C.A.R.S. (Complete Automotive Repair Services) markets it warranty as 'Added Security Added Protection'. The brochure you are provided when you purchase the warranty to keep in your glove box so you will have it's phone numbers and coverage handy. It states '... We promise fast and hassle-free payment...', but my experience is that it does quite the opposite. With restricted, limited office hours of M-Th 9a -5p ET and Fri 9a - 4:30 ET, they do not allow for any emergency contigencies. If you call anytime after those hours you are given a recording stating you can not open a claim by leaving a message and that your claim will not be paid if you do not get preapproval. However, there is no way to get preapproval on a weekend. I am in Buffalo, NY on a work assignment. I took my car in because it was making a noise and was told by the mechanic that I had a 'ball joint about to fall off'. I had the repair done and paid for it because I could not leave the car, I needed it for my commute to work the next morning. I had been lead to believe C.A.R.S. Had a review policy that would allow me to turn in the invoice post-repair for consideration.in January I had an engine fire and when I called them to see about repairs, they immediately said they would not cover an engine fire and when I asked what if it was a result of a covered item, I was told I would pay in advance and send the invoice in for a claims review. The warranty clearly covers the ball joint. I paid in advance for the repair and faxed the invoice the next morning. The claim was denied with 'do not resubmit'. When I called for an explanation, I was treated rudely by both the associate answering the phone and 'manager' I asked to speak to. Their responses were well rehearsed and practiced as to that is the agreement you signed. There is no appeal process or understanding on their part. They clearly prey on the consumer as most working individuals have their cars repaired on the weekend.in two years, I have contacted C.A.R.S. Three times and have never had them pay anything on a claim. They sell this warranty through used car dealers on vehicles with any amount of miles and claim it is for unlimited miles on the listed components. Then with unethical business practices they restrict payouts by putting the consumer through the wringer for any possible payout. It would certainly be interesting to see what their ratio is of approved claims to denied claims. And how many of those denied claims would have been covered, if they allowed claims to be opened 7 days a weeks.
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