14 Responses to “StopRepairBills.com, a Familiar Scam?”

1. billy bob
   October 12th, 2009 @ 9:08 pm

   good job reporting on heresay bud, try talking to some people who have actually used and benefitted from the service. by the way to say 99% of peoples cars dont break is ludacris. try fabricating some other numbers there.
   also we carry some company with am best a-excellent ratings, so guess they are a scam too right?

2. Joe
   October 12th, 2009 @ 9:50 pm

   “Billy bob”, If anyone has used the service and would like to attest to the service being worth their money, they are more than welcome to leave a comment. As for saying that 99% of cars don’t break, that is a ludicrous claim. If you go back and re-read the post you’ll see I said no such thing. In fact, I said that the warranty company is banking on the fact that you will be in the 99% of people who pay more for the warranty than the cost of repairs. The idea being that the majority of repairs cost less than the warranty and that’s how the company makes money. You are right that I made that number up, and the fact that it is a ridiculous “99%” is meant to illustrate that the overwhelming majority of people pay more for the warranty than they get as a benefit. Maybe it’s 92%, or even 88%. The point is, your odds are pretty good that you’d do better banking the money yourself than buying an extended warranty.

3. Greg Buckley
   October 18th, 2009 @ 11:49 am

   Joe and Billy Bob,

   I just returned from an automotive trade show where one of the vendors was Stop Repair Bills. Being a true to life auto shop owner and a business owner that is always out trying to add value based services and products to my client base, I was curious enough to sit down and discuss their product line. My questions were how their product line would be a fair and equitable situation for all involved. The client (car owner), myself the repairer, and of course the warranty company.

   I understand the warranty process, the underwriting that is beneath the product and the management it requires to process a claim. I understand how and where they make their money.

   What we as independent repair shops desire is a product that will pay us as close to our true retail dollar as possible. Most extended plans shortchange our parts and labor by 30% or more which is why we as an aftermarket never put our mark behind an extended plan. Stop Repair seems to understand that barrier and builds its plan according to the repair shop’s own labor rate. That one adjustment makes Stop Repair more tolerable to accept as a repairer and also an affiliate. Stop Repair does offer a profit margin on each contract sold by a repair shop. (don’t worry, AAA offers spiffs as does GE and a host of others, so it’s not out of the norm.)

   For the consumer, the problem is educating them that a an “Extended Warranty” is not a 100% replacement guarantee for everything on a vehicle. So many times clients will present their policy expecting that an entire repair is free or every item is covered. Not the case. I believe that is where most of the complaints come from. Un-educated consumers who weren’t explained the policies from the beginning. That’s the fault of the selling dealer. And that is where most of the improvements must take place. EDUCATION of the product.

   Overall, I like the approach by Stop Repair. They seem to have the tools and policy that melds the best of what an extended plan can be. Does it make sense to purchase one? To most, not really. Joe, you are correct that if the “smart car owner” would hedge their own maintenance contract with a simple savings account, they would be ahead of the game. However, there aren’t that many who are that disciplined. Billy Bob, you’re right that cars do break and break hard. Transmissions, differentials, a/c systems, axles and now electronics do cost quite a bit to replace. And, we haven’t even gotten into the Hybrids, Diesels or Heavy Duty vehicles. There are makes and models that have mileage related failures where a little subsidy can help. We do have clients that have had to use their extended warranties for over $4500.00 in repairs. So, at times it does become a value.

   There are a lot of ways to help consumers hedge their car repairs and maintenance. The best one is finding a qualified service center that knows and is willing to help “manage” their vehicle costs throughout the life of vehicle/owner relationship. Our advice usually come with the service.

4. Joe
   October 20th, 2009 @ 9:07 am

   Greg,

   After reading a great many of the comments I receive from my post about U.S. Fidelis, I believe you are right about the uneducated buyer and unreal expectations. Thank you for taking the time to leave a thoughtful (and polite!) comment.

5. Webdox
   November 25th, 2009 @ 2:23 pm

   It really is amazing how many shills these scam artists send out to try and talk down the real complaints of people who have been scammed by these predators. Give it up shills, no one is buying your BS.

6. dotorg
   December 2nd, 2009 @ 6:06 pm

   i think stoprepairbill.com need a reality check we need to start a class action law suit to show them this is not a game

7. Patricia
   December 9th, 2009 @ 9:26 pm

   After several attempts, National Dealers Warranty Inc finally “sweet talked” me into purchasing their warranty on December 13, 2007. The downpayment over the phone was $195.00. Then they took $149.89 for the following 18 months. On August 23rd of this year, I brought my car in to the Firestone repair shop near my home for an oil change. On that date, they created a work order for the two front axles and the timing belt and contacted National Dealers Warranty Inc for the authorization to do the repairs. They refused.

   After many attempts to resolve this issue by phone (approximately 30 calls in the ensuing 45 days) and their continued refusal to pay for the repairs, I contacted my credit card company to dispute as many payments as possible. They were able to retrieve the final four payments, $599.

   I also filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (now there’s 333 against the company) and the following day I met with an attorney. They responded to the BBB complaint by first stating that I brought my car to Firestone on Oct. 1, then stating that when I first went into the Firestone repair shop in August, I was told that the protective boot that covers the joint was cracked and was losing grease and that I didn’t get that repaired.

   This is what the original Firestone work order states:

   WORK ORDER #
   076416
   08/23/09 10:33AM
   Half Shaft (Front-Both)
   60-3265 L REMN CV COMPL ASSY $140.90
   60-3266 R REMN CV COMPL ASSY $140.90
   REMOVE & INSPECT F AXLE SHAFT ASSEMBLY - BOTH $170.00
   REPLACE AXLE SHAFT EACH SIDE $25.50 x 2
   TOTAL THIS SECTION $502.80
   ENGINE DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE
   Symptom: Eng:Dash Light On-
   COMPUTERIZED ENGINE ANALYSIS $79.99
   TIMING BELT
   95284 TIMING BELT $46.99
   REMOVE & REPLACE TIMING BELT $226.20
   7027871 FAN BELT $21.99
   335K4 POLY RIB BELT $21.99
   345K4 POLY RIB BELT $18.99
   TOTAL THIS SECTION $416.15. TOTAL $918.95

   They lied to the Better Business Bureau. They also lied when they stated to the BBB that they refunded $599.56. I retrieved it through disputing the charges through my credit card company. They lied when they stated that I brought my car to Firestone on October 1st. They also lied to BBB when they stated that the timing belt is not even covered in the contract.

   Per contract number GKPP007109378, page 3, “Covered Parts”:
   The following is a list of Covered Parts under this Contract (Taxes and fluids needed for authorized repairs are also included): (1) Engine - Engine head(s); engine block; cylinder barrels; timing cover; valve covers(s); oil pain (SIC); dip stick & tube, ONLY if damaged by the failure of an internal, lubricated part. The following internal, lubricated parts: pistons, pins & rings; connecting rods & bearings; crankshaft & main bearings; camshaft, followers & cam bearing; push rods, valves, springs, replaceable guides, seats & lifts; rocker arms, shafts & bushings; TIMING GEAR, chain, tensioners & retainers; eccentric shaft; oil pump. Also covered are the following: TIMING BELT; water pump; intake & exhaust manifolds; turbo charger; engine mounts & cushions; engine torque strut; harmonic balancer; flexplate; idler pulley bearings.
   (3) DRIVER AXLE(S) - Differential house, transaxle housing final drive housing, if damaged by the failure of an internal, lubricated part. All internal, lubricated contained within the housings. Axle shafts, constant vleocity joints (CV); universal joints; drive shafts; locking hubs; locking rings; supports, retainers & bearings. No coverage afforded for clutch assembly or any part thereof.

   So, they took $2900 from me. I retrieved $599.56 through the credit card company. I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. I met with an attorney. And, I met with two different television stations in the Greater Cincinnati area, John Matarese, who does his “Don’t Waste Your Money” on WCPO Channel 9 and also with Howard Ain, who does his “Trouble Shooter” segment on WKRC Local 12.

   I have also put this same information on the Ripoff Report today. And, I will find as many other places to tell my story until National Dealers Warranty Inc is embattled in a class-action lawsuit while their income dwindles as the “news” about them spreads.

8. Patricia
   December 12th, 2009 @ 9:52 pm

   Please note that the people that manage and operate National Dealers Warranty Inc also manage and operate United Warranty Wholesalers.

   Here is a link to their Better Business Bureau report:

   http://www.bbb.org/stlouis/business-reviews/auto-service-contract-companies/united-warranty-wholesalers-in-saint-charles-mo-310047212

   You will see the same names, Steve Proetz, Robin Deubner, Rudge Gilman, etc. They know that they have a SCAM going and they’re lining their pockets to purchase expensive homes and cars.

   And, apparently, Robin Deubner has been connected to US Fidelis, another “F” rated SCAM company operating out of Missouri.

   http://www.complaintnow.com/business/National-Auto-Warranty-Services-Complaints/complaint/Business_ID/display/12317

   The BBB report for National Auto Warranty Services shows that it’s also US Fidelis:

   http://www.bbb.org/stlouis/business-reviews/auto-service-contract-companies/u-s-fidelis-in-wentzville-mo-310016763

   Yes, there’s a huge SCAM going on in St. Louis and I think they’re going to go down.

9. Patricia
   December 17th, 2009 @ 5:55 pm

   National Dealers Warranty has amicably and professionally resolved this matter and has refunded the service contract price and paid for my car repair at issue. I am very pleased with the way they handled this matter.

10. Joesph Stalin
    December 23rd, 2009 @ 11:40 pm

    Patricia, you need to do a little research before pointing a finger. Yes National Dealer Warranties did provide you the coverage. Althought they simply are the middle man, just like a broker. They provide coverage for new and used vehicles. The policy that you received GKPP007109378, was provided by Gold Key Protection Plan. Not national dealer warranties. Simply a company that offers coverage for them.

11. Joesph Stalin
    December 23rd, 2009 @ 11:44 pm

    Patricia, your lawyer must not have been to capable and that’s why you contacted the news. Yes National Dealer Warranities did provide you a policy. Although the company is simply a broker, they provide coverage for new and used vehicles through several companies. The policy you received, GKP007109378, is actually provided by Gold Key Protection plan. National Dealer Warranties simply sold you on the idea. That is all they do, they do not pay for the repairs. They sell the coverage…..

12. Swan
    January 16th, 2010 @ 4:38 pm

    Thanks for the background. You saved me the time of even considering this company. Thanks again. This is the way we as consumers can fight back, by getting the word out about scams

    Bobbie

13. Frank
    January 20th, 2010 @ 9:44 pm

    These comanies are nothing but a big rip off. All they whan is your money. It’s better to put your money in an account. These warrenty companies will find a way out of covering the repair. For example, the transmission will not be covered because the filter or fluid was never changed, or the broken timing belt damaged the engine and voided the warrenty because the timing belt was never replaced. And shops hate having to submit the paper work in order to get paid for a repair. Also what happens if a shop is told a repair will be covered then later the repair is found to be void for some small problem that will void the warrenty?

14. LJBlock
    January 23rd, 2010 @ 4:05 pm

    If “Patricia” had only put her payments away in a savings account she would have had $2,893.02 to spend on her repairs. Taking it out of your credit card is the same thing as putting it into your savings account. Hopefully it wasn’t that expensive and she could have used the rest to do something she liked or wanted to do with the extra money.

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