EasyCare Extended Warranty Review

EasyCare is a part of the Automobile Protection Corporation and traces its origins back to 1984. In the 40 years since its inception, EasyCare has garnered a positive reputation for its extended auto warranty offerings. It is Better Business Bureau accredited and holds an A+ rating, something that not many extended warranty companies can claim.

Pros and Cons of EasyCare

What is Covered by EasyCare Extended Warranty Plans

EasyCare offers four extended warranty plans. The PowerCare plan is the most basic offering followed by PrimaryCare, StatedCare, and TotalCare. Each has an increasing number of systems and parts that are covered. There are additional coverage plans for light and medium duty trucks used for commercial purposes, GAP insurance, and ridesharing, all of which are available for purchase separately from the four basic extended warranty plans.

Here’s how the EasyCare coverage breaks down for the 10 most expensive car repairs.

(*) Brakes does not include: Pads, Rotors, Shoes and Drums

NOTE: Our number one piece of advice before you decide to buy a vehicle service contract is to READ THE CONTRACT. Normally, we’d reserve this space to link to sample contracts for all of a third party warranty provider’s contracts, but there are none to be found on the EasyCare website. If you’re considering one of these plans, YOU NEED A SAMPLE CONTRACT to review before you sign. It’s the only way to learn exactly what’s covered.

Which EasyCare Plan is Right for Me?

Additional Benefits Included in All EasyCare Plans

• Rental car reimbursement - provides up to $30 per day for up to six days
• Towing reimbursement - provides up to $65 per occurrence or $100 per occurrence if towed to the selling dealer
• Trip interruption reimbursement - up to $100 per day/$300 per occurrence if breakdown occurs more than $50 miles from home
• 24/7 roadside assistance - up to $65 per occurrence for battery jump starts, lock out, gas delivery, flat tire changes

PowerCare Plan From EasyCare

The PowerCare plan is the base plan from EasyCare and covers the fewest vehicle systems. They’re the key systems, however, so it’s a good place to start if you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford a premium plan.

Engine

• All internal lubricated parts
• Cylinder block
• Cylinder heads
• Harmonic balancer
• Timing chain
• Timing belt
• Balance shaft belt
• Internal gears and pulleys
• Timing chain or belt guides and tensioners
• Oil pump
• Intake and exhaust manifold
• Diesel engine vacuum pump
• Engine mounts
• Cylinder barrels
• Timing chain cover
• Valve covers
• Oil pan
• Rotor housing

Transmission/Transfer Case

• All internal lubricated parts
• Flywheel
• Transmission mounts
• Clutch master cylinder
• Clutch slave cylinder
• Transmission case
• Oil pan
• Transfer case

Automatic Transmission/Transfer Case

• All internal lubricated parts
• Flex plate
• Vacuum modulator
• Transmission mounts
• Torque converter if internally damaged
• Transmission case
• Oil pan
• Transfer case

Drive Axle (Front/Rear)

• All internal lubricated parts
• Drive Shafts
• Axle bearings
• Drive axles
• Stub axles
• Tripod joints
• Universal joints
• Constant velocity joints and boots
• Locking hub assembly
• Drive axle housing

Seals and Gaskets

• Seals and gaskets on all covered parts

Taxes and Fluids

• State and local taxes, where applicable, and fluids as required as a part of covered repair

PrimaryCare Plan From EasyCare

This plan covers everything in the PowerCare plan with additional coverage for air conditioning, heating, fuel system, cooling system, and braking system components. It adds the following components:

Air Conditioning

• Condenser
• Evaporator
• Compressor
• Receiver dehydrator
• Clutch
• Pulley and field coil
• Idler pulley and bearing
• Expansion valve
• POA valve
• Orifice tube

Heating

• Heater blower motor
• Heater control switch
• Heating cables
• Heater core
• Fluids required as a part of a covered repair

Fuel System

• Fuel pumps
• Fuel injectors
• Fuel injection pump
• Fuel distributor
• Fuel tank
• Metal fuel lines

Cooling System

• Water pump
• Radiator
• Fan
• Viscous drive
• Clutch and motor
• Condenser fan
• Cooling fan thermal switch
• Thermostat

Braking System

• ABS control unit
• Wheel sensor
• Pump and motor
• Accumulator
• Master cylinder
• vacuum/hydraulic assist ooster
• Wheel cylinders
• Disc brake caliper
• Pistons and seals
• Proportioning valve
• Metal and hydraulic lines and fittings

StatedCare Plan From EasyCare

This plan includes everything in the StatedCare plan with the addition of suspension, steering, electrical system. and high tech/convenience group coverage. It adds the following components:

Suspension (Front/Rear)

• Upper and lower control arms
• Control arm shaft and bushings
• Upper and lower ball joints
• King pins and bushings
• Torsion bars
• Strut bar and bushings
• Stabilizer bar
• Links and bushings
• Wheel bearings
• Knuckle
• Spindle and support
• MacPherson strut housing not including shock absorber or insert

Steering

• All lubricated parts contained within the steering gear box
• Rack assembly
• Control valve
• Power steering pump
• Power cylinder assembly
• Pitman arm
• Idler arm
• Tie rod ends
• Drag link
• Steering column shaft and coupling

Electrical System

• Generator or alternator
• Voltage regulator
• Distributor
• Ignition module
• Ignition coils
• Engine wiring harness
• Manually-operated switches
• Wiper motors
• Starter drive and solenoid
• Starter motor
• Ring gear
• Anti-detonation sensors
• Factor installed AM/FM radio, cassette player, CD player, speakers

High-Tech/Convenience Group

• Four-wheel steering center shaft and couplings
• Power steering unit
• Power steering control unit
• Power steering control valve
• Power steering speed sensors and oil pump
• Turbocharger
• Intercooler
• Wastegate
• Wastegate actuator/controller
• Supercharger
• Pulley and clutch
• Computerized timing and mixture control unit and sensors
• Power door lock switches and actuators
• Cruise control model and servo
• Cruise control module and servo
• Engagement switch
• Power window motor and regulators
• Power seat motor
• Power antenna
• Power sun/moonroof motor
• Ignition switches

TotalCare Plan From EasyCare

This is the top plan from EasyCare and it includes extensive coverage. It not only adds new systems to the list, it adds additional component coverage to systems that are only partially covered in prior plans. The additional coverage offered in this plan includes:

Air conditioning

• Compressor pressure switch
• Thermo switch (De-icer)
• Vacuum door switch
• Clutch cycling switch
• Electronic temperature control programmer module
• Electronic temperature control sensors
• Temperature sensor internal
• Ambient temperature sensor
• Heater control valve
• Evaporator and heater core case

Braking System

• Backing plates
• Caliper sliders
• Brake light switch
• Fluid level sensor
• Bleeders
• Self adjusters
• Brake springs
• Actuating lever
• Parking brake lever
• Parking brake ratchet assembly
• Brake accumulator
• Vacuum and fluid reservoirs
• ABS Pressure warning switch

Suspension (Front/Rear)

• Coil spring
• Leaf spring
• Trailing arm
• Track bar
• Strut bearing/plates
• Radius rod and bushings
• Steering dampener
• Steering knuckle wear sleeve
• Electronic level control programmer
• Electronic level control compressor
• Pressure limiter
• Compressor relay
• Height sensor
• Dryer
• Suspension air bag
• Compressor assembly

Steering

• Rack bushings
• Steering column
• Tilt wheel mechanism
• Electronic power steering

Electrical System

• Oil pressure switch
• Horn
• Air bag, sensors, and switches
• Coolant reservoir sensor
• Temp and oil pressure sensor
• Windshield washer pump
• Headlamp motors
• Relays
• Illuminated visors
• Headlight timers
• Power mirror
• Ignition lock cylinder
• Rear defroster
• Safety restraint systems
• Power trunk motor
• Dome and map light assemblies (excluding bulbs)
• Seat heater assembly
• Power seat memory controller
• Seat belt motor
• Seat belt chime
• Factory alarm systems
• Trip computer
• All wiring harnesses
• Convertible top motor
• Tachometer
• Turbo gauge
• Mirror heating elements
• Idle control solenoids/motors
• Electronic instrument cluster
• Factory installed anti-theft device
• Oil pressure gauge/light

High Tech/Convenience Group

• Electronic stability control module and sensors
• Collision avoidance module and sensors
• Lane departure module and sensors
• Electrochromic mirrors
• Factory installed satellite navigation systems
• Factory installed human assistance services modules/interfaces
• Active body control module, pumps, valve blocks, and suspension struts
• Factory installed DVD players and displays, headsets, and remotes
• Park aid module and sensors
• Power folding mirror assemblies
• Rear backup camera, module, and display
• Power self opening tailgate, trunk, or sliding door modules, sensors, and motors

Hybrid

• Hybrid system controller
• Hybrid system display
• Hybrid generator/electric motor

Miscellaneous

• Door handles
• Trunk shocks
• Glove box latch
• Locking cylinders
• Seat tracks
• Door strikers
• Door latches
• Hood and trunk latches
• Speedometer head
• Hood and trunk release cables
• Hood springs
• Locking hub assemblies
• Air pump
• EGR valve

There is also a small list of items that are specifically not included in the TotalCare plan. These include:

• Normal maintenance items and parts described in your vehicle’s maintenance manual
• Squeaks, rattles, water leaks, or wind noise
• Non-factory installed radios and speakers
• Exterior metal
• Upholstery
• Cosmetic items like carpet, trim, etc.
• Convertible tops, glass, plastic, or assembly
• Damaged/corroded/rusted parts

How Much Does an EasyCare Vehicle Warranty Cost?

Like many extended car warranty companies, getting a quote can be a bit of a challenge. There is no way to get an EasyCare quote online. Instead, you have to call your local participating dealership. We received the following quotes, but know you may get different figures based on where you live, your car, and the terms of your warranty.

Also, note that your monthly payment can be rolled right in with your car payment if you add an EasyCare warranty when you purchase your car at a participating dealership. This can make budgeting easier, but you’ll be paying interest on the amount so it’ll cost a bit more in the end.

(*) Sample cars were for 100k miles and 7 years old. 2014 models.

How to File an EasyCare Claim?

Filing a claim is simple. Take your car to any licensed repair facility and they will call EasyCare before making any repairs to confirm coverage. You pay the deductible and EasyCare pays the shop directly for approved repairs. If any non-covered repairs are made, you will be responsible for the cost so make sure you know what is and isn’t covered before you authorize the work.

Is My Car Eligible for an EasyCare Warranty?

There’s a good chance you’ll be able to get an EasyCare warranty for your car through a participating dealership, but there are exceptions.

• Mileage Limitations - There are mileage limitations that may exclude your vehicle from coverage. Cars with over 150,000 are not eligible.
• Year, Make, and Model Exclusions - Not every make and model is eligible for coverage and cars older than the 2004 model year are not eligible.
• Commercial Use - While not entirely excluded, these are treated differently and require specific coverage. If you use your vehicle commercially, including for ridesharing, make sure you disclose this information so appropriate coverage is obtained.

Most Common Reasons Why EasyCare Claims Are Rejected?

No prior authorization: You need to get the work approved by EasyCare before the repairs are completed. Failing to do so could result in a denial of your claim.

Neglecting scheduled maintenance: If you don’t perform scheduled maintenance and it’s deemed the reason for needing a repair, then they could deny your claim. Keep up on maintenance and hold on to your receipts.

Parts not covered: There is an extensive breakdown of exactly what parts are covered by each warranty. Parts that aren’t covered can result in a denied claim.

Customer Reviews of EasyCare Car Warranties

Positive Reviews

“Excellent service, we wouldn't go without this coverage! We have had a couple of costly repairs and this has paid for itself.” - Wendy M. ConsumersAdvocate

“...About 140k miles in my transmission started acting up. I took it in and they gave me a loaner. In a little over a week, my Subaru got a brand new transmission, saving me $6,500! Needless to say, I'm a huge believer in extended warranties and EasyCare and will get it again…” - Juan D., ConsumersAdvocate

“All was great once a good mechanic diagnosed the problem...” - tipperinky, ConsumersAdvocate

Negative Reviews

“They are your typical warranty company, make all the promises to get you to buy their product. Then when you actually have an issue and go to get them to cover it they reply with "Oh, that's not covered under the warranty". - Will W., Better Business Bureau

“They are very unprofessional to deal with on the customer side as well as the dealership service side. They won't approve a claim without an "inspection", in which they look for anyway to deny your claim.” - Cyndismith181, ConsumersAdvocate

Should You Get an EasyCare Extended Car Warranty?

Deciding whether or not to purchase an extended warranty depends on you, your car, and your comfort level with paying for repairs. If worrying about a big repair bill keeps you up at night and you’d rather budget the cost of an extended warranty, then it’s a good idea.

An extended warranty is also a good idea if you bought a car that isn’t terribly reliable. You may love it, but if it’s known for having all kinds of problems, then a warranty could save you money in the long run.

While you can save money on expensive repairs, there’s also the chance those repairs may never even be needed. New cars are covered by lengthy manufacturer’s warranties, often past the time when you’ll keep your car. If you don’t plan on keeping your car past the original warranty period, then an extended warranty isn’t going to save you money.

Be suspicious of cold calls offering an extended car warranty of any kind. These are almost always scams. It’s best to do some research and choose a provider with a good reputation.

Read our full recommendations for the Best Extended Warranty Companies here.