Here is a list of don'ts we have compiled to help you find a good company to purchase an extended warranty from. If you're dealing with an individual or company that's falls into these categories, you should carefully consider who your dealing with. You may be unknowingly playing the shell game.

Don't accept any substitute contracts. Always get a copy of the contract before you commit to purchase anything. Don't settle for a word document, a brochure or someone's word of promise, This is a sure way to loose your hard earned money. Most online warranty companies have the contracts they sell in Adobe PDF reader files. These files can be emailed or downloaded over the internet and viewed if you have the Adobe Reader on your computer. If you don't ask the company mail or fax you a contract. If they refuse or are overly concerned about sending a contract by mail or fax, walk away. Be advised that contracts sent by fax can be distorted and unreadable on poor quality fax machines.

If you are buying from the dealership asking for a contract is especially important. When ask for a contract the finance manager will hand you a brochure with a list of what is covered by the warranty. You will probably be told that they don't have a real copy of the contract, however rest assured if you decide to buy, somewhere in all of the paperwork you are required to sign at closing there will be a contract. If they can produce a contract for buyers then they can produce a copy for you to review.

Don't accept anything less than a contract where the company and/or administrator is A Rated by AM Best. Ratings for a re-insurer are worthless, don't be fooled. Go to AM Best and lookup the company names listed on the contract(s) you are considering. If you can't find either one listed at AM Best, you should keep shopping until you find one that is.

Don't be mislead about canceling. Some companies as well as dealerships will tell you that once a warranty is purchased it can't be cancelled. This is a lie! Any extended vehicle service contract can be cancelled at any time, even if it has been financed into your monthly payment. If you are told this call your State Insurance Commission or Attorney General's Office and report the dealership or company. Each state has different regulations concerning extended warranty contracts. Be sure to read through this section and find the laws concerning your particular state. Know your rights!

Don't allow yourself to be pushed into anything. Most consumers will request several warranty quotes when shopping for coverage. As a result you are going to get some phone calls and emails from sales representatives and you should expect it. Professional sales people know the amount of time it takes to make a decision and should give you the help you need without being pushy.

Beware of companies that won't take NO for an answer. If you decide to buy from one warranty company and another company continues to call and becomes a nuisance, don't be afraid to hang up the phone or tell them DON'T CALL ME ANYMORE. If they become abusive report the problem to your local phone company.

Don't be mislead about overheating. Many extended warranties have provisions for overheating addressed specifically in the contract, this is not unusual. However, you should be cautious of contracts that exclude coverage as a result of overheating for any reason. This is a easy out for a warranty provider. Be sure that you understand the language of your contract completely concerning overheating.

Beware of companies that email and call you constantly. This is a free market economy we live and work in. If you ask for a quote you should expect a representative to call and email you from time to time. If you are not interested, then tell them. If you haven't made a decision and need more time, ask them to call in a few days or weeks. You can't expect to sales people not to sell. However, if the calls and emails become contsant, you should take action to stop them.

Don't get passed around. Many companies have several sales representatives and you may from time to time speak with different people. Try to stick with one person, this makes for better communication and eliminates the possibility of a misunderstanding.

Beware of the "better hurry a rate increase is coming soon" scam. Occasionally a rate increase will take place without notice, but in most cases warranty companies give notice of an increase. Don't ever fall prey to the "you have to buy it today" scam.

Beware of companies that ask for an out of state mailing address. If they need another address in means they can't legally write insurance in your state. Your coverage may be worthless in this event. When in doubt contact your State Insurance Commission to verify the companies ability to offer coverage in your state. These laws apply most notably to California and Florida. If you live in one of these states and have a legal out of state address or dual residency, you can legally purchase insurance without penalty.

Beware of the redirect. Many companies spend more time trashing their competition than communicating the facts about their own warranty contracts. If the answer to your question is a redirect to the inadequacies of another company's contract, then you should reconsider who you are dealing with. If a company can't sell it's own warranty on it's own merits, then it's probably not worth buying.

Don't be naive. There are countless scams out there to get you to buy an extended warranty. The simple truth is, if you are going to invest your hard earned money you are going to have to ask some questions and do some research. It may take a few days or even weeks to get all the answers you want. However, it will be worth it's weight in gold when you do decide to buy. Many consumers think that there are thousands of good auto warranty companies to choose from on the internet, this is a false assumption. There are a few companies that have been in business for many years and have good financial backing, but for the most part you can count them on two hands.

Beware of the best warranty on the market syndrome. Everyone can't be selling the best warranty on the market or there would be only one extended auto warranty available. Grand claims and promises can't put money lost on denied claims back in your pocket, be sure about whom you are dealing with. Don't be timed or shy, ask your questions honestly and firmly, be persistent. If someone takes offense to that, how much more will they take offense to a claim. These type of companies are not worth dealing with.