Olive Warranty Review: Embracing the Digital Revolution

Olive Warranty in a Nutshell

Starting fresh with a rebranding in 2020, Olive Warranty became one of the most prominent extended warranty companies with a strong industry standing in the auto warranty sector. Established with an unshakeable foundation rooted within its affiliates that have garnered years of experience since the year 2000, Olive rapidly evolved into its present prominent position. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, their dedication to excellence is evident through a strategic partnership with RepairPal, they aim to provide comprehensive coverage and repair solutions across all states in the U.S. and Canada.

Perks & Benefits

Olive Warranty offers advantages that set them apart from their competitors, from immediate coverage to transparent fixed rates, making your car protection journey seamless and providing you with peace of mind every step of the way.

Immediate coverage

Unlike many other reputable vehicle service contract (VSC) providers that impose waiting periods before coverage begins, Olive Warranty starts your coverage immediately after choosing a deductible and purchasing a plan from their website. As a digital-first company, they excel at providing quick and easy ways to sign up and get started. This ensures that you will be protected from the get-go once you choose your deductible and purchase a plan.

Coverage for a variety of vehicles

Different vehicles, such as luxury cars, trucks, and SUVs, both new and old, fall within the extensive coverage provided by Olive. They offer support for vehicles up to 10 model years or 185,000 miles on the odometer, whichever comes first.

Notably, luxury cars receive the same level of coverage as other vehicles protected by Olive. This ensures that luxury car owners are protected from potentially hefty repair costs, particularly due to the typically higher costs of luxury car parts.

Additionally, it's important to be aware that luxury cars are also subject to the same terms and conditions, which means that certain limitations may apply, such as coverage for pre-existing conditions or wear and tear items. To fully understand the extent of their services, it is crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions of their warranty plans.

Nationwide comprehensive coverage 

No matter where you are in the US, Olive's got your back. Whether you travel frequently or live in remote areas, you can access their warranty services with ease. Through their partnership with RepairPal, they ensure efficient handling of claims and will make sure you are provided with valuable information on powertrain warranties, bumper-to-bumper warranties, and maintenance. RepairPal's network of certified repair shops provides service protection warranties on qualifying auto repairs, which means that they will stand behind their services, such as labor, sales tax, and parts required for replacement or repair, for a minimum of 12 months and 12,000 miles.

Transparent fixed rates 

Some VSC providers present plans and rates on their websites, only for hidden costs to surface at the time of purchase due to undisclosed terms. Olive's commitment to transparency and affordability is evident on their website, where they explicitly assure their customers that the prices customized for each plan remain fixed throughout the term. This not only safeguards your wallet from unexpected expenses but also reflects their dedication to upfront and honest pricing.

Versatile coverage options

Olive provides customers with the flexibility to choose from three coverage plans: powertrain, powertrain plus, and complete care, and each plan caters to different protection requirements. This level of customization carries over to deductible options, allowing customers to find the perfect fit for their budgets; however, it's important to note that a $0 deductible is not available. Olive also enables customers to cancel, start, and transfer their coverage online with ease.

Olive Warranty’s Shortcomings 

While Olive Warranty offers numerous benefits, there are certain limitations and exclusions that may not fully meet some customers' expectations. It's essential to understand these shortcomings to make an informed decision when considering Olive Warranty's services.

Limited coverage conditions

One aspect where the Olive car warranty falls short of certain expectations is its limited coverage conditions. While they offer coverage for up to ten model years and 140,000 miles into your vehicle's life, they'll only cover you for up to 12 years and 185,000 miles for a duration of up to three years at a time. This may not be as extensive as some customers would hope for, considering Olive Warranty's reputation as a cutting-edge extended car warranty provider.

It's important to also mention that Olive's plans do not encompass rental or commercial vehicles. Other competitors in the market may offer more comprehensive warranty coverage options, making Olive’s services relatively less appealing for those seeking longer-term protection for their vehicles.

Absence of roadside assistance in specific plans

Olive offers roadside assistance as part of their premium plan, the Complete Care plan. However, it's essential to be aware that this service is not included in their other plans. As a result, some customers may be pressured to opt for the more expensive option to access this feature. This could potentially leave the customers who bought their other options with a sense of insecurity and unease while on the road.

No maintenance services

Unlike many warranty companies that are embracing the growing trend of including maintenance services within their warranty plans, Olive has chosen not to follow suit. Such maintenance services can add significant value to the overall coverage, helping customers save on routine vehicle upkeep costs. By not incorporating maintenance services, Olive Warranty may have set itself back in the eyes of many customers who are looking for more than mechanical breakdown insurance.

Olive Vehicle Protection Plans

Olive Warranty provides three protection plans, each offering varying levels of coverage with a primary focus on safeguarding against car breakdowns. It's essential to know that Olive also presents three deductible options, which impact the monthly payment rate, allowing them the flexibility to select from nine different tailored price points.

Powertrain plan: This plan aims to mitigate the biggest financial burdens by covering the most expensive components, such as the engine, transmission, and drivetrain components. Ideal for those seeking coverage for crucial car parts, the Powertrain plan typically lasts three years and, in some cases, covers vehicles up to 12 model years or 185,000 miles, just like all other Olive plans. Pricing may vary depending on the vehicle and the terms and conditions; however, the average monthly payment for this plan is between $30 and $50 per month.

Powertrain Plus plan: Building upon the coverage of the Powertrain plan, the Powertrain Plus plan includes additional components, such as air conditioning, electrical, and fuel systems. The plan is designed for those who are looking for a more comprehensive coverage option. On average, the cost of this plan falls within the price range of $40 to $70 a month.

Complete Care plan: As the company's best coverage plan, Olive’s Complete Care plan goes beyond the offerings of the Powertrain and Powertrain Plus plans. Similar to a manufacturer’s warranty, with some exclusions, This plan covers almost every component in a car, like suspension, steering, and brakes. Moreover, it includes comprehensive roadside assistance services, which include towing, jumpstarts, flat tire changes, fuel delivery, lockout assistance, and rental car reimbursement. The Complete Care plan typically falls between $60 and $80 per month, making it Olive's most expensive plan.

For a comprehensive analysis of their plans, we advise visiting Olive Warranty's website. Don't forget to thoroughly review their terms and conditions to ensure the plan aligns with your specific needs and expectations.

Who Is It Suitable For?

Olive Warranty caters to diverse customers, including first-time buyers drawn by their user-friendly website, luxury car owners, and frequent travelers relying on comprehensive roadside assistance.

First-time buyers

Olive Warranty has become a go-to choice for younger and less experienced customers, with over 59% of their customers being first-time buyers. This is largely attributed to the convenience of their user-friendly website, which offers a hassle-free vehicle protection plan purchase process. By creating a seamless experience that enables personalized price quotes based on individual cars and a variety of deductible options, Olive has become a primary choice for inexperienced and new car buyers.

Luxury car owners

Olive Warranty goes above and beyond to satisfy luxury car owners, providing coverage that safeguards their prized vehicles' most expensive and critical components. Additionally, they consider the unique needs of luxury vehicles, which often require specific parts and specialized labor.

Frequent travelers

Olive Warranty's Complete Care plan with comprehensive roadside assistance is valuable for those who hit the road often. Whether it's a simple case of fuel shortage or a mechanical breakdown, their roadside assistance ensures that frequent travelers can swiftly get back on their journey in no time, providing them with peace of mind.

Customer Reviews 

When it comes to customer reviews, Olive Warranty's overall reputation appears to be positive. However, it is essential to note that they do not have a presence on popular review platforms like Trustpilot or Google Reviews.

On the Better Business Bureau (BBB), where they do have reviews, opinions seem to be mixed. With an average of six customer reviews, Olive Warranty has earned a 3 out of 5 overall score. There have been 28 complaints closed in the last three years expressing frustration over rejected claims due to factors such as make, model, and mileage. Confusion surrounding Olive’s policy and coverage seems to also be prevalent in these reviews.

On other, less reputable websites like Verified Reviews, Olive Warranty has garnered 267 reviews with an average score of 4.4 out of 5. Similarly, on Birdeye, they have earned an average score of 4.6 through 561 reviews. These positive reviews tell a different story, with customers expressing satisfaction with the coverage and cost-saving solutions provided by Olive Warranty.

While it is important to acknowledge and consider negative reviews, it is also worth remembering that customers are more likely to share their negative experiences than their positive ones.

How Do I Get in Touch?

For any further inquiries before purchasing an Olive car warranty or for general customer service, you can reach them at 888-OLIVE-IT (654-8348) or via email at info@olive.com. The customer service team is available during business hours from Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 6 PM, and on Saturdays, from 9 AM to 3 PM.

To file a claim, you can contact them at 800-773-9980, Monday through Friday, from 7 AM to 4 PM. Alternatively, you have the option to fill out a form to get in touch with the coverage advocates. They are also available on various online platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or you can leave a comment on their YouTube channel.

Takeaway

Olive Warranty stands out as a web-powered extended warranty provider that ensures their customers are covered with immediate coverage, transparent fixed rates, and nationwide accessibility. They address diverse customers, including luxury car owners, frequent travelers, and first-time car buyers. While their advantages and benefits sound phenomenal, some drawbacks include limited coverage conditions, a lack of maintenance services, and the absence of roadside assistance in their cheaper plans. While customer reviews are mixed, Olive Warranty remains a viable option as a VSC provider.

We recommend carefully assessing and comparing various providers using our comparison tool to ensure you make the best choice. You can also explore our list of the top auto warranty companies for additional insights.

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