Dont buy this extended warranty

Read why I will never take an extended warranty from Advantage Motor Protector (AA Warranties) again. We bought a 2nd-hand 2017 Renault Duster 4x4 in March 2023 with 150 136km on the clock. Because it was an old vehicle, we limited the risk (we thought) by buying an extended warranty (AA Evolve Warranty 2022A Evolve Plus 8). In late December 2023 and 14 ****m later, we experienced difficulty with gear-changing and grinding. As required by the warranty, we immediately went to a garage on detection of the problem. This was a Renault dealership (they did not sell us the car). Repairs were delayed because of the time of year, and began on 8 Jan. We did not use the car over this period. AA warranties declined the claim on 16 January because it was regarded as normal wear and tear.

ISSUE 1. The biggest issue. The claim was repudiated because the clutch did not actually break, and was classed as Normal Wear and Tear. I have driven an estimated 1.2 million kms over 52 years in 8 cars of 5 different make and have never replaced a clutch. My wife and two close friends of similar age have also never replaced a clutch. If there are no clutch replacements over more 4 million kms driven, is clutch replacement Normal Wear and Tear? Yes, the contract fine print states the part must actually break. Bottom line, we now understand (and not explained at purchase) that defective parts is not the same as breakage – a sudden catastrophic break is required. It is important to understand if you do not take the car to a service centre on detection of a problem, then the warranty is voided anyway. So, you cannot drive until it breaks because your claim will be repudiated anyway. This was not explained on purchase of the warranty, and yes, we should have read 17 pages of fine print and asked questions. We now clearly understand the scope of coverage is far less than our expectations.

ISSUE NO. 2. The extended warranty cost R15 995, and the repair cost R42 000. Even if AA warranties did pay out, they would have paid a maximum of R9000, leaving a shortfall of R29 460. Is it reasonable to expect average purchasers of an extended warranty to know the cost of the 45 classes of repairs listed, to assess whether listed payouts are adequate?

Issue No. 3. It took AA Warranties a week to resolve the issue. The claim was submitted to AA warranties who confirmed receipt on 12 January. On 16 Jan, when McCarthy Renault said there was no response from AA warranties, I phoned to query progress. AA warranties blamed the dealership for not submitting all photos required, and we received a decision late on 16 January.

We submitted a longer version of this letter to AA warranties as an appeal. Their reply stated that the criterion of breakage was not meant and did not comment on Issues 2 and 3.

Our advice to anyone buying a 2nd-hand vehicle is get your vehicle inspected by third parties before purchase as a superior route to peace of mind.