FAQ
Answers to Your Most Frequently Asked Questions
Coverage FAQ
Unlike car insurance designed to cover you and your vehicle in case of an accident, Vehicle Service Contracts protect your budget by covering necessary automotive repairs when covered breakdowns or failures occur. Each Vehicle Service Contract is different and specific coverage varies depending upon the Vehicle Service Contract purchased, place of purchase and seller agreement. It’s important that potential buyers review any contract carefully and ask any questions they may have before purchase.
Yes. You can view Canadian Repair Shield Standard Auto Coverage pages online. Specific coverage varies depending on the Vehicle Service Contract purchased, place of purchase and seller agreement. Before purchase, please request a review of the actual Vehicle Service Contract you will purchase from the seller.
Vehicles need proper maintenance, as outlined in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Be sure to keep accurate maintenance records and receipts. Neglecting this responsibility may not only jeopardize your Vehicle Service Contract coverage, but will also put your investment at risk.
There is a 30 day / 1609 kilometre waiting period from the odometer reading and sale date of the Vehicle Service Contract in which Canadian Repair Shield is unable to administrate claims for that contract. This allows us to keep our Vehicle Service Contracts at a competitive price for the consumer by eliminating coverage for vehicles with existing failures. However, if you have any questions or concerns during this time, feel free to contact us. Our superior customer service begins the day of your purchase! Waiting periods may vary. Please refer to your actual Vehicle Service Contract for specific coverage, conditions and terms.
Transfer FAQ
Yes. One of the many perks of a Canadian Repair Shield Vehicle Service Contract is that you can transfer coverage to a private party, increasing the resale value of your vehicle. Please note that the Vehicle Service Contract can only be transferred party to party and NOT to a dealer or auction house.
Claims FAQ
You or your repair facility can report a claim by phone at 888.874.8333. If your vehicle experiences a breakdown or failure, simply take the vehicle to any licensed repair facility, and ask them to contact Canadian Repair Shield prior to proceeding with repairs.
No. In addition to superior coverage and claims service, Canadian Repair Shield Vehicle Service Contracts provide built-in Roadside Assistance benefits to compliment your existing coverage. Roadside services are covered by your Vehicle Service Contract regardless of whether or not your vehicle repairs are covered by the Vehicle Service Contract terms and conditions.
Please refer to your actual Vehicle Service Contract for per-occurrence and combined maximum limits for such emergency road service benefits. You are responsible for out of pocket expenses including but not limited to fuel delivery, any fees above the stated contract limits, and vehicle repairs not covered by the Vehicle Service Contract. Your contract deductible does not apply to roadside assistance.
Canadian Repair Shield Vehicle Service Contracts provide rental car coverage from a licensed vehicle rental company. Many repair facilities have loaner cars or have a rental facility onsite. However, if your repair facility does not provide rental cars, contact your local rental car company and retain your receipt. Your Vehicle Service Contract provides coverage:
- As soon as the repair estimate is received and coverage is determined
- If your vehicle becomes inoperable and must remain at the repair facility as a result of an authorized mechanical breakdown or failure
- If the mechanical breakdown or failure has been authorized for four (4) or more hours of labor
You must have an authorized and coverable claim to receive rental car reimbursement. Please refer to your actual Vehicle Service Contract for specific coverage limits and conditions.
In the event of a mechanical breakdown or failure:
- Protect the vehicle from further damage
- Do not operate the vehicle as it could result in further damage
- Pull your vehicle off the road and shut off the engine when any of the lights/gauges indicate a problem
- Use your Roadside Assistance Benefit
- Present your Canadian Repair Shield Vehicle Service Contract to the repair facility
- Ask the repair facility to contact Canadian Repair Shield prior to proceeding with repairs at 888.874.8333
As long as the repair facility is licensed and is located in Canada or the United States, you can choose any dealer, national chain, or local mechanic to perform the repairs. Need a tow to get you there? Your coverage provides a Built-in Roadside Assistance Benefit to compliment your coverage.
STOP – Before you have repairs performed without prior authorization, please review:
- What should I do if my car breaks down?
- Your contract terms and conditions regarding emergency repair coverage
If you need to have an emergency repair performed outside of normal business hours and cannot contact or receive prior authorization from us, contact Canadian Repair Shield no later than the first business day after the emergency repairs are performed.
Call 888.874.8333
Emergency repairs must meet the following criteria:
- The mechanical breakdown or failure must prevent you from safely operating your vehicle
- The need for repair is immediate and the administrator’s office is closed
- The mechanical breakdown or failure must be covered by your contract
- The total cost of the repair and/or replacement must not exceed $250
No claims will be paid without prior authorization, with the exception of emergency repairs performed in accordance with the Vehicle Service Contract terms and conditions. Repairs performed without prior authorization will not be covered.
Yes. Canadian Repair Shield makes claim payments by corporate credit card directly to the repair facility.
Sales FAQ
No. Canadian Repair Shield does not sell Vehicle Service Contracts directly. Our Vehicle Service Contract programs are designed to meet the needs of reputable franchise and independent dealers, direct marketing companies, membership organizations and financial institutions. Authorized third-party marketers and auto dealers who sell on behalf of multiple companies are only associated with Canadian Repair Shield in the event that the Vehicle Service Contract sold is administered by our office.
Our Vehicle Service Contract programs are designed to meet the needs of reputable franchise and independent dealers, direct marketing companies, membership organizations and financial institutions.
Cancellation FAQ
Although we’re certain you’ll appreciate your Vehicle Service Contract’s coverage and benefits, you are able to cancel your contract. Please read the actual contract documents for important details on conditions and terms. For additional details or to request cancellation, contact the seller or the administrator listed in your Vehicle Service Contract.
Prorated refunds are based on the total Vehicle Service Contract purchase price calculated upon the greater of the days in force or the kilometres driven compared to the days and kilometres provided in the contract, less claims paid and less a cancellation fee. Please refer to your actual Vehicle Service Contract for details and specific information.
General FAQ
Vehicle Service Contracts are designed to protect consumers and their pocketbooks against unexpected, costly repairs to their vehicles. Plans cover the costs associated with auto repair, including parts, labor, and sales tax, for covered repairs or replacements. Vehicle Service Contracts have different coverage levels and benefits, depending on the type of contract purchased and the place of purchase; therefore coverage for any given repair is based on the terms and conditions of the consumer’s particular plan. Much like a manufacturer’s warranty, the vehicle components that are specified for coverage in the Vehicle Service Contract should be covered entirely, provided regular maintenance has been properly and regularly performed as defined by the terms and conditions of the contract.
An “Extended Auto Warranty” is a contract offered by a new car dealer to wrap the new car Factory Warranty and extend beyond it. A Vehicle Service Contract is sometimes incorrectly referred to as an “Extended Auto Warranty” or “Extended Warranty” if sold outside of a new vehicle purchase. The difference is subtle but important: Extended Auto Warranties are offered by car dealers. Auto Warranties are provided by a manufacturer and are included with the original vehicle purchase. In contrast, Vehicle Service Contracts must be purchased separately and can be purchased at any time; although the earlier you purchase a Vehicle Service Contract in the life of the vehicle, the better coverage you can usually obtain.
Auto Warranties come with the product and are included in the purchase price. Vehicle Service Contracts, on the other hand, are agreements that are separate from the contract or sale of the product. They are separate either because they are made some time after the sale of the product, or because they cost the customer a fee beyond the purchase price of the product.
No. Vehicle Service Contracts are normally not affiliated with the auto manufacturers in any way. They are typically administered by a third party.