Pinnacle Automotive Protection Reviews - Pinnacle Automotive Protection Ratings

Pinnacle Automotive Protection offers a range of plans however they have two strikes against them in our reviews. They are not BBB accredited and they have a C- rating. It is hard to left going with Pinnacle when there are other companies with an A+ rating.

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Company History

In 1998 Pinnacle Automotive Protection had a vision to help solve a problem in the auto repair industry. The rising costs of repairs for consumers were becoming a major problem and many were affected by it on a regular basis. Pinnacle had a vision to solve this problem and tackled it head on by creating extended car warranty programs that actually helped the consumer handle these rising costs.

The company is run by President, Chris Shoemaker and Vice President, Kenneth Hughes. Pinnacle is full of dedicated employees that are committed to providing the best service they can to consumers while helping them take care of their automotive repair needs in the most convenient, economical way possible. The services they have added are customer friendly and their plans offer expanded protection that meets the needs of vehicle owners more than ever before.

This Illinois based company is a member of the better business bureau and was a founding member of the VPA, aka the Vehicle Protection Association. Pinnacle was one of the first companies to pass the certification process. The VPA was created to ensure that companies were in compliance with the regulations and also to ensure proper consumer education and satisfaction.

The administrators of their claims are three respected companies that are known for their excellent coverage plans and claims response times; American Auto Shield, Marathon Administrative Company Interstate National and Royal Administration. Customers of Pinnacle Automotive Protection will not have to worry about their covered repairs not being paid. As long as you are following your contract, then they will do their part to ensure a smooth process all the way around.

The Qualification Process

Pinnacle Automotive Protection has made the process of getting a quote simple. You start by filling out the embedded form on the website, www.carefreedriving.com , and submitting it. This form is the first step in getting the quote and requires certain information to be inputted such as:

Year of vehicle
First and Last Name
State you live in
Working Phone Number
Working Email Address
Best Time to Contact

This information is forwarded to an agent that will be able to work with you to give you an accurate quote. It is important to understand that since every vehicle is different in terms of mileage it has on it, the number of miles it’s used each day or month and the coverage you want on it. While most people hate to give companies their phone number and email, ALL companies that offer extended car warranties have to do it this way because they can’t give an accurate quote without knowing this specific information.

By talking to the agent, they will be able to put together a quote that can encompass all the features you need it to, at a price within your budget, or at the very least, get it as close as possible. They will not sell your information and most do not employ strong arm tactics and high pressure methods to force you to buy.

At Pinnacle, their job is to provide you an accurate quote so you can compare it to others and see what fits your needs best. If you have a working quote from another company, don’t hesitate to mention it to the agent. They may be able to match it!

Once you have submitted your form and talked to the agent, they will get your quote together and send you a confirmation in your email as to the quote and what it contains. This is NOT a commitment to purchase from you, this is simply a way of putting the quote in writing so you are protected from calling back another time and being told something different when it’s time to pay. If you are interested in purchasing the automotive protection plan from Pinnacle, you can take care of it over the phone with an agent and get the ball rolling on great coverage that will give you peace of mind while you’re driving.

Pinnacle Automotive Protection Coverage Options You Can Choose

There are several benefits that Pinnacle customers receive when they get their extended car warranties. Most of the coverage plans offer Rental Car Benefits, 24 hour Roadside Assistance, a selection of deductible that you want to be responsible for, transfer ability for the contract in the event you sell your car, a 30 day money back guarantee, and affordable payment programs to make getting automobile peace of mind easier and more convenient than ever.

There are four different providers of coverage plans available at Pinnacle. Each provider has several coverage plans that can fit your needs. The agent will take the information you give them and help you choose the plan that will be perfect for you. All of the coverage plan options have been outlined for you below. These are not all inclusive lists, but only a basic outline. For specific coverage information, you will need to ask your agent.

American Auto Shield

American Auto Shield offers vehicle owners a choice of six different coverage plans from just the basic major components to full exclusionary coverage. These plans are outlined below. Please talk to the agent to find out full details of each plan.

Powertrain

Engine
Transmission
Transfer Unit
Drive Axle
Differential
Seals and Gaskets – with needed repairs, not as standalone repairs
24-hour Roadside Assistance (includes towing, emergency tire service, lock out service, battery service, winching and fuel delivery service)
Car Rental Reimbursement
Trip Interruption Reimbursement

Silver Plan

Engine
Transmission
Transfer Case
Drive Axle
Differential
Electrical
Air Conditioning
Cooling
Seals and Gaskets – with needed repairs, not as standalone repairs
24 hour Roadside Assistance(includes towing, emergency tire service, lock out service, battery service, fuel delivery service, and winching)
Car Rental Reimbursement
Trip Interruption Reimbursement

Gold Plan

Engine
Transmission
Transfer Case
Drive Axle
Differential
Electrical
Air Conditioning
Fuel System
Seals and Gaskets – with needed repairs, not as standalone repairs
24 hour Roadside Assistance – (includes towing, emergency tire service, lock out service, battery service, fuel delivery service, and winching)
Car Rental Reimbursement
Trip Interruption Reimbursement

Deluxe Plan

Engine
Transmission
Transfer Case
Drive Axle
Differential
Electrical
Turbocharger
CV Joints
Steering
Air Conditioning
Suspension
Brakes
Hi-Tech Electronics
Seals and Gaskets – with needed repairs, not as standalone repairs
24-hour Roadside Assistance -(includes towing, emergency tire service, lock out service, battery service, fuel delivery service, and winching)
Car Rental Reimbursement
Trip Interruption Reimbursement

Platinum Plan

Engine
Transmission
Transfer case
Drive Axle
Differential
Electrical
Turbocharger
CV Joints
Steering
Air Conditioning
Suspension
Brakes
Cooling
Fuel System
Hi-Tech Electronics
Audio Center
Seals and Gaskets – with needed repairs, not as standalone repairs
24-hour Roadside Assistance – (includes towing, emergency tire service, lock out service, battery service, fuel delivery service, and winching)
Car Rental Reimbursement
Trip Interruption Reimbursement

Diamond Exclusionary Plan

This plan covers all of the components listed in the Platinum Plan and only excludes the items listed in the Diamond Protection Plan contract. Please check with your agent for a full list of what isn’t covered. There are optional coverage plans available as outlined below and the Diamond Plan includes the additional benefits provided in all plans.

OPTIONAL: Luxury Electronics Package
OPTIONAL: Emissions Package
OPTIONAL: Market Labor Rate Option
24-hour Roadside Assistance – (includes towing, emergency tire service, lock out service, battery service, fuel delivery service, and winching)
Car Rental Reimbursement
Trip Interruption Reimbursement

Marathon Administrative Company

Marathon Administrative Company offers vehicle owners 6 different levels of coverage to choose from and great additional benefits that can bring even more peace of mind when you’re driving. The coverage plans are outlined below and are NOT all inclusive lists. Please check with your agent for the complete details of each plan.

Powertrain

Engine
Water pump
Transmission
Transfer Unit
Seals and Gaskets – as part of a covered repair, not standalone
24-hour Roadside Assistance (includes towing, jump starts, flat tire changes, lock out services, vehicle fluid delivery)
Substitute Transportation
Lodging Reimbursement
Extended Towing Benefit

Enhanced

Engine
Transmission
Transfer Unit
Drive Axle
Differential
Turbocharger
Electrical
Steering
A/C
Cooling
Seals and Gaskets – as part of a covered repair, not standalone
24-hour Roadside Assistance (includes towing, jump starts, flat tire changes, lock out services, vehicle fluid delivery)
Substitute Transportation
Lodging Reimbursement
Extended Towing Benefit

Elite

Engine
Transmission
Transfer Unit
Drive Axle
Differential
Turbocharger
CV Joints
Electrical
A/C
Fuel System
Seals and Gaskets – as part of a covered repair, not standalone
24-hour Roadside Assistance – (includes towing, jump starts, flat tire changes, lock out services, vehicle fluid delivery)
Substitute Transportation
Lodging Reimbursement
Extended Towing Benefit

Gold

Engine
Transmission
Transfer Unit
Drive Axle
Differential
Turbocharger
CV Joints
Electrical
Steering
A/C
Brakes
Cooling
Fuel System
Seals and Gaskets – as part of a covered repair, not standalone
24-hour Roadside Assistance -(includes towing, jump starts, flat tire changes, lock out services, vehicle fluid delivery)
Substitute Transportation
Lodging Reimbursement
Extended Towing Benefit

Platinum

Engine
Transmission
Transfer Unit
Drive Axle
Differential
Turbocharger
CV Joints
Electrical
Steering
A/C
Brakes
Cooling
Fuel System
Hi-Tech Electronics
Audio Center
Fluids
Seals and Gaskets – as part of a covered repair, not standalone
OPTIONAL: Conversion Van Coverage
OPTIONAL: Electronic
OPTIONAL: Rear Air Conditioner
24-hour Roadside Assistance -(includes towing, jump starts, flat tire changes, lock out services, vehicle fluid delivery)
Substitute Transportation
Lodging Reimbursement
Extended Towing Benefit

Premier Exclusionary

The Premier Exclusionary plan covers every component of the vehicle except for the exclusions listed in the contract. Please ask your agent for the details of what is NOT covered. Premier Plan includes all of the additional benefits and they are outlined below.

ALL components of the vehicle covered except for what is on the Excluded list
24-hour Roadside Assistance – -(includes towing, jump starts, flat tire changes, lock out services, vehicle fluid delivery and concierge services such as making necessary phone calls to family, police, etc)
Substitute Transportation
Lodging Reimbursement
Extended Towing Benefit

Royal Administration

Royal Administration offers vehicle owners 6 different coverage plans and there is sure to be one that fits your needs. The plans are outlined below and are NOT an all inclusive list. You need to talk to the agent to make sure that you understand everything that is and is not covered under the plan you choose.

Essential

Engine
Transmission
Transfer Unit
Drive Axle
Differential
CV Joints
Seals and Gaskets – as part of a covered repair and not as a standalone repair
Labor Benefit
24-hour Roadside Assistance
Car Rental
Trip Interruption Intervention

Comprehensive

Engine
Transmission
Transfer Unit
Drive Axle
Differential
Turbocharger
CV Joints
Electrical
Steering
A/C
Brakes
Seals and Gaskets – as part of a covered repair and not as a standalone repair
Labor Benefit
24-hour Roadside Assistance
Car Rental
Trip Interruption Intervention

Select

Engine
Transmission
Transfer Unit
Drive Axle
Differential
Turbocharger
CV Joints
Electrical
A/C
Cooling
Fuel System
Seals and Gaskets – as part of a covered repair and not as a standalone repair
Labor Benefit
24-hour Roadside Assistance
Car Rental
Trip Interruption Intervention

Elite

Engine
Transmission
Transfer Unit
Drive Axle
Differential
Turbocharger
CV Joints
Electrical
Steering
A/C
Suspension
Brakes
Cooling
Fuel System
Hi-Tech Electronics
Seals and Gaskets – as part of a covered repair and not as a standalone repair
Labor Benefit
24-hour Roadside Assistance
Car Rental
Trip Interruption Intervention

Premier – All of Elite coverage plus additional components of the parts listed

Engine
Transmission
Transfer Unit
Drive Axle
Differential
Turbocharger
CV Joints
Electrical
Steering
A/C
Suspension
Brakes
Cooling
Fuel System
Hi-Tech Electronics
Seals and Gaskets – as part of a covered repair and not as a standalone repair
Labor Benefit
24-hour Roadside Assistance
Car Rental
Trip Interruption Intervention

OEM Exclusionary

The OEM Exclusionary plan covers ALL components of the Premier plan PLUS the ones outlined below. It also includes all of the additional benefits listed. The only things NOT covered in the OEM Plan are what are listed under the Excluded section. Please talk to your agent concerning what is not covered.

ALL Components of the vehicle are COVERED except what is on the EXCLUDED list
24-hour Roadside Assistance
Car Rental
Trip Interruption Intervention
Labor Benefit

Interstate National

Interstate National offers four different coverage plans for their customers. Each plan is outlined below but these are not all inclusive lists. Please talk to your agent to get a full listing of what your plan covers and does not cover.

Supreme

Engine
Transmission
Transfer Unit
Drive Axle
Differential
Turbocharger
Electrical
A/C
Cooling
Fuel System
Seals and Gaskets – along with a covered repair and not as a standalone repair
Car Rental Reimbursement
Travel Expenses
Emergency Roadside Assistance
Reimbursement

Platinum

Engine
Transmission
Transfer Unit
Drive Axle
Differential
Turbocharger
Electrical
Steering
A/C
Suspension
Brakes
Cooling
Fuel System
Hi-Tech Electronics
Seals and Gaskets – along with a covered repair and not as a standalone repair
Car Rental Reimbursement
Travel Expenses
Emergency Roadside Assistance
Reimbursement

Wrap

Engine
Transmission
Transfer Unit
Drive Axle
Differential
Turbocharger
CV Joints
Electrical
Steering
A/C
Suspension
Brakes
Cooling
Fuel System
Hi-Tech Electronics
Audio Center
Seals and Gaskets – along with a covered repair and not as a standalone repair
Car Rental Reimbursement
Travel Expenses
Emergency Roadside Assistance
Reimbursement
OPTIONAL: Luxury Electronics includes GPS Navigation System, Phone System, TV/Video Entertainment System and Internet Access Systems

Diamond

Engine
Transmission
Transfer Unit
Drive Axle
Differential
Turbocharger/Supercharger
CV Joints
Electrical
Steering
A/C
Suspension
Brakes
Electronics
Sport Utility
4 Wheel Steering
Anti-lock Brakes
Cooling
Fuel System
Interior/Exterior
Hi-Tech Electronics
Audio Center
Seals and Gaskets – along with a covered repair and not as a standalone repair
Car Rental Reimbursement
Travel Expenses
Emergency Roadside Assistance
Reimbursement
OPTIONAL: Luxury Electronics includes GPS Navigation System, Phone System, TV/Video Entertainment System and Internet Access Systems

Using Pinnacle Automotive Protection’s Claims Service

If you need to file a claim with Pinnacle, it’s easy. You will contact the individual administrator of your chosen coverage program, so it will either be American Auto Shield, Marathon Administrative Company, Royal Administrator, and Interstate National. You will be given the claims phone number when you purchase your program and that is who you will have the service technician call.

In the event of a breakdown or problem it is imperative that you follow the steps exactly to ensure that your claim is processed and paid quickly. Take the vehicle or have it towed to any licensed repair facility. You will need to have your ID and your purchased service contract WITH YOU when you go to the repair facility. Give your contract to the service manager. The service manager will call the plan administrator at their individual telephone numbers and talk to them about the repairs.

The administrator will ensure that your contract is current, that you’re up to date on payments, that you are the correct owner, that the vehicle being repaired is the correct vehicle and that the repairs needing to be made are covered under your purchased plan. If diagnosis is required, that is your responsibility to authorize and must be paid for by you and is not covered under the plans these administrators offer.

DO NOT allow ANY repairs to be made prior to the service technician calling the administrator back with the diagnosis and getting full approval for the repairs to be done. If repairs are started or done before authorization is complete, your claim won’t be paid, so this is very important to remember no matter WHAT a service tech may tell you.

The administrator will approve the repairs and costs and will take care of payment once the vehicle is repairs, minus any deductible you are responsible for. Most of the work is done between the service technician and the administrator of your plan so all you need to do is supply the contract, make sure that you’ve kept up with your requirements under the contract and everything should go very smoothly.

Help and Support Services

If you are ever in need of help or support from Pinnacle Automotive Protection they have a few different ways you can do that. You can email their customer service representative at [email protected] or call them at 1-888-518-6738 for Customer Service and 1-800-998-2236 for Sales. You can also use their live chat that is available during their business hours which are Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm CST for customer service and 8am to 6pm CST for the sales department.

The customer service staff is ready to help you to the best of their ability and to help get your questions answers and problems solved.

Repair Services

Pinnacle Automotive Protection serves customers nationwide and their plans are accepted at any licensed repair facility in the United States, making them a very convenient choice for anyone who is looking to have a reliable service protection plan that they can use no matter what state they live in.

Follow Pinnacle on Their Social Media Sites

You can follow Pinnacle Automotive Protection on:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/PinnacleAutomotiveProtection

Pinnacle Automotive Protection takes their customer’s satisfaction seriously and they are here to help you find the right plan for your new or pre-owned vehicle that gives you peace of mind when you’re driving. If you’re looking for a good company that has a lot to choose from they are one of the best choices you can make.