dealer or direct quote.

Fidelity Warranty Services provides similar three-tier coverage, Powertrain, Gold, and Platinum, available only through over 3,800 partnered dealerships. Their Platinum plan is exclusionary, while Gold and Powertrain are inclusionary contracts. FWS also offers high-mileage plans for vehicles outside standard eligibility. Notably, Fidelity offers extended term limits up to 11 years or 150,000 miles, and their plans can accommodate hybrid and electric vehicle protection.

Pricing structure

Allstate and Fidelity use quote-based pricing, meaning costs will vary based on vehicle age, mileage, location, and selected coverage level.

Allstate plans can be purchased directly or through dealerships; anecdotal reports suggest that direct quotes may yield lower pricing. Deductibles start as low as $50, and the company allows cancellation at any time with prorated refunds.

Fidelity Warranty Services also lacks online pricing transparency, offering no way to receive a quote without speaking to a dealership. Costs reportedly range from $1,800 to $3,000 for standard VSCs, with bundles of protection products sometimes exceeding $5,000. Deductibles can range from $0 to $300, depending on the plan, but again, this information isn’t disclosed publicly, adding another layer of opacity for potential buyers.

Strengths and standout features

Allstate’s main advantages lie in their broad array of protection products and consumer control. Beyond extended warranties, they offer paint and fabric protection coverage, tire and wheel plans, and GAP insurance. Customers can choose any licensed repair shop, and cancellation is available anytime. Their hybrid- and EV-specific coverage is well-integrated into standard plans, and benefits like trip interruption and towing come standard.

Fidelity shines in their comprehensive coverage for alternative-fuel vehicles and longer plan durations. Their plans are also transferable and honored at over 6,000 service centers, or any ASE-certified facility in the U.S. or Canada. They offer unique protection products like term care, theft deterrent systems, and lease wear-and-tear coverage that can be bundled for all-in-one protection.

Drawbacks and limitations

Allstate’s most significant drawbacks are a lack of plan transparency and limited availability. With no sample contracts or quote tool available online, prospective customers must speak with a rep to learn their options. Additionally, vehicles with more than 125,000 miles are typically ineligible, making Allstate a poor fit for high-mileage drivers. Additionally, plans are not available in California or Massachusetts.

Fidelity Warranty Services presents similar transparency issues. You can’t purchase plans directly from them or view full contract terms online. Some industry-standard benefits are not included in all of their core VSCs. Since FWS relies on dealerships to handle quoting and support, customers may feel added pressure to buy bundled products or experience inconsistent service across locations.

Final verdict

Allstate is a strong option for those seeking flexible coverage, direct purchase availability, and comprehensive protection for newer or lightly used vehicles. Features like low deductibles and repair facility choice enhance their value for cost-conscious drivers.

Fidelity Warranty Services is well-suited for buyers securing coverage through a dealership, particularly those interested in long-term plans or protection for high-mileage and hybrid vehicles. However, limited transparency and the absence of direct purchase or self-service tools may be a concern for independent shoppers.

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