A WORD OF CAUTION ON MECHANICAL WARRANTIES

A WORD OF CAUTION ON MECHANICAL WARRANTIES

My review is not specifically about bad service from Innovation Group. In actual fact I have received quite decent service from them. My gripe is with mechanical warranties and the inconvenience around the claims procedure.

In April 2024 I bought a car through We Buy Cars and a Innovation Group policy was added to the purchase. A service plan with two services, a mechanical warranty as well as scratch and dent cover were added. These policies easily total about R20 000 which was added to the purchase price. The two services were performed by Renault and the claims process for that went smoothly.

Recently my car has started making a metallic noise and a knowledgeable friend advised me that it might be the gearbox mountings. Speaking with Renault they mentioned that the parts needed for replacement must be ordered and can take 3 to 4 days to arrive. When I enquired with Innovation Group on how the claim process would work a very kind gentlemen told me that the car must be taken in to Renault where they will have to do a diagnostic test and then quote Innovation Group on the replacement cost. Seeing that the part must be ordered I will have to visit Renault for the diagnostics and then again for the part to be fitted.

I can't understand why the claims process can't be more simplified. The extra effort of sitting in Cape Town traffic and taking leave from work to take the car in (twice) just not seem worth it. I will rather then just pay replacements out of pocket and be done with it. Without this mechanical warranty I could've had an extra R12200 which I could've parked in a savings account for when my car does break down.

My advice to prospective vehicle buyers: Make sure you understand the fine print before signing any documents when purchasing a vehicle, don't be in a rush to get it over and done with. Most importantly before you sign any insurance policies find out how the claims process works. Insurance means nothing if you can't claim from it when you need it most.