Auto warranty seller barred from doing business in Washington

The Washington Attorney General’s Office wrapped up its case with a company accused of hawking pricey service contracts through deceptive junk mail, illegal robocalls and misleading TV ads. Our settlement bans Credexx and its former owner, David J. Tabb, from doing business in Washington again.

The Attorney General’s lawsuit filed in April 2010 alleged that Credexx, doing business as Auto One Warranty Specialists, sold at least 1,340 vehicle service contracts and protection products to Washington consumers. Those consumers didn’t receive the “bumper to bumper” coverage they were promised.

• A Kirkland woman who said she paid $1,833 for coverage for a 2007 Prius discovered that the contract didn’t cover the cost of replacing the battery pack.
• A Pasco man was sold a plan that would cover his truck, but discovered in the fine print that his vehicle was exempted because of its trailer hitch and other towing modifications.
• And a Sequim man with transmission problems said the company failed to disclose significant limits on the cost of repairs.

Credexx also was accused of calling consumers on the national Do Not Call registry, making “robocalls,” bypassing caller ID, refusing to allow consumers an opportunity to review contracts, denying valid refund requests, improperly obtaining consumers’ personal information and violating state licensing and registration laws. For more information about the case, read today's news release.

CONSUMER RIGHTS:

• Under federal law, a “factory warranty” or “extended warranty” can only be offered and sold by an automobile manufacturer. Other plans are called service contracts. Under Washington law, the company that pays for vehicle repairs must be registered with the state Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Consumers can check whether a company is registered online and find additional information at www.insurance.wa.gov/consumertoolkit/Start.aspx.  The marketing company that sold the contract is not necessarily the same business obligated to pay for repairs.
• You have the right to request a refund any time during the life of your contract. A contract provider must honor the request. If you cancel within 10 days of purchase and make no claims, you must receive a full refund.

OTHER ALL CONSUMING POSTS:

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