So, since everybody is always wondering about how warranty companies are when the worst happens, I thought I'd give some feedback on my experience with Warranty Direct so far.

So the gearbox started playing up, and I got the car recovered to a local transmission specialist, which I've used before. To be fair I probably chose the wrong place, since they were whining about warranty companies even before I took it in.

Warranty Direct will not authorise any work, or a hire car, which I'm entitled to for 7 days, until the cause of the problem is identified, and the cost of parts and labour for repair is given. The place I had taken the car to, basically said, 'the gearbox is knackered, and it needs refurbishing, which will cost £2,500 plus VAT'.

This was not acceptable to WD, who wanted photographs of the failed components. The local place ended up throwing their toys out of the pram and asking for the car to be removed. So it was taken to a place which WD use frequently. I found the attitude of the new place much better.

I can understand that any warranty company must have procedures to guard against fraud, and make sure that work which is carried out is needed, and is done cost effectively. The new place (A1 Premier Transmissions), are very happy to deal with WD, they also deal with a lot of main dealers and lease companies.

So far it's been around 10 days, and I'm hoping the work will finally be authorised tomorrow. It's been rather a tortuous process, but I can't really blame WD, I'd say the lesson learned is when you have a problem which you want covered by a warranty, get the warranty company to recommend a company they deal with regularly, or at the very least, try to ensure that the garage you take the car too are happy to, and competent, to deal with warranty companies.

Anyway, I'll keep you updated!  Range Rover-less at the moment - Pining!

Thanks for the update, David.

Keep them coming and good luck!

I had WD covering my X5 for 3 years and had three claims during that time.

They paid up and were very easy to deal with

So they've come up trump! Authorised the rebuild, and the courtesy car! £313 I paid out for the first week (they cover up to £50 per day), plus they agreed as a goodwill gesture, to cover a car rental for a few extra days, since it's gone on for two weeks now.

I'm contributing 30% towards part costs, plus my excess. The 30% is in respect of 'betterment' i.e. the gearbox failure is really wear and tear, and having a rebuilt box on an 85k car I it's better than it was. Anyway, bottom line is I have a full gearbox rebuild with warranty, and it costs me less than £400. It would be less, but I stupidly went for a £250 excess!

So anyway, if you don't have a warranty, and you want one, I'd recommend WD!  Range Rover-less at the moment - Pining!

Nice to hear some positive feedback about a warranty company

Good news

I've just had dealings with Warranty Direct and I found them very helpful to be honest. I suffered from the dreaded cattle grid syndrome of torque converter failure so i rang WD and told them about the suspected problem. They said no worries take it to a garage of my choice and get them to take a look and to get in touch with them direct. They did state that the would not pay for inspection costs if the part isn't covered so i thought fair enough and off i went. I took it to my local independent LR specialist - 6wks later I finally get my car back. It wasn't down to WD at all, in fact they were brilliant giving me details of whats happening with the claim. They paid out for the problem with no quibbles, all i had to prove was last service and current MOT. It was however down to the garage and only after frequent trips asking whats going on and more importantly when is it going to be fixed. So in my experience choose a warranty friendly garage - the process will be much smoother. Oh and another tip - don't settle for the first quote they give you, always barter....I saved just shy of £350 and got added extras put on.

I've claimed from WD back in 2005 with my Fiat Coupe and there were no problems with that claim either.