When you are shopping for the best extended car warranties, one of the biggest decisions you will face is whether to purchase from the manufacturer or a third-party provider. Extended warranties can be costly, but the benefits are worth it if you are purchasing a product that meets your needs and expectations and delivers on its promises.

Commonly referred to as "automobile extended warranties", when sold by a third-party, the product is considered a vehicle service contract or mechanical breakdown insurance depending upon the state in which you reside. For simplicity, we will continue to use the terms "extended car warranties", "mercury extended warranties", etc., for the remainder of this article.

Although some manufacturer warranties are good, you may find that other coverage options offer more flexibility so you can tailor your policy for your specific needs. Mercury extended warranties, are becoming more and more popular due to the company's reliability and impeccable reputation. When considering extended car warranties, it would be advisable to compare those offered by the manufacturer with the options available through Mercury Insurance Group.

1. Rating and Reliability.

Mercury has consistently received an A or A+ from reputable national rating agencies and has been named by Forbes as one of America's most trustworthy companies for three years in a row. Having been in business since the 1970s, this company has issued hundreds of thousands of contracts or policies and can claim financial stability since it works with more than 4 billion dollars in assets. In a time when many dealers are going out of business, you may find that your manufacturer's warranty will become invalid should they go bankrupt and the money you spent on extended coverage may be lost. By choosing a reputable insurance company with a good track record, you will have peace of mind knowing you can get the help you have paid for when you need it.

2.Cost and Customer Service.

Purchasing mechanical breakdown protection from a private company is usually much more reasonable than manufacturers' extended warranties. Basically, dealers are middlemen and receive high commissions for selling warranties. If the dealerships are making money on the transactions, then you can guarantee the cost of your coverage will increase. By purchasing the Mercury product (sold via authorized agents) you can save up to 50% and receive exceptional customer service from employees who actually work for the company. Mercury does not outsource contract administration to a third party, but provides its own service and handles its own claims, using accredited professionals that have been certified by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence. With Mercury you can be assured that you will get immediate attention and your claim will be dealt with professionally and hassle-free.

3.Flexibility and Convenience.

Mercury will allow you to have repairs done at any licensed facility, whereas most manufacturers' warranties require work to be completed at a dealership. Dealerships are usually readily available so you may not find this inconvenient; however, if you like the flexibility of being able to choose the shops you use or the mechanics you prefer, then a private insurance company such as Mercury is probably the best option.

4.Limits and Restrictions.

When comparing manufacturer extended car warranties with the coverage offered by private companies, it is important to consider the limits stipulated in the contracts. Are there limits to the number of claims that can be made, a cap on the amount of money that will be paid out for specific items, or the possibility of being charged multiple deductibles per visit? While these factors may vary with manufacturer warranties, you can be assured that Mercury does not put a limit on the number of claims you can make and you will only have to pay one deductible per visit regardless of the number of repairs being completed.

5.Benefits.

When considering extended warranties for your vehicle, you should look at the benefits or advantages offered by each policy. Mercury provides roadside assistance, towing, rentals, and even payments for lodging and food should you be stranded away from home. While some manufacturers' warranties will include specific features, you should make sure to check what is actually covered in the standard agreement since many of these extras must be purchased separately. Also, most manufacturers will not reimburse for such things as hotel costs, telephone charges, or meal expenses.

6.Options.

When comparing extended car warranties, one of the main considerations should be the flexibility of available plans and your ability to choose what is best for your situation. Does your manufacturer's warranty offer more than one option or must you agree to whatever terms they stipulate? Mercury offers multiple levels of coverage with various costs so you can purchase the policy that fits your needs and budget.

Extended car warranties can be a great investment, but you must choose wisely to ensure that you are getting the best policy for your money. Mercury extended car warranties offer many benefits and are backed by a company that is reliable, secure, and known for making its customers a priority.