1. What's the most important thing I should know about an extended service contract?

It is important to know the company that is promising to pay you if your car breaks down. A contract is only as good as the company that backs it. Some dealers offer service contract products other than the Subaru plan. For example, you can purchase Subaru Added Security (the only extended service contract backed by Subaru of America, Inc.) or an extended service contract backed by an independent insurance  company, which could be mistaken for Subaru-backed protection. Be careful when considering independent plans. Here are some  facts about independent companies:

• The 10 leading independent providers 10 years ago are all out of business today. That means a large number of customers who had valid claims were not paid or received only partial reimbursements.
• Independent providers profit only if their costs are less than what you paid for protection. Subaru Added Security's focus is on customer satisfaction, not extended service contract profits. Subaru wants your next car to be another Subaru!
• On the surface many independent coverages appear to look like ours. The problem is they often require the use of inferior replacement parts, exclude important coverages like wear and tear, or make it extremely difficult to collect benefits.

2. Do I really need an extended service contract?

An extended service contract is an important option. With the high technology built into today's cars, repair costs have risen dramatically and will continue to do so. With just one major after-warranty repair, the contract could easily pay for itself. Subaru is proud of its reputation for reliability and superior engineering. However, anything mechanical could eventually require repairs.

3. Why is a Subaru-backed extended service contract the best choice?

Subaru views a service  contract as an investment in customer satisfaction, rather than as a profit maker. We know that a satisfied customer will  likely be a repeat car buyer. Independent providers/insurance companies have no investment in your next car purchase. This  philosophy really makes a difference in the quality of their service contract product, and even more importantly when  it comes to honoring your claims.