Cornerstone Auto Protection

Cornerstone Auto Protection could be a great option if you’re looking for a variety of vehicle plans to choose from. The company is a good choice for older cars with higher mileages since it covers vehicles with up to 250,000 miles. However, you’ll have to pay an initial down payment.

Based in Irvine, California, Cornerstone Auto Protection offers vehicle service contracts to cover mechanical breakdowns. It partners with Omega Auto Care to offer customizable service contracts. These plans cover different makes and models, including both new and pre-owned cars.

You can call Cornerstone Auto Protection to receive a free quote for your vehicle. You will need to provide your car’s mileage and vehicle identification number (VIN) to get a quote. (We also tried using the website form to request a free quote, but we never received a response.)

» LEARN: What is a vehicle service contract?

Cornerstone Auto Protection offers service contracts to cover a range of new and used vehicles. Contact the company to learn whether it offers a plan for your vehicle based on its make, model and mileage.

If you purchase a contract from Cornerstone, the company allows you to take your vehicle to any dealership in the United States for covered repairs. You can also use any repair facility as long as it’s certified through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), which is fairly standard for the industry.

Cornerstone Auto Protection provides vehicle service contracts through Omega Auto Care, which offers five levels of coverage. There are three packages covering your vehicle’s engine, transmission and other powertrain components. These plans are for vehicles up to 15 years old with less than 250,000 miles.

The other two plans, Used Stated and Exclusionary, provide higher levels of coverage. The Used Stated plan is for cars up to 10 years old with less than 150,000 miles. The Exclusionary plan covers vehicles up to seven years old with under 100,000 odometer miles.

» LEARN: What does a car warranty cover?

Cornerstone Auto Protection coverage limits

Most extended warranty companies limit payouts based on a vehicle’s value through the National Automobile Dealers Association. Cornerstone Auto Protection doesn’t specify its payout policy on its website, so we recommend you contact the company to learn about its coverage limits. If you’re already a current Cornerstone customer, you can refer to your contract for more information.

The prices in the table below reflect the cost of five years of coverage, which you pay in monthly installments over 18 or 24 months. Once you’ve paid your premium in full, you’ll continue to receive coverage throughout the duration of your contract without making additional payments. According to Cornerstone, your rate won’t increase at any point, even if you file multiple claims.

The quote for our sample Honda Civic is based on a 60-month/150,000-mile plan, while the Ford F-150, Ram 1500 and Toyota RAV4 plans were quoted for 60 months or 125,000 miles, whichever comes first. The BMW X3 price is for a 60-month/100,000-mile plan.

Deductibles may vary based on the plan. You’re responsible for paying your deductible when you take your car to the dealership or to a mechanic for repairs.

Cornerstone Auto Protection also requires you to make an initial down payment, which can vary depending on your vehicle and plan.

» MORE: How much does an extended car warranty cost?

Most Cornerstone Auto Protection plans come with additional benefits, including roadside assistance and rental car reimbursements. Beyond those standard benefits, plans also come with a maintenance package. This package reimburses you for covered maintenance services, including oil changes, brake pads, wiper blades and battery replacements.

When you purchase a vehicle service contract through Cornerstone Auto Protection, there’s a 30-day waiting period before you can file a claim. If you decide to cancel your contract before the end of the waiting period, the company will refund your down payment.

In most cases, you can transfer your contract to the next owner if you sell your vehicle privately. Transfers require a 30-day written notice from the date of sale and a $50 fee.

If you need to cancel your contract, you can contact the company to receive a prorated refund. There’s a $75 fee to cancel your contract.