Intelligent Motoring, AutoProtect and Centurion Warranties reveal changes

Intelligent Motoring has launched comprehensive electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid electric vehicle warranty plans to its Warranty Assist portfolio.

The addition of EV specific policies follows Intelligent Motoring's launch of a direct-to-consumer extended warranty, through its direct-to-customer (D2C) business, MotorEasy.

The company said the move is to ensure its network of 2,000 independent dealers keep pace with the adoption of EVs.

Duncan McClure Fisher, chief executive officer and founder of Intelligent Motoring, said: “Analysis of MotorEasy extended warranty quotes for 2022, revealed an 86% year-on-year (YoY) increase in EV and hybrid plans, confirming significant demand by EV owners for financial peace of mind against the unexpected.

“With some common repairs 400% higher for EVs than their combustion engine counterparts, it’s not surprising that consumers are seeking reassurance that they can afford the ownership costs that come with making the switch from petrol or diesel to EV.”

Designed specifically for the used car market, the new dealer extended warranty plans provide dealer support both online and offline, including dedicated specialist account management and access to a remote digital portal for claims and policy renewals, the company said.

The EV and hybrid warranties cover repairs from £250 up to the purchase price and is available for vehicles up to 10 years old and with mileage of up to 100,000 miles. They can be purchased through Intelligent Motoring partner dealers as 3, 6, 12 or 24-month plans.

McClure added: “It is vital our independent dealer partners can capitalise on the UK’s EV transition, providing a comprehensive extended warranty alternative to franchised dealers who currently dominate the market when it comes to warranty repair and maintenance on alternative fuel vehicles.

“By offering a dedicated EV extended warranty, our network has the confidence it can boost customer acquisition, enhance their experience and build loyalty, in turn strengthening financial resilience for the long term.”

Chinese EV brands will 'shake-up' aftersales with independent service partners, said McClure Fisher, in an opinion piece.

Rival AutoProtect has revealed a partnership wih Kwikcast, the live-streaming service, to improve its customers' claim experiences and enhance the process's transparency.

AutoProtect Group’s chief operating officer Michael McVeigh said: “Our new partnership with Kwikcast will help to de-mystify the claims process for many people. Connecting one-to-one online customers and repairers can discuss claims with us directly.

"By its nature, the experience is tailored for each customer, saving them time and delivering better service levels.

"It is a significant step forward in an environment where the focus on good customer outcomes is moving into ever sharper focus in F&I.”

Meanwhile The Motor Ombudsman revealed it has added Centurion Warranties to its portfolio of businesses accredited to the Motor Industry Code of Practice for Vehicle Warranty Products, taking the code membership up to 17 firms.

Geoff Baker, managing director at Centurion Warranties, said: “Gaining accreditation to The Motor Ombudsman clearly demonstrates our core philosophy of providing first-class service to customers, and a market-leading range of products that deliver coverage tailored to the needs of today’s motorists.”

Unveiled in 2009, the primary objective of The Motor Ombudsman’s comprehensive Vehicle Warranty Products Code is to drive up standards beyond those required by law when consumers purchase an extended warranty for a vehicle, and make a claim should a failure arise during ownership.

Businesses commit to the publishing of clear, jargon-free and accurate communications, to offering tailored advice and information to vehicle owners according to their requirements, and to operating an in-house complaints process which allows the swift and fair resolution of customer disputes, plus in instances where an issue cannot be concluded directly to the customer’s satisfaction, accreditation to The Motor Ombudsman grants the ability to signpost a consumer and call on expert assistance from the body’s motor industry-specific Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service.