Gold Standard Automotive Network Review

Gold Standard Automotive Network (GSAN) is a vehicle service contract provider, often called an “extended warranty provider” by the consumer. A few important things set Gold Standard Automotive Network apart from its peers. First, every Gold Standard Automotive Network service contract includes routine maintenance. Second, the company has earned very high ratings on respected review sites. We were also happy to discover that Gold Standard Automotive Network is a family business. Who doesn’t like a small business framework with a highly rated national footprint?

Please allow us to save our hands from cramping by writing GSAN from here forward when referring to Gold Standard Automotive Network; It’s the abbreviation the company itself uses on its website.

About Gold Standard Automotive Network

Well into its second decade in business, GSAN isn’t a newcomer to the world of aftermarket vehicle service contracts. GSAN provides vehicle service contracts for a wide variety of vehicles, not just high-volume mainstream models. GSAN says that it can provide coverage even for “high-line and exotic” models. This is one way GSAN differs from many such companies. Land Rover owners, take note!

Another way GSAN is unusual is that the company will write a contract for owners of very high mileage vehicles. Car Talk always warns our readers with high-mileage cars to be certain that they have a complete collection of maintenance records if they sign a contract for a high-mileage car and to note that the GSAN contract for high-mile cars is exclusionary. Be sure you understand your levels of coverage before signing any contract.

Finally, GSAN even offers plans for those who use their vehicle for commercial purposes, like rideshare operators. We even found a plan on the company’s info sheet for those who want a lift kit. Suffice it to say that GSAN has a big tent mentality.

Pros and Cons of Gold Standard Automotive Network

What is Covered by Gold Standard Automotive Network? Perhaps the biggest difference between GSAN and many of the other extended warranty providers Car Talk has researched is that the company includes preventative maintenance in the contracts that it provides. That means you only pay the GSAN contract and not for your scheduled service when required.

Included in the contract are the following maintenance jobs:

• Oil changes (two per year up to $120)
• Annual engine diagnostics
• Cooling system maintenance (up to $50 per car)
• 12-V battery replacement (up to $135 for a battery replacement)
• Discounts on 30K-mile, 60K-mile, and 90K-mile Mfg. scheduled maintenance
• Brake pads (limited brake maintenance up to $150)
• Wiper blades

Tires are among the highest costs to any car owner. This is particularly true for EV owners. To help manage the lifetime cost of ownership of vehicles under its contracts, GSAN includes an annual alignment check and tire rotation in its contract. If you wish to have more maintenance cost allowance, opt for the Gold Standard Highline Maintenance package.

GSAN offers multiple types or tiers of contracts. The Gold contract covers the most and the Powertrain covers the least parts and systems. Gold is exclusionary, meaning it covers everything your normal new car warranty does, except for some pricey items like the infotainment system and the catalytic converter. Check your contract closely before you commit.

Our list above includes four of the steps in the many tiers that GSAN offers. There are also two more sub-steps called 10K and 10K-Plus between Powertrain and Bronze.

In addition to the maintenance and repairs that a GSAN contract includes cost coverage for, the plans also add roadside assistance and an insurance claim deductible reimbursement (in some states).

Where Can I Buy a Gold Standard Automotive Network Contract?

GSAN contracts are offered via participating automobile dealerships and agents. Plans are not sold directly to the consumer. Ask your car dealer if they offer GSAN policies.

Which Gold Standard Automotive Network Plan is Right for Me?

Only you can decide which of the six GSAN tiers would suit you best. However, Car Talk always suggests that our readers consider the scenario where you’ve been paying for a plan for many years. Then you have a major, very expensive failure only to discover that you opted for a lower-tier plan that does not include the needed repair. Maybe we are being too black and white, but buying coverage for some of the things that can possibly go wrong seems like a bad bet. Particularly when J.D. Power points to infotainment systems as one of the most commonly reported defects in its recent quality reporting.

How Much Does a Gold Standard Automotive Network Plan Cost?

Like all aftermarket vehicle service plans, the cost of a Gold Standard Automotive Network service contract varies depending on your particular vehicle and which of the four plans you opt for. You can call the company directly or contact GSAN from their website.

In general, you can expect to pay more if your car is older and has more miles on it, as an older car will probably need more repairs and maintenance. Where you live can also affect the cost of your coverage. Contact your dealership or visit the GSAN website.

Is My Car Eligible for a Gold Standard Automotive Network Plan?

GSAN writes service contracts for all types of vehicles. Even if you have a high-priced luxury vehicle, GSAN will have a contract for you. At the other end of the spectrum, GSAN offers service contracts for those of us with very high mileage cars who don’t want to have to worry about unexpected repair bills. If your car is ineligible for many of the plans in the warranty industry that limit mileage or restrict models with high price tags, check out GSAN.

How to File a Gold Standard Automotive Network Claim?

To file a claim with GSAN, head over to their website and use the provided online claims form. You'll be prompted to add all relevant information to the website, including VIN, mileage, photos and a current estimate of the damage from a certified mechanic. The site states that if you don't receive a reply from GSAN within a 24 hour period, make sure to call them directly at 833-852-4653 and a representative will make sure your claim is filed properly.

GSAN pays for repairs and maintenance directly to the repair shop at the time your vehicle is serviced. You don’t have to pay out of pocket for your repairs or wait for reimbursement.

Common Reasons Gold Standard Automotive Network Claims are Denied?

There are three main reasons that any extended warranty claim is denied. The first is that the plan’s contract didn’t specifically include the needed repair. Be sure that you read your contract very closely to ensure you know what you are signing. Ask questions and make certain you are very thorough and diligent in understanding your coverage.

The second reason that claims are denied relates to proof of prior maintenance. This is a requirement that is universal throughout the industry. You must have in your possession receipts for all of the maintenance work done on the vehicle since it was new. If you don’t, you are not going to have a happy outcome with a service contract. For this reason, we always recommend that anyone purchasing a used car, from a dealer or a private party, insist on seeing the full record of prior maintenance and repairs.

The third reason is pre-existing conditions. No plan of this type is designed to fix your car if the problem started or occurred before you bought your coverage. If your car has a history of transmission problems, expecting a new extended service contract to cover that known-troublesome part if it fails seems unreasonable to us, but not to many of the folks who post 1-star reviews after getting bad news that a claim is denied.

Our research of the reviews for GSAN uncovered examples of each of these types of claims being denied by GSAN policyholders. All Car Talk can do is try to educate the public on how these plans work and let educated Car Talk readers make their own choices on whether a plan will help them.

Gold Standard Automotive Network Ratings and Reviews

Car Talk found that Gold Standard Automotive has earned very high reviews and ratings from its customers. On Google, Gold Standard Automotive has a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 and a solid 656 reviews.

Of its total, Gold Standard Automotive has primarily 5-star reviews, many of which offer some insights. For example, Google reviewer Lisa R. recently wrote, “I had a pleasant experience working with Gold Standard. The representative that I spoke with was very kind and helpful in explaining everything in my contract, as well as helping me understand how to utilize my warranty for oil changes and roadside assistance. I would definitely recommend this company!”

Google Local Guide D3PO wrote this year, “Best warranty I have ever had! Anna was very helpful. Truly the best warranty I have had for a vehicle.”

Google reviewer Terry C. offered, “My front bearings were going out, and they paid for the service right away!”

We reviewed many of the 1-star reviews and found that Gold Star Automotive Network’s customer service team had followed up and either offered to help or gave a brief explanation of a denied claim. Car Talk always appreciates seeing a company address unhappy consumers with either a solution, or a logical explanation of the situation.

At The Better Business Bureau (BBB), Gold Standard Automotive is in its fifth year of accreditation and has earned an A+ rating from BBB. 154 owner reviews there average 4.4 out of 5. There are zero complaints logged. Overall, these are among the highest ratings for any automotive warranty company Car Talk has found.

Read more about the Best Extended Warranty Companies in the industry here.