MemberCare FAQs
What exactly is MemberCare?
MemberCare is an Extended Service Contract which protects your vehicle from the expensive vehicle repair bills that can add up very quickly. We can protect almost any vehicle 1993 or newer with less than 150000 miles.
Do you really need an extended service contract?
In this day and age, vehicles are made up of over 5,000 components and with repair costs at an all time high, it is basically a necessity to protect your vehicles with extended servies protection. Last year alone, MemberCare paid out over $5 million in claims.
How can I be sure that MemberCare is really less expensive and gives better coverage?
At MemberCare, extended service contracts are our primary business and members choose us because we offer the best coverage at the lowest cost. The proof is in the contract. Please take a few minutes to read through what we cover on our Types of Coverages page. Compare our extensive coverage and low cost to what any auto dealer or 3rd party provider offers. It will soon become clear that MemberCare is, far and away, a much better option. Before MemberCare, your only choice for buying an extended service contract was from the dealership where you bought your car. But dealerships look upon extended service contracts as a profit center, so you can count on higher cost with less coverage. MemberCare's philosophy is if we give the best protection at the lowest cost you are more apt to renew your membership.
When does my MemberCare policy begin?
With MemberCare one of the major benefits is that your plan starts from the date of purchase. Most coverages begin from the in-service date. The date of in-service is the date the vehicle was originally purchased or reported to the manufacturer as sold or “in-service”. It is commonly referred to as the manufacturer’s warranty start date. For example, if you try to purchase an extended service contract on a vehicle what was put in-service two years ago, you effectively lose two years of the coverage term on the date you purchase that plan even though you still pay full price.
Does MemberCare have an inspection or waiting period? All transactions are done via telephone at 1-800-257-1222 option 2. We do not require an inspection but have a short waiting period which provide a hedge against pre-existing conditions.
Where do I bring my vehicle for service with MemberCare?
MemberCare does not restrict where your bring your vehicle for coverage.We give you the freedom and flexibilty to bring the vehicle to any repair facility. Most vehicle service contracts are only honored at certain locations. These locations may include the dealership from where you purchased your vehicle as well as its partners and affiliate stores located in your general area. If a breakdown or repair is needed outside your local area, with most plans you would have to pay for the repair upfront and hope to be reimbursed at a later date. The bottom line is we want you to have the flexibity to bring your vehicle anywhere to get it fixed to your satisfaction.
Exactly how are the claims paid?
MemberCare has a hassle-free claims process were the amount due is paid upfront over the phone by corporate credit card. Most providers require the vehicle’s owner to pay for the repair upfront. The customer is then expected to send all the repair orders to the insurance provider to be reimbursed for the repair. It could take months to be reimbursed for the repair.
How do I pay for my MemberCare policy?
There are three different options to purchase a MemberCare plan up-front by credit card or check, financed with a loan, or with an interest-free payment plan, no credit check required.
Who administers the Interest free financing? MemberCare has had a long standing relationship with MEPCO, who handles our interest free financing. If you take advantage of the financing of your contract we will take a small down payment at time of sale and spread the balance over 12 months. The payments can be invoice or auto debited right from a major credit or debit card. There is no credit check or interest if you finance MemberCare.
What is the MemberCare cancellation policy? We stand behind our plan and know that you will be satisfied. In the event that you want to cancel your policy, we provide a 60 day 100% money back guarantee (as long as no claims have been filed). After 60 day you may cancel on a pro-rated basis which is a calculation of the greater of time or mileage used minus any claims paid.
What are your hours of operation?
You can contact us anytime- 24/7/365. But our representatives are available to speak with you Monday-Friday, 8AM to 6PM, and Saturday 9AM to 1PM. We are closed during most major holidays.
Does MemberCare cover diagnostic time?
As long as the work performed dictates diagnostic time by any national labor guide, we will pay for the diagnostics.
How does the deductible work?
With MemberCare, there is only one deductible per visit and not per component fixed. With many coverages a deductible has to be paid for each component that is repaired or replaced. This could substantially increase the amount of out-of-pocket expenses for which the member would be responsible. Our deductible option ranges from $0 to $100, ask our counselor for more details.
Can I purchase a MemberCare policy after my manufacturer’s warranty expires?
MemberCare offers the ability to purchase your plan with up to 150,000 miles on the odometer and as long as your vehicle is 17 model years or newer.
Is a MemberCare policy transferable?
Yes. MemberCare allows you to transfer the coverage to family members or on the sale of your vehicle to a private party which increase its value!
What exactly does bumper-to-bumper coverage mean?
Many service contracts, including those of manufacturers, have “Power Train” warranties. But these only cover a select few major components. “Bumper-to-Bumper” as the name implies, covers over 5000 of your car’s major and minor components. Since you never know what will need repair, MemberCare’s Bumper-to-Bumper coverage makes sure you never have to worry. It’s certainly better to have 5000 plus parts covered instead of just a handful.
What happens If the repair facility I go to does not accept a corporate credit card payment?
If they accept any form of credit card then they should accept yours. However, if they do not, we will reimburse the member for all covered repairs. (Please keep in mind you must still call for claim authorization in order for us to reimburse you).
What information is necessary to purchase a MemberCare policy?
The information we take at the time of a quote is: Year, Make, Model, Mileage and Trim Level of the vehicle as well as your name, email and state in which you reside. We will then have a certified contract specialist contact you to discuss options and pricing. If you do take advantage of the coverage we will need a credit card or check for payment and the exact mileage on your vehicle.
What is the rating of our Insurance companies? All of our providers are rated by AM Best who rates all insurance companies on an A++ to F rating based on a variety of factors including stability, length of time in business and reserves. All MemberCare affiliated insurance providers are A++ rated.
Who is VPA and why are we a member? The service contract business is going through a lot of changes and VPA is cleansing the industry and weeding out a lot of the providers who have deceptive marketing and sales tactics. VPA currently has more than 50 members. The organization is committed to advocating
