Dealer refuses to refund extended warranty - advice?

[Johnxsi]

Hey all,

I bought a car end of Feb from what I thought to be a reputable dealer, and they talked me into a RAC extended warranty for £1000.

However after they sent me policy it became clear it wouldn't cover anything that the dealer had said it would. A week after purchasing, I requested a refund of the policy and was instantly ghosted by them. I've tried over a dozen times to contact them (email/call/Whatsapp) but it's all been zero response. Very bizarre.

The dealership's a few hours drive from me so I'd rather not got up to see them, but I'm not sure what my next step is. Any suggestions on my best next move?

Thanks!

[NGee]

A car dealer that doesn't answer the phone? That doesn't sound a very profitable way of running a business.

Are you sure they're still trading?

[darreni]

Why are these threads always from people with zero posting history?

[MrHappy]

School holidays?

[Wacky Racer]

What where you told it was cover that it doesn't?

Did you get it in writing?

[dudleybloke]

I can sort this out for you for £3000.

[Johnxsi]

NGee said:

A car dealer that doesn't answer the phone? That doesn't sound a very profitable way of running a business.

Are you sure they're still trading?

Yep they're still 100% active. I went to the dealership to pick up the car. All my dealings with the sales agent were on Whatsapp but when I asked to cancel the policy any all communication stopped instantly. All the dealers' phones go to numbered voice boxes, with no response when a message is left.

I imagine it's profitable 'cos they have my money.

[BertBert]

darreni said:

Why are these threads always from people with zero posting history?

who live 200 miles away from the dealer.

[Johnxsi]

darreni said:

Why are these threads always from people with zero posting history?

I just lurk, and don't post unless I have a question.

[Johnxsi]

BertBert said:

who live 200 miles away from the dealer.

51 miles.

Is that weird? I'm from Canada where driving a few hundred miles for a good deal isn't unheard of. It feels like I've popped in here and told everyone Santa's not real. Was just after some suggestions as I've never come across this before.

[Johnxsi]

Wacky Racer said:

What where you told it was cover that it doesn't?

Did you get it in writing?

There's a bit of maintenance coming up on the car that's not cheap, he said it would be covered... but reading the policy it seems unlikely. I'd rather get my money back and do it myself.

[MrHappy]

Johnxsi said:

However after they sent me policy it became clear it wouldn't cover anything that the dealer had said it would.

What items did he say were covered, that you later found out weren’t?

[darreni]

Johnxsi said:

There's a bit of maintenance coming up on the car that's not cheap, he said it would be covered... but reading the policy it seems unlikely. I'd rather get my money back and do it myself.

Why do you think maintenance would be covered by a warranty?

[NGee]

Johnxsi said:

All the dealers' phones go to numbered voice boxes, with no response when a message is left.

Use a different phone number, phone them up and say you want to buy one of the cars they have for sale.
Hey presto - you're speaking to a human. If they then put the phone down looks like you've got yourself a 51 mile drive!

[Johnxsi]

darreni said:

Why do you think maintenance would be covered by a warranty?

Because the dealer specifically said it would be covered. It's not regular maintenance, but a potential issue flagged by a pre-inspection company.

In hindsight it was silly to believe that, but I figured I'd just refund and move on.

[MrHappy]

Johnxsi said:

51 miles.

Is this the distance to the dealer who’s ‘a few hours drive away’?

[darreni]

In that case, it’s the dealers responsibility to sort, not the warranty company.

[Johnxsi]

MrHappy said:

What items did he say were covered, that you later found out weren’t?

Two things:
1) From the PPI: Corroded crossovers in cooling system.
2) I want to track the car and also told be it'd be covered.

[Johnxsi]

NGee said:

Use a different phone number, phone them up and say you want to buy one of the cars they have for sale.
Hey presto - you're speaking to a human. If they then put the phone down looks like you've got yourself a 51 mile drive!

I have spoken to a real human twice, and each time they take my message and never return my calls. I think it's time for a road trip.

[Johnxsi]

darreni said:

In that case, it’s the dealers responsibility to sort, not the warranty company.

Exactly! That's why I've been trying to contact the dealer to get my money back... hence this thread