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FAQs

FAQs

Based upon your specific question or need, select the category below that best matches your particular situation.

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Overview
My vehicle is covered by the manufacturer's limited warranty. Why should I purchase a GM Protection Plan?
The manufacturer's warranty generally is for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Most customers drive their vehicles more than 36,000 miles in three years.

Consider purchasing the GM Protection Plan for your GM vehicle:
  • If you drive more than 1,000 miles monthly and plan to lease or finance your vehicle for more than 36 months, or
  • If you want to decrease your financial exposure to repair costs
 
I thought GM vehicles were good vehicles. Why do I need a GM Protection Plan?
GM vehicles are designed, assembled and tested to very high standards, but components used in today's vehicles are extremely complex and expensive to repair. Purchasing a GM Protection Plan provides financial security against the rising cost of unexpected repair expense. Today's GM Protection Plan will protect you against future costs for covered repairs.
 
I purchased a vehicle service contract on my current vehicle and never used it. Why do I want to purchase another service agreement?
Congratulations - your current vehicle is performing as expected. You have not been inconvenienced or responsible for expensive repairs. Vehicle service contracts are similar to auto insurance. You certainly hope you will not have to use it, but you do not want the risk or uncertainty of paying for an accident repair or theft. By purchasing a GM Protection Plan, you transfer the uncertainty and financial risk of expensive, covered repairs to the GM Protection Plan.
 
What is the manufacturer's limited warranty period?
For 2007 and newer model year GM vehicles, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period is 36 months or 36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage (whichever occurs first) which includes Powertrain coverage up to 5 years or 100,000 miles (whichever occurs first) with the following exceptions:
  • Buick, Cadillac and HUMMER vehicles have a New Vehicle Limited Warranty period of 48 months or 50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage (whichever comes first) which includes Powertrain coverage up to 5 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first).

For pre-2007 model year GM vehicles, the warranty period is defined as 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, with the following exceptions:
  • Cadillac vehicles have a warranty period of 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
  • HUMMER and Buick 2006 model year and newer HUMMER and Buick vehicles have a warranty period of 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
  • Chevrolet Aveo and Cobalt vehicles have the standard 36 months or 36,000 miles New Vehicle Limited Warranty and an additional Powertrain Warranty period of 60 months or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.

For 2003 and newer model year GM Certified Used Vehicles (Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Pontiac, and Oldsmobile), the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period is 36 months or 36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage (whichever occurs first) which includes Powertrain coverage up to 5 years or 100,000 miles (whichever occurs first).

The manufacturer's warranty period may be different for non-GM vehicles, but a 36-month or 36,000 mile warranty is the industry standard.
 
When does a GM Protection Plan begin?
The term and mileage of coverage is calculated from the date of contract purchase and the current odometer mileage on the vehicle. There are two forms of pricing available: New and Used. "New" consists of any vehicle that has been in service up to 12 months AND up to 12,000 miles on the odometer. "Used" is any vehicle that has been in service for more than 12 months OR more than 12,000 miles on the odometer.
 
When does a GM Protection Plan end?
Vehicle service contracts purchased on all vehicles end at the time or mileage selected.

All vehicle service contracts and Smart Care vehicle maintenance contracts end at the time or mileage selected (whichever comes first) calculated from the date of contract purchase and odometer mileage at time of contract purchase. For example, a 24,000-mile plan, purchased for a vehicle with 40,000 miles, will end when the odometer reaches 64,000 miles (unless the time period expires first).
 
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Coverage and Benefits
What type of plans and coverages are available?
GM Protection Plan offers several levels of vehicle service and maintenance contracts.

Major Guard - The premium, comprehensive vehicle service contract covers virtually every component of your vehicle, as well as providing Alternate Transportation and Roadside Assistance, including towing for covered repairs.

Value Guard - The quality vehicle service contract that covers parts and labor for nine major vehicle assemblies (engine, transmission / transaxle, front / rear-wheel-drive assemblies, vehicle manufacturer-installed air conditioning systems, electrical systems, braking system components, front suspension, fuel system and steering system), Alternate Transportation and Towing for covered repairs.

Basic Guard - Essential protection covering four major assemblies (engine, transmission / transaxle, fuel system and front / rear-wheel-drive assemblies) for parts and labor costs, as well as Towing for covered repairs.

Smart Protection - A vehicle service contract for leased GM cars, light-duty trucks and vans that provides coverage equivalent to Major Guard, covering virtually every major vehicle system and component against failure, as well as Roadside Assistance and Alternate Transportation.

Smart Care - A specific vehicle maintenance contract that covers chassis lubrication, oil, oil filter and tire rotation according to scheduled time and mileage requirements in your owner's manual.

Goodwrench Care - A limited vehicle maintenance contract that covers a specific number of complete oil changes, including filter replacements.
 
How does roadside assistance work?
By calling a toll-free number available 24 hours-a-day, the GM Protection Plan provides roadside assistance anywhere in the United States and Canada for:
  • Flat tire change
  • Towing
  • Battery jump
  • Locksmith / Key service
  • Out-of-gas fuel delivery
Authorization for emergency roadside assistance is available for any disablement of the vehicle with reimbursement of up to $75 for the assistance services.
 
How does the rental work?
GM Protection Plan will pay the cost to rent a replacement vehicle or pay for public transportation. The limit is $35 per day and a maximum of $175 per repair visit if the vehicle is accepted for repairs or services covered by either the New Vehicle Limited Warranty or a Major Guard , Value Guard or Smart Protection contract.

The repair or service must require two or more manufacturer's labor time guide hours or needs to be kept in the repair facility overnight. (Please see contract for details.)

The total dollar limit per repair visit will be increased to a maximum of $280 if the repairs are delayed because of a parts delay. The GM Protection Plan must be notified of the delay within the first five (5) days of the rental period. Rental reimbursements will be made only for rental vehicles obtained through GM dealerships or licensed rental agencies.
 
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Purchase Eligibility
What types of vehicles does the GM Protection Plan cover?
Most cars, light-duty trucks and vans.
 
Are vehicles other than GM models covered under the GM Protection Plan?
Yes. Non-GM vehicles sold through GM dealers and affiliated GM dealers are covered.
 
Is a GM Protection Plan available for lease vehicles?
Yes. See Smart Protection.
 
Is a GM Protection Plan available for company-owned vehicles?
Yes.
 
Is a GM Protection Plan available for employees?
Yes. Employees, retirees and surviving spouses of General Motors may purchase, with special pricing, GM Protection Plan Major Guard on New GM vehicles that have been in service up to 12 months AND have up to 12,000 odometer miles.
 
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Finance and Expenses
How much does the GM Protection Plan cost?
The cost depends on the vehicle and the plan selected. Vehicle considerations include: make/model, age, odometer mileage, new or used. The plan selected will vary in cost depending on the level of coverage, deductible and months/miles selected.
 
Can the purchase price be included in my monthly vehicle payment?
Yes. The price of the contract can be included in your monthly payment. (Subject to any state regulation.)
 
Can I finance the GM Protection Plan?
The Service Payment Plan is an interest-free 12- 18- or 24-month payment plan available from an authorized GM dealer.
 
What are the GM Protection Plan deductible options?
For Major Guard, Value Guard and Basic Guard:
  • New vehicles have deductible options of $0, $100 or $200.
  • Used vehicles have deductible options of $0, $50, $100 or $200.
For Smart Protection, Smart Care and Goodwrench Care:
  • The deductible is $0.
 
Is there a money-back satisfaction guarantee?
Yes. You will receive a full refund if the GM Protection Plan is canceled within 60 days and there have been no claims filed. After 60 days, the refund amount is prorated based on time and mileage remaining. (An administrative fee may apply.)
 
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Administration Process
Do I have to buy a service or maintenance contract at the time of vehicle purchase?
It depends. Vehicle service contracts may be purchased at any time while the manufacturer's warranty is still in effect. After the warranty has expired, a vehicle service contract may be purchased only at the time of vehicle purchase. Vehicle maintenance contracts can be purchased at any time.
 
Can I purchase a GM Protection Plan on a used GM car?
Yes, but your vehicle service contract must be purchased at the time you buy the vehicle.
 
Do I need to return to the dealer where I purchased my car to buy the GM Protection Plan?
We encourage you to return to your GM dealer.
 
What about companies on the Internet eliminating the middleman dealer to save customers money?
Internet companies may be able to save you a few dollars, but chances are the other companies do not have a strong 7,000-plus dealer network to service your car virtually anywhere in the United States or Canada.

The GM Protection Plan is endorsed by General Motors and backed by the stability of GMAC Insurance, companies dedicated to your satisfaction and repeat business. Have the other companies been in business more than 75 years?
 
How do I sign up for a GM Protection Plan?
Your GM dealer will prepare all necessary paperwork for you.
 
Will I receive a GM Protection Plan contract upon receipt of purchase?
You will receive a copy of the completed, signed contract registration to use as a temporary agreement. A personalized agreement and identification card will be mailed to you.
 
What if I sell my vehicle before the GM Protection Plan expires?
Your contract can be transferred to the new owner upon sale of the vehicle or the remainder of the contract can be canceled. (An administrative fee may apply.)
 
Can I renew or extend a GM Protection Plan?
In most cases, yes. Coverage can be renewed anytime during the manufacturer's warranty. After the manufacturer's warranty has expired, coverage can be renewed if the existing GMPP/Mechanical Repair Protection contract has at least 2 months and 2,000 miles of coverage term remaining.
 
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Repair and Maintenance
Where do I go for repairs?
Repairs can be handled conveniently though any GM dealership or licensed repair facility in the United States and Canada.
 
Do I have to make an appointment for repairs or maintenance?
Appointment requirements are based on the policy of the individual GM dealership or licensed repair facility.
 
If I am on vacation or traveling out-of-state, who will service my vehicle?
For your convenience, there are thousands of GM dealerships and licensed repair facilities authorized to perform necessary repairs covered under the GM Protection Plan in the United States and Canada.
 
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FAQs About Individual GM Protection Plan Contracts
Major Guard
What is Major Guard?
Major Guard is the premium vehicle service contract for cars, light-duty trucks and vans.
 
What does Major Guard provide?
It covers the parts and labor costs of repairing covered vehicle components in the event of failure - even if it results from wear and tear *Wear and Tear Coverage: The applicable coverage in the event an orginal or like replacement part is unable to function in normal service.. It also provides Roadside Assistance and Alternate Transportation.
 
How much does Major Guard cost?
That depends on the vehicle you're covering, the time, mileage and deductible choices made, and when you purchase the Plan.
 
Is Major Guard transferable?
Yes. It can be transferred to a new owner for a small administrative fee upon sale of the vehicle.
 
What if I buy Major Guard and then decide I don't want it?
Major Guard has a money-back satisfaction guarantee. Cancel within 60 days (with no claims filed) for a full refund. After that your refund is prorated (less an administrative fee).
 
What do I ultimately get from Major Guard?
The elimination of unexpected financial surprises on covered repairs. Security down the road and peace of mind for the long run.
 
Why is coverage based upon years of ownership and mileage driven?
It ensures that you get a vehicle service contract tailored to your needs, nothing more, nothing less.
 
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Value Guard
What is Value Guard?
Value Guard is the quality vehicle service contract for cars, light-duty trucks and vans.
 
What does Value Guard provide?
It covers the parts and labor costs of repairing specific components within nine major vehicle assemblies in the event of failure even if they result from wear and tear *Wear and Tear Coverage: The applicable coverage in the event an orginal or like replacement part is unable to function in normal service.. These include engine, transmission / transaxle, front / rear-wheel-drive assemblies, fuel system, vehicle manufacturer-installed air conditioning systems, electrical system, braking system components, front suspension and steering system. It also provides Towing and Alternate Transportation.
 
How much does Value Guard cost?
That depends on the vehicle you're covering, the time, mileage and deductible choices made, and when you purchase the Plan.
 
Is Value Guard transferable?
Yes. It can be transferred to a new owner for a small administrative fee upon sale of the vehicle.
 
What if I buy Value Guard and then decide I don't want it?
Value Guard includes a money-back satisfaction guarantee. Cancel within 60 days (with no claims filed) for a full refund. After that your refund is prorated (less an administrative fee).
 
What do I ultimately get from Value Guard?
The elimination of unexpected financial surprises for covered repairs. Security down the road and peace of mind for the long run.
 
Why is coverage based upon years of ownership and mileage driven?
It ensures that you get a vehicle service contract tailored to your needs, nothing more, nothing less.
 
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Basic Guard
What is Basic Guard?
Basic Guard is the essential vehicle service contract for cars, light-duty trucks and vans.
 
What does Basic Guard provide?
It covers the parts and labor repair costs of specific components within four critical vehicle assemblies in the event of failure - even if they result from wear and tear *Wear and Tear Coverage: The applicable coverage in the event an orginal or like replacement part is unable to function in normal service.. These include engine, transmission / transaxle, front / rear-wheel-drive assemblies and fuel system. It also provides Towing.
 
How much does Basic Guard cost?
That depends on the vehicle you're covering, the time, mileage and deductible choices made, and when you purchase the plan.
 
Is Basic Guard transferable?
Yes. It can be transferred for a small administrative fee to the new owner upon sale of the vehicle.
 
What if I buy Basic Guard and then decide I don't want it?
Basic Guard offers a money-back satisfaction guarantee. Cancel within 60 days (with no claims filed) for a full refund. After that your refund is prorated (less an administrative fee).
 
What do I ultimately get from Basic Guard?
The elimination of unexpected financial surprises for covered repairs. Security down the road and peace of mind for the long run.
 
Why is coverage based upon years of ownership and mileage driven?
It ensures that you get a vehicle service contract tailored to your needs, nothing more, nothing less.
 
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Smart Protection
What is Smart Protection?
Smart Protection is the premium vehicle service contract for leased GM cars, light-duty trucks and vans.
 
What does Smart Protection provide?
Smart Protection covers virtually every major vehicle system and component against failure - even if it results from wear and tear *Wear and Tear Coverage: The applicable coverage in the event an orginal or like replacement part is unable to function in normal service.. In addition, the Plan provides Roadside Assistance and Alternate Transportation.
 
How much does Smart Protection cost?
That depends on the vehicle you're covering and the length of coverage chosen when you purchase the Plan.
 
Is Smart Protection transferable?
Yes. If the original lease agreement is in force it can be transferred to a new owner for a small administrative fee upon sale of the vehicle.
 
What if I buy Smart Protection and then decide I don't want it?
Smart Protection has a money-back satisfaction guarantee. Cancel within 60 days (with no claims filed) for a full refund. After that your refund is prorated (less an administrative fee).
 
What do I ultimately get from Smart Protection?
The elimination of financial surprises for covered repairs. Security down the road and peace of mind for the long run.
 
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Smart Care
What is Smart Care?
Smart Care is a vehicle maintenance contract for leased or purchased cars, light-duty trucks and vans.
 
What does Smart Care cover?
Smart Care provides specific maintenance coverage that includes oil changes (oil and oil filter), chassis lubrications and tire rotations.
 
How much does Smart Care cost?
That depends on the vehicle you're covering and the time and mileage choices made.
 
Is Smart Care transferable?
Yes. It can be transferred for a small administrative fee to a new owner upon the sale of the vehicle.
 
What if I buy Smart Care and then decide I don't want it?
Smart Care has a money-back satisfaction guarantee. Cancel within 60 days (with no maintenance performed) and you get a full refund. After that your refund is prorated (less an administrative fee).
 
What do I ultimately get from Smart Care?
You have the convenience of covered scheduled maintenance services, provided by expert technicians when you need it. A well-maintained car and peace of mind for the long run.
 
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Goodwrench Care
What is Goodwrench Care?
Goodwrench Care is a vehicle maintenance contract for leased or purchased GM cars, light-duty trucks and vans.
 
What does Goodwrench Care cover?
Goodwrench Care provides a specific number of complete oil changes, including filter replacements.
 
How much does Goodwrench Care cost?
The cost will vary depending upon the number or services you purchase.
 
What do I ultimately get from Goodwrench Care?
You have the convenience of covered scheduled oil changes provided by expert GM Goodwrench technicians when you need it.
 
What if I move and cannot return to my selling GM dealer for Goodwrench Care service?
Call the National Mechanical Service Center at 1-800-631-5590 and they will assist you in locating a GM dealer in your area that participates in this convenient program.
 
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* Kentucky state law requires coverage be limited to defects in materials and workmanship.