Auto Service Contract Companies
US Automotive Protection ServicesFind BBB Accredited Businesses in Auto Service Contract Companies.
Information and Alerts
Alert Details
This business has 1 alert.
Pattern of Complaints
Better Business Bureau is advising consumers to use caution when considering doing business with US Automotive Protection Services. BBB has received a pattern of consumer complaints and negative customer reviews alleging misleading advertising, high-pressure sales tactics, failure to cancel contracts after a consumer has requested cancellation, failure to provide refunds, failure to make repairs and poor customer service.
On April 3, 2023, BBB sent a letter to the company with its concerns. The company did not respond.
Important Information
Advertising Review
In April 2023, Better Business Bureau questioned US Automotive Protection Services' mailer and website, which stated:
- “Our records indicate that you have not contacted us to have your vehicle protection activated.”
- This notice is to inform you that your (Vehicle) is in need of vehicle protection in order to ensure its continued safe operation.
- “Please call us today at 1-888-582-6870”
- “By neglecting to activate your protection program you will be responsible for paying all repairs out of pocket”
- “By neglecting to renew your coverage, you take the risk of being financially liable for any and all repairs that are necessary after you warranty expires.
- “**Immediate Response Requested**”
- “Expiration Date: 3/3/2023”
- "USA’s Top Auto Protection Company"
According to BBB Code of Advertising, “The primary responsibility for truthful and non-deceptive advertising rests with the advertiser. Advertisers should be prepared to substantiate any objective claims or offers made before publication or broadcast. Upon request, they should present such substantiation promptly to the advertising medium or BBB. Advertisements which are untrue, misleading, deceptive, fraudulent, falsely disparaging of competitors, or insincere offers to sell, shall not be used. An advertisement as a whole may be misleading by implication, although every sentence separately considered may be literally true. Misrepresentation may result not only from direct statements, but by omitting or obscuring a material fact.
The BBB Code of Advertising which states, “Superlative statements in advertisements about the tangible qualities and performance values of a product or service are objective claims for which the advertiser must possess substantiation as they can be based upon accepted standards or tests. As statements of fact, such claims, like “#1 in new car sales in the city,” can be proved or disproved.
BBB asked the business to modify, substantiate or discontinue the claims made on the mailer and its website. The company initially responded, however, the business did not address the claims in the mailer or website.
Pending Government Action
Wisconsin Attorney General, Josh Kaul, filed lawsuit against US Automotive Protection Services, LLC, for violating Wisconsin direct-mail marketing laws. The mailers made consumers believe they must take immediate action to keep their vehicle’s warranty. The mailers stated they were “official business” and created a false sense of urgency to Wisconsin consumers.
On December 7, 2022, Wisconsin Department of Justice, entered into a settlement with US Automotive Protections Services, LLC. The company will pay $200,000 in civil forfeitures and mandatory court surcharges and assessments. USAPS will also pay $4,000 separately to reimburse the Wisconsin Department of Justice and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection for costs and attorney’s fees.
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