Protect My Car: Flexible Vehicle Service Contracts Tailored to Your Needs

Is Protect My Car Out Of Business?

There have been some concerning reports about PMC since March, 2023, when it was reported that they had laid off 75 employees due to "unforeseen business circumstances," with hints that more layoffs will come. Therefore, it was unclear if this provider is out of business or will be soon.

They are also the subject of an ongoing class action suit alleging that they, as Advanced Marketing & Processing, did not provide adequate notice before laying off employees the previous year, 2022. This pattern of sudden employee termination looks quite troubling, as does feedback from customers who report having a hard time reaching PMC's claims and support representatives by phone. That being said, the company has responded to BBB's written outreach after this year's layoffs, acknowledging their difficulties handling the high call volumes after their recent "company changes." They said that they are moving to an automated system, which they are improving for telephone and online claims and support systems.

Of course, their recent restructuring comes at the expense of current customers, who have recently complained on the BBB and the provider's social channels about the long wait times for claims and on customer service calls. When the complaints are on the BBB, the company does respond very quickly, although perhaps in a cold way. At any rate, we can only conclude that Protect My Car seems to be fully open for business.

An Overview of Protect My Car

Protect My Car, established in 2005 and located in Saint Petersburg, Florida, is a well-known company that offers a range of services to safeguard and upkeep your vehicle. They provide extended auto warranties for vehicles that have up to 20 years on them. When compared to others in the industry, Protect My Car stands out with their added perks and extensive coverage options. They take pride in being your direct provider of their services; they call it "The PMC Way."

Even though the company has garnered a good reputation in the extended warranty industry, they have a C rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Overall, Protect My Car offers a variety of services to meet most drivers’ needs and ensure customer satisfaction. If you're seeking an extended auto warranty, also known as a car service plan, to safeguard your vehicle from age-related breakdowns and expensive repairs, they offer coverage options that cater to every budget.

Protect My Car’s Pros & Perks

When it comes to choosing Protect My Car, there are several additional benefits that set them apart.

Here are some to consider:

• Direct provider: Protect My Car, similar to Endurance, proudly emphasizes being a direct provider of their services. They administer their claims process by themselves, which reduces wait time and speeds up the claim process
• Maintenance coverage: They provide maintenance coverage on select plans, which includes up to three free oil changes and two tire rotations per year. They recommend asking about the maintenance benefits offered on each plan before purchase  
• Transferable plans: The plans they provide are transferable to future vehicle owners, which adds value to your vehicle if you decide to sell it
• Discounts available: They offer discounts for both military members and students
• Trip interruption reimbursement: If your vehicle breaks down more than 150 miles away from home and needs to stay at a repair shop overnight, you'll get reimbursed for up to $50 per day, for a maximum of three days, to cover motel and restaurant expenses
• Flexible payment plans: They offer flexible payment plans that can be customized to suit your budget. Additionally, they provide deductible-free options. For more details on the zero-deductible plans, we recommend reaching out to their customer service team
• Available for commercially used cars: Other auto warranty companies normally don’t offer coverage for commercially used cars. However, Protect My Car offers coverage for your commercially used car at an extra cost if the vehicle is less than one ton
• Monthly PMC rewards: Members receive reward points each month that they and their family members can use to get discounts on popular brand names at stores, restaurants, hotels, and other locations. They also give bonus perks like free gift cards and products 
• Cover cars up to 20 years old: The Essential Plan, their basic plan, offers coverage for vehicles with higher mileage that are up to 20 years old. This limit is relatively higher when compared to other common coverage thresholds

Exclusions to look out for

While Protect My Car's extended warranty plans aim to fit your needs, there are several exclusions to be aware of.

Here are a few exclusions to consider:

• Quote process isn't fully online: Although they provide an online quote engine and form to fill out, they ask you to wait to be called at the phone number you provide, which can result in a slightly longer process as well as the possibility of feeling pressured by their sales representatives
• Limitations to benefits: Some of the extra benefits offered by Protect My Car might come with limitations. For example, roadside assistance is limited to two service calls per year, while the average for other auto warranty companies is four. If you need additional roadside assistance, you’ll have to pay $50 for each extra service call
• Coverage limitations: Protect My Car doesn't sell contracts in California, Washington, or Canada

To make an informed decision, it's crucial to read the fine print and ask all the necessary questions about the coverage's limitations.

Detailed Analysis of Protect My Car's Services

When it comes to Protect My Car's services, they offer a wide range of options to keep you protected from costly car repairs. They offer maintenance services, roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and towing assistance for their members. Also, your vehicle will not need inspection on the day of purchase.

Note that they have rebranded their extended car warranty plans. What was once known as the Supreme, Select, and Driveline plans are now the Ultimate, Deluxe, and Essential plans.

Different plans offered by Protect My Car

• The Essential Plan: The Essential Plan, equivalent to powertrain coverage, is the most basic plan for high mileage cars up to 20 years old. It covers components such as the engine, air conditioning and heating, transmissions, fuel system, electrical system, cooling system, and drive axle
• The Deluxe Plan: This plan is in the middle of the options available and is intended for vehicles with less than 150,000 miles on them. It includes all the parts the Essential Plan covers, in addition to the steering, front and rear suspension, and brakes
• The Ultimate Protection Plan: This Is Protect My Car's most inclusive plan and the closest to the manufacturer’s warranty. It covers all the components covered under the Essential and Deluxe Plans, plus the hi-tech electrical system and the turbocharger or supercharger parts

What does Protect My Car not cover?

Protect My Car doesn't provide coverage for pre-existing conditions or issues that occurred before the policy was purchased. Additionally, certain high-mileage vehicles or those over a certain age may have limited coverage. Each plan may also have specific exclusions for commercial use. It's important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your Protect My Car policy to understand what is not covered.

Pricing details 

There are a few key factors to consider when determining the cost of Protect My Car services. They offer a range of service plans with varying levels of coverage and pricing.

While the pricing isn't mentioned on the company's website, we found through research and reading customer reviews that the down payment may range between $59.99 and $99, with the total cost ranging between $1,800 and $3,000. The cost depends on factors such as the make and model of your vehicle as well as the level of coverage and deductible you select.

It's recommended that you carefully review the details of any of their plans before making a decision, including any limits or exclusions that may apply. In addition to monthly payments, depending on the plan you choose, some Protect My Car plans may require a deductible in the event of a covered repair. For more information on pricing and coverage, visit the company’s website.

Who Benefits From Protect My Car?

There are numerous reasons to choose Protect My Car as your extended warranty provider.

Here are a few to consider:

• On a budget: If you're on a budget, Protect My Car can be an excellent solution for the added protection and peace of mind they provide without breaking the bank. They offer the flexibility to finance your payments in monthly installments as well as a $0 deductible on some of their plans
• Looking for a direct provider: When you purchase a vehicle warranty from Protect My Car, you're buying directly from the provider and not through an intermediary. This means your claims are handled quickly and easily, as there is no middleman to work through
• Looking for extra protection: Protect My Car has plans to cover both mechanical and non-mechanical breakdowns. Additionally, they provide maintenance coverage on some of their plans for oil changes and tire protection
• Looking for discounts: They offer several coupons and discounts for their extended warranties. The discounts are exclusive to military members and students, while the coupons and monthly rewards are for all of their members

Protect My Car Reviews: Real Experiences

Protect My Car's extended warranty coverage provides a multitude of advantages for car owners. Customers have given the company's services mixed reviews, with a Trustpilot rating of 4.2 out of 5 and a BBB rating of 3.24.

Trustpilot has received positive feedback from customers regarding the company's reasonable and comprehensive coverage plans. Customers have emphasized the ease with which claims can be filed and the helpfulness of customer service representatives. Many customers have noted how Protect My Car has saved them money on costly repairs, providing them with peace of mind and helping them avoid unexpected expenses. 

One customer praised the company for their services, saying it was the best coverage they had on both their vehicles. They said that investing in this warranty is a wiser choice than fretting over repair costs.

However, the company has received numerous negative reviews on the BBB website, primarily regarding their slow response to customer phone calls, particularly when it comes to quote requests, and their lack of follow-up with the dealership regarding their reimbursements.

Others have noted that the company isn't as helpful with resolving disputes as they would like, often leaving them feeling frustrated and ignored. Some customers have also found it difficult to contact customer service representatives for advice or assistance. Many customers expressed dissatisfaction when their claims were denied. In response, the company informed them that some of their plans, like the Essential Plan, are administered by a third party. However, there was no mention of this on the company's website or sample policy. Others complain about the lack of transparency about prices and plans on PMC's website and contracts.

In light of the recent company restructuring, it's not surprising that many customers are having a hard time reaching any PMC representatives. However, we do note that they have recently been replying quickly to customer complaints on BBB, often on the same day. Their replies are thorough but refer to the customer in the third-person and are written to inform the site of the appropriateness of their action as opposed to resolving the dispute. Their replies, however, do show that the company takes its time reviewing cases before taking action that is in line with contract stipulations. PMC also uses this online forum to state that some competitors may be posing as them and calling their customers with false promises.

We recommend being extremely cautious when replying to telephone calls claiming to be from any warranty provider and asking many questions. If you're considering a company like PMC, conduct extensive research on them and look at customer reviews on BBB and Trustpilot. And always read the contract's fine print before signing.

How to Get in Touch

To contact Protect My Car, you have the option to call their customer service at (800) 253-2850 or their roadside assistance at (888) 676-4762. You can also reach out to them via email at [email protected] with additional questions. Additionally, if you have a general inquiry or would like more information about Protect My Car's services, you can visit their FAQ page for answers to your questions.

To file a claim, request that your licensed repair facility contact Protect My Car directly. When the repair shop receives authorization from the company, they can start work on your vehicle. Protect My Car will either pay the repair shop directly or reimburse you for the expenses.

Final Verdict: Is Protect My Car Worth It?

In conclusion, Protect My Car is a provider of auto warranty services with a well-established industry reputation. Their plans offer comprehensive coverage and come with additional benefits and perks that make them stand out in the market, like maintenance coverage and monthly rewards. However, they have some drawbacks, such as not covering all states, longer quote processes, and generally long support wait times due to recent restructuring.

While it is common to come across both positive and negative reviews, it's crucial to evaluate them within their context. We recommend you directly engage with the company to gain clarity and resolve any concerns or queries.

So, is Protect My Car worth it? The answer depends on your needs and budget. Consider your circumstances before deciding if it's worth the cost. If you're still unsure about this auto warranty provider, we recommend that you visit our blog, comparison, and review pages for more information on other auto warranty providers.

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