American Guardian Warranty Services Inc. Reviews

UPDATED ON 04/09/2015: I just recently like yesterday had my CD player/navigation replaced by this company after 4-5 failed attempts. Get the car back, CD player works, didn't skip nor reject cd's. The problem I have is that it is a used, yes, used CD player with 4 phones programmed in the Bluetooth with their contacts stored on it. Thanks again for a used part. Still waiting for a callback as to why.

I explained to her I no longer wanted the coverage and wanted a refund immediately to cancel the policy. She said "Okay, I understand where you're coming from. But why do you want to cancel the coverage?" I continued to tell her I simply no longer wanted the coverage and she persisted to fight with me over my reasons to cancel the coverage. As far as I am concerned, my decision to cancel the policy because I simply do not want it should end the conversation. She has since put me back on hold to "process my request" and it's been about 10 minutes of "processing". Stay Away.

The representative offered me a lower amount, but got really upset that I wasn't going to say yes on the spot. Tried to scare me with "what if's" and got very irritated that I had questions. Plus the fact I wanted to verify a few things really got him to be very angry. I didn't find that very appealing at all. At the end he said if I don't sign at that very moment, then Guardian has no other business with me. It smelled of a scam, but not sure since they wanted to close it right then without letting a person make a few checks and call back.

After owning the car for 3 weeks my water pump started leaking. I took it to my trusted shop (not a dealer) and they are certified to work on all German made cars. I've waited a day to get the estimate, it came up to $1200 parts and labor. Then I went online and read all the reviews about american guardian here and I started to worry. Later on the day my mechanic called me and said that american guardian paid for everything on the phone call with him except for new antifreeze, which in second hand is not fair because to change water pump you need to flush out all the antifreeze but after all I read here, I guess I am a lucky men!!! Good luck to all of you people here and hope your rides don't even need a warranty and to serve you good!

Conveniently, she says she never received my fax for the cancellation, either. I faxed the cancellation page when I was with my finance gal when I was purchasing the new RV. So, not only am I not getting my measly $468.94, but now, she can't go back and give me that amount because I waited too long to tell her I just realized I never got it. Hey American Guardian! Guess what??? I'm gonna start a class action because I know there are a lot of people out there that are not getting what they should for a cancellation. We paid our money up front - not our problem that you do business with idiots that can't stay in business!!!

Anyway, they wasted 30 mins of my time, lied and provided ambiguous statement, trapped me into this **. They made it sounds like it's important and FORCED me to sign up for it. Right, I also mentioned why it's so expensive. The guys said "you got an expensive car, what do you think? " I just want to kick him in the face. I'm trying to cancel it now. No matter how hard it is, I'll make sure this is off. (They already started direct me around, wait on call, wait for manager, etc.). DON'T EVER DEAL WITH THIS ** COMPANY!

Needless to say, I was p___ed off big time. If anyone is ever going to buy anything, DO NOT, DO NOT ever buy an extended warranty. Do not let anyone that you know or even a common stranger buy this warranty, it goes by many names, WHEELZ - AGW - AUG and many other names. Save your 3,000$ and when your car breaks, just fix it without all the hassle of these dumb a__s. These warranties are a joke, not worth the paper they are written on. If you pay all this money stemming from the wording in the brochure, you will be tricked into falsehood. Go to their own website, do you see any type of help on there, just a generic web site that leads to nowhere. It says contact us, I dare you to be so foolish and think that they will reply. DON'T BUY THIS GARBAGE.

Next went my gas hot water heater. A company came out the same day and installed a new one. I was working with one lady on the phone and before they installed the water heater, she wanted an estimate. $1100.00 was the estimate. She said okay, let them do the work, that price seems just fine. The work gets done and AHG calls me two weeks later and says, we owe $668 for the install. Total shock! I could have got one installed by Home Depot cheaper. I even offered to that scoundrel manager "tell them to come uninstall it". Except that would cost me also, $200.00. So I'm fired up all mad at the company and call to cancel my account with them.

THEY WANT IT IN WRITING. Why? Because that's how the manager request it. People stay away form these home warranty scams. I had another home warranty company before them and they did the same thing to me when it came to replacing our central air conditioner. They wouldn't pay for the complete job. I told them to also pack sand and I guess I didn't learn very well.

Called in the claim to the company and they instructed us to take it to the repair shop and have the transmission broke down to determine the cause of the problem. We did exactly as we were instructed, still feeling pretty secure about the warranty. Well wouldn't you know when the rep from American Guardian/Wheelz went to the repair shop and inspected the transmission, they determined that the damaged was caused by wear and tear. Well we figured as much since this is an older vehicle with high miles. They denied the claim stating we did not have the optional coverage on the warranty that covered wear and tear! I am furious at this point and called Wheelz for an explanation.

I spoke with some supervisor and he tried to explain how the warranty would not cover any wear and tear damage. I asked him why this was not explained initially and he stated, "It was not explained to me because of the mileage on the vehicle... it would not have been offered and as additional option"! I asked him, "Why would I pay your company $2500 for a product that I could never use?” He was really defensive at this point (assuming he has this conversation on a daily basis with other people they have swindled) and went on to explain that it would cover certain parts if they broke.

What a bunch of crap! Needless to say, I cancelled the warranty and I am filing a complaint on every review board that I can find. I will also file a complaint with the BBB and the Attorney General. I don’t understand how this can be legal. Do not, under any circumstance, purchase an extended warranty from AAGI or Wheelz!!! You will be better off just taking your hard earned money and throwing it into an open fire. I will never ever purchase another vehicle from Lockhart Cadillac in Fishers IN. The only reason why is because they risk their good name by associating with this horrible company. If they stop doing business with them, I may reconsider since they are a good car dealership. Stay away from AAGI/Wheelz! I can't wait for the class action lawsuit against them! I know it is coming... just a matter of time!

A week later, the adjuster arrived at the service department and within a short period of time that day, I was notified by the local service department that Wheelz had denied my claim. I contacted Wheelz to discuss the issue and they quickly told me it was normal wear and tear and not covered by my Premium plan. They said it was my fault it wasn't covered that I should've purchased the add on which was normal wear and tear. Let's be real here. I drove the truck less than 9000 miles from the date of purchase so basically using their logic nothing on the truck will ever be covered. I paid $2000 for this warranty and their justification was because the ball, valve and clutch showed signs of wear and tear, they wouldn't cover it. It is an automatic transmission truck and was previously checked by two Chevy dealers. This is the biggest rip off.

This is the first extended warranty I have ever bought and I only purchased it because the truck had more miles than I liked when I purchased it. If this is the case, then either Dan Cummins should have never sold the warranty knowing it wouldn't cover anything on the truck or Wheelz should step up and actually do what is right. There is no way this is not mechanical damage. I have contacted both Dan Cummins and the dealership today to get all necessary paperwork in order. I have requested statement from the transmission tech and am in the process of obtaining a lawyer. I have contacted Wheelz requesting the adjuster's report and will be shocked if I get it. I have the original contract signed luckily. The truck has been at the service department for one week and unless I pay $3000 for repairs, it will continue to set there.

I will refer the attorney I contact to this site and would find it odd if the cases listed here are the only rip offs from this company. This appears to be a case for a lawyer to represent a large number of citizens against a corrupt AGWS. I understand nobody wants to pay out this amount of money but nobody wants to be taken advantage of and when you pay for warranties you are paying for peace of mind that you aren't getting. Hopefully the dealerships and attorneys can convince Wheelz to do the right thing. If not, I will continue to push Dan Cummins to stop selling their warranty. If Wheelz is not willing to stand by their customers, they should not get that extra income.

Please post if you have lawsuits or outcomes for those of us who are just beginning the fight.

I received the warranty ID card and package about eight weeks after the sale was already made. I took my car in for repairs to the steering rack assembly. The repair work was done at Auto Centro, located at 7420 Westmore Rd, Rockville, MD 20850, phone number (301) 340-2444. Not only did they refuse to pay for the new part, but also were trying to get out paying the full amount of the actual labor cost. The actual labor cost was for 6.9 hours. They were trying to pay up to a maximum of 4 hours. The shop owner got involved with much bickering and negotiations. American Guardian agreed to pay for 6 hours. I was without a vehicle for four days. They refused to pay for the car rental I was entitled to.

This policy was sold to me clearly through hook and crook under false pretenses. I was stuck with a bill for $620 dollars, in addition to being without a car for four days. I was clearly taken advantage with the sale of this warranty. These warranty companies are legally obligated under the law to disclosed all terms and conditions before the sale, not two months after the sale. And if I have to deal with another company, that should be disclosed as well.

I have filed this complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau. I was advised by folks at the FTC and BBB to also file a complaint directly with American Guardian, which I have done today 08-29-2013. I have demand that they pay me an additional $580.00, which cover the original repair agreement and car rental that was sold to me in the first place. I visited both website Auto Assure LLC and American Guardian. There is absolutely no pertinent information regrading accurate terms and conditions. Nothing about how repairs would be done, and what parts would be used.

A week and half went by with no call from American Guardian. I then called to see what the status was and they said I need to send records from 2009-2010. I was nice and said will do. After sending them 2009 they denied my claim again. When I asked why they asked me how I paid for the oil changes I said with cash and they said, "You need to prove it." Now how can I prove something like that? Other than giving them the receipts which I did and still they denied the claim. It’s been excuse after excuse after excuse with this company. I’m currently taking legal action against American Guardian. I HIGHLY recommend not purchasing a warranty from this ** of a company.

Now the warranty company has already sent two inspectors on two separate visits to the repair shop to inspect the engine. They are trying everything possible to deny the claim. I'm exhausted and angry at this point. The only reason I've given this company one star is because they do consistently answer the phone and give me a song and dance. Otherwise, they suck big time. Save your money. Buy elsewhere!

My mechanic said it was the transmission and that the first gear clutch pack was burnt to a crisp, most likely due to a fracture in the drum and some other things. AAGI took forever to send their inspector out and quickly called the shop, saying that the damage was due to wear and tear and not an actual mechanical breakdown or hard part failure, and that I didn’t have wear and tear coverage. I was disgusted, as any car that isn't brand new and sitting in the showroom is going to have wear and tear. So if they were going to use that angle, they could deny any claim for repairs for any car for any reason, and say it was caused by wear and tear (if you didn’t or couldn't purchase that additional coverage).

My mechanic, who has years and years of experience with transmissions as well as dealing with these warranty companies was shocked, saying he has never had another company try to pull this level of underhandedness. When I tried calling the company, they were rude and mean, and finally after going to a supervisor, they sent another inspector to get a second opinion. Supervisor claimed that the second inspector had no knowledge of the report/findings from the first inspector which I don't believe for a second. But the second inspector came out and apparently came to the same conclusion that this was wear and tear due to time and mileage.

Apparently, the mechanic's finding of a cracked drum (which would meet their hard part failure requirement) was not sufficiently demonstrated to the inspectors, so they conveniently left it out of their reports. Bringing this up to a supervisor at AAGI, he was again mean and unwilling to listen or try to help in any way. So they refused to pay even one red cent for repairs. Now, I have a $2,500 bill instead of a $250 deductible only and all I have spent hours on the phone with the auto shop and the warranty company, causing so many tears, frustration, anger, high blood pressure and despair. Please, please don't ever purchase anything from this company (AAGI/Wheelz/AGWS)! Based on my experience and reading all the previous complaints, it seems they have shady, unethical practices and do everything they can to avoid having to pay for repairs that should, per the contract, be covered. This feels criminal to me. This feels fraudulent to me.

I will be calling L&S Auto where I bought the car and policy and beg them to stop selling anything from this company! I encourage anyone else to do the same. Stay as far away from AGWS/AAGI as you can! I will be filing complaints with the BBB (although they aren't BBB registered. Hmm, I wonder why not?!) and will be contacting a lawyer to file a civil suit next.

They stated it is not covered as hoses and belts are not covered. What about the solenoid? Well the dirt that entered caused that and therefore the claim was denied. The cost to diagnose the problem is $121.85, estimate for repairs $750, in addition to diagnosis costs. This is not right. Consumers buy extended warranties to protect themselves against this type of thing, not to get ripped off.

Another week goes by and we got them to send another adjuster out and he says right away that it will be covered and that the other adjuster should never have denied the claim. The warranty company had insisted on finding a used transmission that they would send to the dealer to install. After three weeks of their dragging this repair out, they call me and say that they will only cover 7 days of my rental, even though the delays were on them. When I called back to them to try and work this out they were downright rude to me, expressing very poor customer service. I ended up having to pay 19 days of rental due to their delays, and lack of being able to help their customer.

After talking to a manager there, his response was that this is my problem and on me. This warranty company sucks, their service sucks, and I would strongly recommend finding another warranty company if you need one. They are not willing to work for their customers or even talk to them in a respectful manner. There are plenty of warranty companies out there to deal with that are so much better. Just don’t use this one.

I cancelled the warranty prior to 6 months, and the lady at Finance Point in Dell City used the date of the trade in, so it shortened my term and tried to say that the dealer never sent the paperwork of cancellation. I called the dealer, and they stated that they sent it. But it was funny how an agent at Finance Point told me it was there but the lady Sherry stated she never received it.

So I went back to the dealer, got paperwork, and faxed back in because I paid $1600.00 for the warranty and received $600.00. And I never used the warranty before, and it was cancelled prior to six months to receive what they told me! To top it all off, you call this warranty company, and they can't give information about your warranty and said to contact the finance company!

Well, the lady at Finance Point, Sherry, has no clue what was going on and wondered why people are frustrated. Well, when you purchase a warranty and want to know the terms and conditions and the two companies have no clue, then there is a problem. How in the world can you purchase something for so much money and nobody can tell you what you have purchased? Exactly!

This is not industry policy. When I tried to get and answer why, the lady I was talking to lied about the withholding, and I only got a straight answer after talking to the agent,whom I bought the policy from. He said it was a rip off too. I got a threatening letter from their attorney, when I informed them I was planning to file a Deceptive Trade Practice suit for treble damages. They have ignored three requests for arbitration, that is called for in their contract.

Wheelz tried to tell me that they wouldn't cover the damages because there were “modifications” to the vehicle, which there weren’t any. We bought the vehicle the way it was. Apparently, they were saying that the tires were too large for the vehicle. How were we supposed to know they were too large (they were sold to us that way)? The mechanics told us that the tires had nothing to do with the damage that occurred. We even got a second opinion, and they said the same thing.

Then what Wheelz told us was that we had to go back, and talk to the dealership that sold us the warranty. The dealership said they had to talk to the warranty representative, which took forever. Apparently, he wasn't returning their calls; he was always busy, but finally he got back to them. Then the dealership called us back, and said to tell the jeep dealership that they could start on the work. All they needed from us were the receipts to get reimbursed. This whole process took almost a month for the vehicle to even get started on repairs. We are still trying to get paid for the repairs, and they don't even want to talk to me about it anymore.

Once we paid for the vehicle repairs, we went to give the receipts to the dealership, Park and Sell. When we went back to the dealership, which apparently was doing something illegal because they were shut down, we couldn't get a hold of anyone. I called up Wheelz and asked them how they wanted the receipts sent in, so I could get reimbursed. Their response to me was that the damage wasn't covered; they would not be reimbursing me. When I told them that their representative said that it was going to be covered, they told me they would call him and find out. So, again the process of the phone game is never ending. Then when they called me back they said that the representative never agreed to reimburse us for the repairs. Now we are down to $3,000 for the repairs, and Wheelz still won't cover the damages.

Then to start the next problem, I told them on May 20th, 2010 that I was cancelling our warranty. They told me to fax in a cancellation letter with the bank information and other items, which I did. When I went to make my jeep payment, the warranty was still on there. I told the bank we had canceled it. They said to call Wheelz, so here we go again. When I called they said they never received it. I said I would send it again, so I did. I even got a confirmation back saying they had received the fax. Then again it was still not taken off when we went to make the next payment. So, this time I called again, and they denied receiving it. This time we faxed all the information from the bank, with the tellers. STILL the warranty has NOT come off.

I still need help figuring out what how to get my money back, and get paid for all the time and hassle they have cause d me and my husband.

The fairness and reasonableness of refusing our claim is what is in dispute. The damage clearly occurred during the warranty period, and should be honored by American Guardian. They do not dispute that the damage occurred during the warranty period but will not honor the claim. We seek American Guardian to honor the claim for the warranty item to repair the roof.

A few months later, I took the car to a Volvo dealership for repairs and handed them the card plus the brochure for repairs as stated, and they again were told my plan did not cover the repairs. I immediately got on the phone to Guardian Warranty, and I was told that my coverage was for the standard and not comprehensive plan, even though I paid for the comprehensive or full coverage and I should contact the used car dealer.

I did contact the used car dealer, mentioning what had transpired with Guardian. The used car dealer apologized to me for the error on the paperwork, as I had dealt with him directly. But his employee, who also admitted that he had made an error, and he (the owner) would contact Guardian to have the matter corrected. The used car dealer then telephoned me and said to me that Guardian wanted me to contact them in order to make the correction. When I contacted Guardian, they told me the used car dealer would have to straighten the matter with them. Both the dealer and my self met at the dealer's office and called Guardian, who then informed us that they were not aware of talking to the dealer or my self and refused to make the correction to the policy.

I paid out of my pockets to have whatever repairs were needed on the Volvo. This past April, the air conditioning unit started acting up; and when I took it to the mechanic, it was diagnosed that the car had a faulty compressor. The standard plan provided repairs for the compressor. The mechanic's shop then called Guardian, who then informed him to provide a list of all the repairs that were needed.

At the end of May, I made my mechanic's shop aware that the policy was expiring on June 26, 2009. He contacted Guardian, who informed him the claim was reported before the expiration date and they would honor the repairs. Given that assurance and the mechanic being backlogged at the time and the repairs not being urgent, I was asked by the mechanic to bring the vehicle into his shop so that the repairs could be done. When he contacted Guardian, he was told that my policy expired months ago and they had no record neither were they aware of any such conversation. I was in the garage standing next to the mechanic when the assurance was given; therefore, I am aware that such a call was made.

I had the insurance included with the purchase of the vehicle there. In addition to the premium, I had to pay interest. I have seen many cases of this fraud being incurred by companies who claim they sell these insurance policies, and when it's time for repair, they do not honor their obligations. At this juncture, I do not know what I could do to be reimbursed for the expenses that I have incurred, when I discovered the dishonesty by Guardian. And I asked to be refunded, and they claimed at the time that no refund could be given as the policy was almost one year in effect.

On Tuesday, I have to return the car and have 4 children that I am now unable to transport. To make things worse, my 1yr old had surgery on Wednesday and I was unable to drive him there due to their delays. I have called several times to speak to someone to authorize me more days because I didn't do anything and the shop has not been able to work on the vehicle because of American Guardians delays. I was hung up on and told that they would authorize the vehicle until Tuesday only but that they were sorry that my son was having surgery but they will not give me an extra day.

I feel that this company is a rip off and does not work in a timely manner and they do not have their customer’s best interest at heart. I am going to cancel my policy with them and get another extended warranty company. No one should have to go thru this. I had to postpone my son’s surgery due to their delays and them not authorizing me a loaner car for an extra day.

My truck has been in the shop now for one month. The shop has gone through the entire transmission and they have found a part of the front pump that was not functioning properly. They have received a second opinion from a transmission Tech who agrees that the problem lies within the front pump. The shop then called Wheelz back to have an inspector come out to verify their findings. Now, Wheelz is stating that they will not cover the cost of repair/replacement of the front pump because there is no visible damage, even though the mechanic showed the inspector what the problem is.

I have spoken to another individual who is having similar problems with another warranty company. She stated that she is filing a claim with the BBB, the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney Generals office. I will be doing the same thing in order to get what I paid for. Word of advice: Check out the warranty company before you buy. Don't do business with American Auto Guardian/Wheelz Inc.

Without too much detail, for my first claim, they couldn't find my contract. The repair took 10 weeks; I did not rent a car. The mechanic complained about American Guardian. They sent a used part which failed in 525 miles. I paid for my own towing both times. A new repair shop took a month for the replacement repair. The mechanic complained that the company was only paying him for four hours of work, and he spent three hours on the telephone with them alone. I called to authorize a car rental the second time and the representative told me to deal with the supplier of the part, as it was under warranty. When I insisted that it was their job, not mine, the customer service rep said ** unbelievable to me.

I then called the sales agent for assistance. I rented a car for 2 weeks and two days, getting prior authorization by the boss and the senior customer service rep. The check they sent me was short two hundred dollars and five weeks late. There was no explanation of the deduction on the check.

We are senior citizens on a FIXED income. We saved a long time to get a used RV so we could travel from Nevada to San Diego to see our daughter. My husband cannot drive as he is a heart patient. I do all the driving. He is getting quite upset and that is something he does not need to be. We are paying storage on our RV, and are afraid to drive it out of the area in case something happens to it. This is another cost to us, along with the insurance we do have with the Good Sam people (a very GOOD organization). Numerous calls to 10,000 seem to go unanswered and Guardian tells us they do not have a policy with us. This is an unacceptable reply from both companies and we need someone to help us get our money returned. Thank you.

When I told her that this was incorrect according to William, she put me on hold, and came back a minute later and said okay. I got my contract and sent my car to a repair shop to be serviced. They called me back a few hours later and informed me that my warranty was not valid yet and that I would have to wait a full 90 days. I called AG back and asked what was going on and she told me to call NWS back. When I called them and spoke to Dave, He told me that he was sorry about what had happened, that William no longer worked with the company and the only thing that could be done for me was a refund of my deposit and one monthly payment.

I was told the only person in their company that can speak Spanish was out of the office for the next 2-3 business days. Once again, I called AGW September 24, 2008; my claim was opened. My claim amount is 9,225.74, AGW won't cover even half of that. They allotted me 3,800. Customer service at AGW practically ridicules you when I expressed concern over my claim. Bouncing back and forth between agents and supervisors has been my daily task going on 3 weeks now.

Once again I called AGW, and was finally told that the claim will be processed and payment will be received 3-5 WEEKS from now. I'm a small business owner, so I go the the friendly economical mechanic. He can't start major repairs without getting some sort of payment. I offered to have my truck towed the nearest Freightliner dealership at my expense.

They can absorb the cost and wait the month or two for the company to pay up. AGW refused to hear of my truck being moved. Their excuse being my friendly neighborhood mechanic is cheaper than Freightliner. John ** (highest supervisor available) advised me to pay the full claim to my mechanic, then AGW will refund 3,800.00 in the mail--once again in a period of 3-5 weeks. In the mean time, who is going to pay my 2000.00 a month truck payment, not to mention a driver that I have sitting in the office waiting for me.

The same day we contacted American Guardian to cancel the policy we had paid for by credit card. After stalls, lies, and American Guardian refusing to cancel the policy, we called our credit card company and cancelled the purchase.

By the next afternoon, the shop called us with what the problem was, how much Guardian was paying (approx. $2800), and what we would have to pay (the shop fees of $450). We had the truck back within a week, with a rebuilt transmission (guaranteed through the shop for 3 years). When we picked up the truck, the shop owner had said he was paid by Guardian two days after he faxed them the repair cost info. Guardian never asked for maintenance records or anything else from us. If we hadn't had the warranty, there was no way we could have afforded to have the truck repaired.

When AGWS finally said they would finally cover the repair they lowballed the parts cost from the dealer. I had to wait two more weeks for AGWS to ship reconditioned parts to the dealer. Now they have lowballed the labor as well. The car has now been finished for two days aftet two months of waiting and now they are stalling on paying the dealer for the work done. I cannot even touch the car yet. After numerous calls to AGWS they asked me to fax even more information to them. Documents that they already have had since I have started this two months prior.

The stress has been overwhelming. Buyer be ware of this company. The NATIONAL WARRANTY company is a joke as well. They tell you anything to get you to buy this coverage but when you call them for help they tell you its not there problem and transfer you back to AGSW...

I'm out of state when all this happened and my wife just had our second child. I'm having to pay for hotel stay and vehicle rental. The repair shop asked me what was goin on because the vehicle had been there a week and nothing was being done. I called AGWS and asked if I pay the repair shop for the repairs, can I be reimbursed. They told me that yes you can, all you have to do was submit the paperwork showing prrof of payment and they would review it and it could take up to 30 days before I get reimbursed. So I called the repair company back and told them to do this. I go get a loan for $2400. I go pay the repair company. After That I try to get the information needed to send the paperwork to AGWS. They tell me you paid before we made a decision, we arent goin to reimburse you. They then tell me well we didn't find motor silfk in your tranny. Then they said they did find it but the fluid level was low causing failure. I told them that the receipt from the repairer says fluid level ok and the guy hung up on me.

After that I had to deploy. So I did and spent 14 1/2 months in Iraq. I came home in Apr 08. I have tried to get the warranty company to do something about this and they were telling me they wouldn't. Now they are saying well submit you paperwork and someone will review it and try to make a decision. I then asked how to cancel my warranty. A warranty i paid for and have every right to decide i don't want anymore. They told me to fax them paperwork and that they will review it and make a decision. Hello I paid for it I want to cancel it, that's not your decision to tell me if I can cancel it.

I will send my paperwork to them. If they tell me again that they will not reimburse me for my OUT OF POCKET expense then I will be filing a civil suit hear in GA and in IL. All total I paid 1445 for the warranty, 2373.21 for the tranny, 400+ for the vehicle rental and 400+ for the hotel I had to stay in.

So far I haven't had to produce service history or any other documentation. I have had several other service contracts from other companies, and I think AGWS is superior to the others. Probably not perfect, but pretty darn good. When I buy a service contract on my new Subaru, I will go with AGWS.

I don't feel I want this service any longer. I feel it is a scam and honestly got into--I'm not sure how. I believe I thought it was a warranty through Ford.

I spent roughly $2400 for this plan (Silver plan). At the end of April of 2007 my 'check engine' light came on unexpectedly and I pulled off the road as soon as possible. I did drive approx. 1 mile-- it was rush hour, bumper to bumper traffic, so I was getting off the road as safely and quickly as possible. As I turned in to a public parking lot, my vehicle cut off. I lost steering ability, etc. since the vehicle cut off. I (ironically) was on the phone with the dealership when the light came on. I was freaking out with the person from the dealership b/c I knew this shouldn't be happening. This occurred on a Mon. and I had just had an oil change the Thursday before.

And at the end of March I had a complete inspection and about $200 in 'preventative services' performed at that time. When I got out of my vehicle there was something wet entirely covering my right wheel well. Under the hood, there was liquid all around the radiator. I thought it may be coolant but I wasn't sure. I had my vehicle towed to my dealership, where I found out the next day that an 'internal part' specifically listed in my policy as 'covered' had failed. Dealership said the water pump failed and the engine overheated. Cylinder 1 and 2 had no compression. (My vehicle is a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.7 L V8 with 78,000 miles). I was given 3 estimates by my dealership-- brand new Mopar engine with installation for $7800, brand new Jasper engine installed for $6300 or a used engine with 70,000 miles on it installed for a little over $4000. I freaked out at first-- how was I ever going to afford even the cheapest of these options?? But then, the gleam of hope...

I remember purchasing the extended warranty from American Guardian. Well, little did I know that the next month of my life would be a total nightmare. I'm sorry, but this company, American Guardian Warranty, made my life a roller-coaster of hell. My dealership said the water pump failed, which therefore CAUSED my vehicle to overheat. The warranty company then sent out a supposed 'independent' inspector (which I believe to be a complete load of bull..) to inspect my vehicle. He said that the water pump failed however he added 'with subsequent damage to the engine due to continued operation'. So basically, he was saying that, yes, my water pump failed, but that I drove it too long causing the engine to be damaged beyond repair. I fought this with the company and the next week they sent a second supposed 'independent' inspector to look at my vehicle. The company never had the decency to let me know what was happening along the way or anything. They would just verbally say over the phone 'oh, it's not covered. Your vehicle overheated'. It wasn't until I DEMANDED that they fax me every copy of every inspection report that I found out that the first inspector agreed that the water pump failed (which is covered by the plan) and that the second inspector said he couldn't even conclude what happened-- he said that definitely an 'internal part' failed but he could tell which one, and that even if further tear down would be completed, he may still not know what caused the malfunction. When the second inspector went to my dealership to look at my vehicle, the lady that normally takes care of me over there called me and said this guy was (for a better use of words) a jerk. She said he was tearing my vehicle apart and incesantly rummaging through all of my paperwork there. It sounded to me like American Guardian basically 'lit a fire' beneath this guy to MAKE him find ANYTHING NOT covered by my plan.

They again stuck with their story of 'it overheated' and denied my claim yet again. I was denied a rental vehicle. Evidently American Guardian is a branch of National Warranty Division b/c my paperwork lists both names. National Warranty is the sales rep. aspect of the business (I think). The homepage for Nat'l Warranty says under the 'coverage' section that 'our policies do not exclude damages due to overheating'. Well isn't that interesting??!! LUCKILY, I had an older backup vehicle to use in the meantime but I don't know what I would have done without that! It has been 1 month now! This company has been rude and underhanded. I have an extensive history with my dealership. My dealership faxed my entire maintenance history to American Guardian which they didn't even comment on.

My dealership said I have about the biggest maintenance record they have ever seen. I have done EVERY preventative service possible to ensure something like this would not happen. I always thought that if I took care of my vehicle I wouldn't have anything to worry about. I surely thought that this 'malfunction' would be covered by my insurance. What a joke. I have filed a civil warrant to sue this company. I am dropping it off at the courthouse tomorrow. I pray I get justice.

After one month, my vehicle is sitting torn apart at my dealership. I am in the process of suing this company for everything I can get. This has been an immense burden- financial as well as emotional. I am married, work about 30 hours a week but I am also going back to college to get my bachelors degree. I have had to place a lot of phone calls during my work hours to American Guardian that just ended in frustration. I can't tell you how many days I've cried at work but still had to do my job. I've still had to work and I've still had to get my college work done as well. It has not been easy. Unfortunately, resolution is still far away-- I'm not sure what will happen with this court case. I do already have an attorney.

The company responds:

There are two sides to each story and here are the facts in Karens case for which AGWS paid $4,000.00 for her engine claim. The engine was locked up when the Jeep was towed in. Upon disassembly it was discovered that the engine was severely overheated to the point that the #1 cylinder-exhaust valve seat dropped out of the cylinder head. Damage included a warped head and low cylinder compression in the opposite cylinder bank.

A 2002 Jeep Grand-Cherokee is equipped with both a Check Engine Light and Temperature Gauge. In this case, coolant leaking out of the water-pump making contact with other hot engine parts would cause vapors and burning odors to blow back into the vehicle as it was driven, not withstanding the loss in performance as the engine became hotter. Most if not all experienced mechanics and machinists would agree that it takes extreme heat for an exhaust valve seat to drop out of a cylinder head. Also, two separate appraisal companies were employed by AGWS to insure that objective information was provided before the claim was declined. We concluded that the operator drove the vehicle to the point of complete failure rather than turning the vehicle off and calling a tow truck.

AGWS is presented with more than 48,000 claims annually resulting in payments in excess of $20 Million Dollars. Continued operation circumstances where a vehicle operator has caused catastrophic damage due to neglect is a condition that no vehicle service agreement provides coverage for, not even the manufacturers underlying warranty. AGWS believes that all claims should be weighed on their merits and the terms and conditions within the service agreement. We appreciate this opportunity to explain the other side of Karens story as AGWS paid a considerable amount towards her repairs.

Daniel Lievrouw

Director of Information Technology

I have always brought my car to the dealer because of its complexity and I did the same in this instance. I have not had to submit any other claims to this company and just assumed that since these were covered conditions, the cost of repair would be covered. Not so. They seem to lowball the labor, they lowball the labor hours to do the repair and they search on line for the lowest possible part they can find and then that is all they will pay. Therefore, for these two covered failures, I am stuck with more than a third of the costs. Warrantybynet claims they just sold the policy and have no interest or ability to help me in any way. American Guardian couldn't have been ruder. it is clear that customer satisfaction is nowhere on their agenda and couldn't have been ruder.

So that leaves me stuck in the middle of the insurance company and the dealer which means I pay - but I will never do business with either warrantybynet or American Guardian again.

They call themselves investigating it futher, they said they sent out another inspector, but it is going on 3 weeks and no answer yet! They made the decison quickly to deny the claim and if the car was previously inspected they should have all the information they needed already! I am disqusted with this company because it is now the second time I had to fight with them to get something paid. This is ridiculous and I do not understand how they THINK they can get away with it!

The cost is $3000+ not to mention storage fees the dealer may charge me.

According to the GM owner manual page 6-21, the Dex-cool coolant is usable for up to 5 years or 150K miles. A Warranty Services mechanical rep confided to me that that this is a common problem with all similar model year GM Bravadas, Blazers, S10s, Jimmys, etc. The estimated repair cost for heater core replacement in my vehicle is $970. American Guardian Warranty Services is obviously aware of this Dex-cool cooling system issue and trying to save money by not honoring their service contract.

The estimated repair cost for heater core replacement in my vehicle is $970.

The repair was a new air conditioning compresser and serpentine belt totalling $975. I dug through papers in my glove box and found the contract sheet with American Guardian. I called the number and talked to the customer representative who told me that they couldn't help me because I didn't get the repair pre-authorized. I told him my circumstances, that I'm in the military and rely on my truck to get to work everyday and he instructed me to write them down in a letter and forward them to the company and that I would hear from them.

I received a letter two days later declining the claim for failure to get prior authorization. No mercy whatsoever regardless of what profession you serve. I called the same salesman back and ask if he would at least send me the insurance package. He told me to call my dealership, that it was their responsibility.

$975 more on an already full credit card, a declined claim leaving me to feel that I've been ripped off for $2400. $1600 for the warranty, $800 for the repair after the deductable. We do our part purhasing the service. All we ask them to do is their part by honoring the service. Another lesson learned about warrantys, follow the rules to the letter or they get over on you.

Warranty was $1300 Amount of labor/parts not paid (due to too high a price) was approx. $2000 Amount of denied claim was approx. $3300 Loss on sale of car (orig $53,000)was over $5000 ($blue book less $4700 selling price). I had planned on keeping the car for a few more years until about 130,000 miles. Instead I now had to buy a new car and spend upwards of $550/month when I could have kept the old car for a few years if the warranty company would have honored its agreement.

I contacted warranty company who said they do not ship, do not refer to parts company but found part cheaper and would only pay that amount. I paid the $494.30 to get my car but the fraud is obvious. No referal to a cheaper part company but refusing to pay the amount given by a licensed Pontiac dealer is obviously a way to cheat the purchaser of the warranty.

$494.30 paid to get my car out while I had a warranty with no deductable. The warranty company paid only $1099.47 of a $1593.77 bill.