GWC Extended Warranty Review

GWC Warranty has been in business since 1995 and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. It offers both exclusionary coverage, which lists only the things that are not covered, and stated component coverage, which lists only the things that are covered. Plans have the flexibility for customization so you can add systems, for example navigation, that aren’t otherwise covered by the warranty. GWC Warranty offers extended warranties for both new and used cars through dealers, lenders, and directly to the consumer.

Pros and Cons

What is Covered by GWC Warranty Plans

GWC Warranty offers exclusionary coverage up to 150,000 miles and stated component coverage for vehicles up to 200,000 miles. That’s more mileage than most extended warranty companies will cover, which makes GWC Warranty a good choice for high mileage vehicles. There is the ability to customize plans to add components for an additional cost. While there is only one type of exclusionary coverage, there are three types of stated component coverage for a total of four basic plan options.

Here are the 10 most expensive repairs and how they’re covered under GWC Warranty plans.

(*) Brakes does not include: Pads, Rotors, Shoes and Drums

Which GWC Warranty Plan is Right for Me?

Additional Benefits Available with GWC Warranty Plans

Depending on your specific plan, these features may be included or they may be available as add-ons for an additional charge.

• 24/7 roadside assistance
• Rental car for longer repairs
• Trip interruption coverage

Exclusionary Coverage Plan From GWC Warranty

This comprehensive plan covers so many parts that it lists only what’s not covered rather than what is covered and includes all parts in the manufacturer’s basic factory warranty. If there’s a non-covered component you want to add, then they may be able to do that for you for an additional cost. Be sure to ask specifically when you call for a quote. Typical excluded components include:

• Wear and tear items like wipers, tires, and brake pads
• Upholstery and any interior hinges or handles
• Bulbs and fuses
• Exterior trims and body items
• Any damage caused by neglected scheduled maintenance

Be sure to read the copy of the contract provided so you fully understand what is covered.

Powertrain Plus Plan From GWC Warranty

This plan specifically details which parts are covered. It can be customized to include additional components. If a repair requires parts not on the list, then those parts will not be covered. You might end up with a repair that requires a mix of covered and non-covered parts, which will leave you paying some of the cost on your own.

Miscellaneous

• Towing reimbursement
• Labor

Engine

• All internally lubricated parts
• Camshaft and bearings
• Connecting rods and bearings
• Crankshaft and bearings
• Cylinder block
• Main bearings
• Distributor shaft
• Exhaust manifold
• Intake manifold
• Oil pump, gears, and pick-up screen
• Pistons
• Piston rings and wrist pins
• Timing chain and gears
• Timing belt
• Cylinder heads
• Exhaust valves
• Intake valves
• Valve springs and retainers
• Push rods
• Rocker arms and shafts
• Hydraulic and solid lifters

Seals and Gaskets

• Cylinder head gaskets
• Intake manifold gaskets
• All other seals and gaskets as a result of a covered repair

Transmission (Automatic)

• All internally lubricated parts
• Case
• Torque converter
• Lock-up converter
• Gears and shafts
• Bearings
• Bushings
• Bands
• Friction and steel clutch plates
• Steel drums
• Pump
• Servo unit
• Valve body and plate
• Governor

Transmission (Manual)

• All internally lubricated parts
• Case
• Bearings
• Bushings
• Gears and shafts
• Synchronizers
• Spacers
• Main drive gear
• Main shaft
• Shift forks
• Overdrive housing
• Synchronizer drums

Four-Wheel and All-Wheel Drive

• All internally lubricated parts
• Transfer case
• Bearings
• Bushings
• Chains
• Gears
• Sleeves
• Sprockets

Drive Axle

• All internally lubricated parts
• Drive axle housing
• Ring and pinion gears
• Spider gears and side gears
• Bearings
• Bushings
• Spacers
• Yokes
• Axle shafts
• Driveshafts
• Carrier bearing

Essential Plan From GWC Warranty

This builds on the Powertrain Plus plan with additional covered components and systems.

Miscellaneous

• Labor and diagnostics
• 24/7 roadside assistance and towing
• Rental car reimbursement
• Travel and lodging reimbursement

Engine

• Universal joints
• Center support bearing
• CV joints

Air Conditioning

• Compressor
• Compressor clutch
• Accumulator
• Dryer/receiver
• Condenser
• Evaporator

Brakes

• All internally lubricated parts of the hydraulic system including: Master Cylinder, Vacuum power assist booster and valve, Hydro booster, Disc brake calipers, Wheel cylinders, Steel brake lines and hoses

Cooling

• Radiator
• Water pump
• Thermostat
• Radiator fan and fan clutch
• Electric radiator fan motor
• Coolant recovery container

Electrical

• Alternator
• Electric horn
• Front and rear wiper motor
• Rear defroster switch
• Starter motor
• Starter motor drive assembly
• Starter motor solenoid
• Voltage regulator

Fluids

• Any fluids required as a result of a covered repair

Steering

• Power steering pump
• Rack and pinion
• Steering gear box

Suspension

• Upper and lower ball joints
• Leaf and coil springs (if broken)
• Spindles
• Upper and lower control arms
• Wheel bearings

ABS

• Electronic control processor
• Pressure modulator valve
• Isolation dump valve
• Accumulator
• Wheel speed sensors
• Hydraulic pump
• Motor assembly

Hi-Tech Electrical

• Fuel pump
• Power antenna motor
• Power door lock actuators and switches
• Power mirror motors and switches
• Power seat motors and switches
• Power sunroof motor
• Power convertible top motor
• Power window motors regulators and switches
• Electronic ignition module

Turbocharger (surcharge applies)

• All internally lubricated parts
• Housing
• Wastegate
• Vanes
• Shafts and bearings

Comprehensive Plan From GWC Warranty

This is the most inclusive stated coverage plan and includes all previously listed parts with the addition of the following:

Sensor Package

• Covers select sensors

Engine

• Engine mounts
• Timing belt and tensioner
• Timing and valve covers
• Transmission mounts
• Flywheel/flex plate
• Harmonic balancer

Air Conditioning

• Expansion valve
• Orifice tube
• POA valve
• Compressor mounting brackets
• Evacuation and recharge

Brakes

• Pressure differential switch
• Parking brake control pedal/lever
• Backing plates
• Vacuum booster pump

Cooling

• Heater core
• Serpentine belt tensioner, bearing, and pulley
• Heater blower motor
• Blower motor resistor
• Blower motor switch
• Heater control valve
• Radiator shroud and brackets

Electrical

• Power trunk release
• Neutral safety switch
• Stop lamp brake switch
• Washer fluid pump and switch
• Alternator bracket and pulley
• Electric horn button
• Emergency warning flasher switch
• Headlamp switch
• Headlamp dimmer switch
• Ignition coil
• Ignition coil pack
• Ignition distributor
• Interior light switches
• All manually operated switches
• Rear window heating elements
• Trunk pull down motor
• Turn signal switch
• Wiper module and delay switch
• Idle air control motor (IAC)
• Idle air control valve (IAC)

Fluids

• R134 refrigerant/freon

Steering

• Idler arm and bushings
• Pitman arm
• Power steering pump pulley
• Mounting brackets an reservoir
• Tie rods
• Tie rod ends and sleeves
• Steering shaft pivot joint

Suspension

• Control arm bushings and shafts
• Stabilizer bar links and bushings
• Steering knuckles
• Strut bars and bushings
• Rigid beam axle
• Air suspension compressor
• Spindle supports
• Torsion bars, mounts, and bushings

Fuel System

• Injectors
• Metering valve/pressure regulator
• Lines and fittings
• Fuel gauge sending unit
• Fuel tank

Interior/Exterior

• Hood latch and cable
• Door locks, handles, and hinges
• Trunk lock and hinges
• Trunk and hood gas lift cylinders

How Much Does a GWC Warranty Cost?

As is common with extended car warranties, there’s no way to get a quote online. What you can find, however, are plenty of people who purchased a warranty and shared the details in various online forums. Here’s what we found scouring the internet for GWC Warranty quotes. Note that your quote may be quite different depending on your vehicle.

How to File a GWC Warranty Claim?

Filing a claim with GWC Warranty is straightforward. There’s a number to call for roadside assistance or you can take your car directly to a repair facility if it's driveable without causing further damage.

Once at the facility, they must call GWC Warranty for authorization with an estimate before any work is done. Claims will not be honored if the work is done without prior authorization. Payment will be made directly to the repair shop, but you are responsible for any uncovered repairs and deductibles.

Is My Car Eligible for a GWC Warranty?

What disqualifies a car?

• Cars with over 200,000 miles
• Heavily modified cars may not be covered
• Collectible and vintage cars may not be covered

Most Common Reasons Why GWC Warranty Claims Are Rejected?

• Parts not covered. Car warranties are very specific about which parts are covered. Be sure you understand the limits of your warranty coverage to avoid surprises when it’s time for a repair.

• No proof of scheduled maintenance. Your coverage will not pay for problems caused by neglected maintenance. Make sure you maintain your car and keep records of that maintenance to avoid this problem.

Customer Reviews of GWC Warranty

Positive Reviews

“GWC covered over $15,000 in repairs on my BMW 335i over the two and a half years I owned it. If GWC is an option for any future used cars I buy, I'm buying their coverage!” - Joshua B., Yelp

“There are poor warranty companies out there, but GWC is not one of them. ... . I have never had to wait for this company to call me back to move forward on repairs. They handle 99% of all claims on the first call.” - Chris, Consumer Affairs

“We've had the GWC Warranty policy for almost a year now. We got it through the dealer when we bought our car. They explained everything, and they were right on. We've used it for a claim and the dealer that fixed our vehicle took care of everything. They dealt with them. GWC was reasonable to work with and everything got taken care of.” - Amy, ConsumerAffairs

Negative Reviews

“Turns out all internally lubricated parts are covered with the exception of my internally lubricated part. I am on my own to cover the entire bill.” - Brendan, ConsumerAffairs

“I filed a claim with GWC very hopeful because everything listed on my diagnosis is listed in my brochure as covered. They sent an inspector out and denied every single thing because they apparently don't cover anything having to do with leaks.” - Erika R., Yelp

Should You Get a GWC Warranty Extended Warranty?

Deciding to purchase an extended warranty depends on you, your car, and how comfortable you are with paying for repairs. If you are worried by the notion of a sudden breakdown and the cost of resulting repairs, then an extended warranty can ease those worries. Instead of struggling to come up with a way to pay, the extended warranty has you covered.

If your car has a history of being unreliable, then that’s another good reason to consider an extended warranty. Whether it’s the specific make or model or both, if it’s known for issues then an extended warranty can help.

You’re taking a gamble, however, in the assumption that you’ll need an extended warranty. If the repairs you fear never materialize, then you may end up spending a chunk of change for something you never even use.

Always be wary of any calls out of the blue offering an extended car warranty. These are almost always scams. Do your own research and choose a provider that has a reputation you can trust.

Read our full recommendations for the Best Extended Warranty Companies here.