COSTCO SERVICES
Update
PRACTICAL TIP
Guide to auto
service contracts
To learn more about our complete suite of Costco services,
click on the “Services” link at Costco.com or call toll-free 1-800-220-6000.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BOSTON WHALER
ENHANCED PROGRAM
Boston Whaler joins
Costco Boat Program
IF YOU’RE A BOATING enthusiast, you
likely already know the Boston Whaler story.
They manufactured the original unsinkable
boat back in the 1950s, setting standards now
widely used in the boating industry. A famous
Life magazine ad in 1961 pictured founder
Dick Fisher in a floating boat that he was sawing in half to prove his point.
Today Boston Whaler boats are available
for just about any type of boating need. The
company is part of the Brunswick Corporation, which makes Boston Whaler a sister
company to Sea Ray, whose high-quality
sports boats have been available through the
Costco Boat Program since last year.
The Boston Whaler deal provides:
• Special Costco member-only pricing
and member-only rebates on certain models
(amount varies by model)
• $500 Costco Cash card (after completing a post-purchase survey)
• Choice of boat models, including Sport
(110), Super Sport (130 and 150), Montauk (150,
170 and 190) and Dauntless (180, 200 and 230)
Boston Whalers will be available in select
markets through dealers currently participating in the Costco Boat Program. For more
information or to find a participating dealer
near you, visit Costco.com and search for
“Boston Whaler.”
Offer subject to change without notice. Terms and conditions apply.
BUYING AN AUTO service contract can be a
wise and cost-effective purchase, but you
owe it to yourself to ask questions before
you commit.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
and the Bureau of Consumer Protection offer
some smart facts about what to look for in
a solid auto service contract.
Does the service contract duplicate
any warranty coverage? Compare the
contract directly with the factory warranty.
Be aware of any limitations if you bought
a demo vehicle.
Who backs the service contract? Not
all service-contract companies are created
equal. Find out if the service contract is
underwritten by an insurance company and
how long it has been in business.
How much does the auto service
contract cost? Determine the upfront cost
of the contract and if there will be deductible
charges or per-repair charges.
What is the length of the service
contract? Determine when coverage begins
and ends. Does it start from the date the
contract was purchased, or from when the
vehicle was originally purchased? Determine if
the contract can be transferred if you sell the
car. Choose the deductible option that best
fits your needs.
You can see the full guide or download
a PDF at the FTC website,
www.ftc.gov, and
search “auto service contracts.”
Costco members in Oregon and Washing-
ton might want to check out the Vehicle
Protection Plans offered by Century Warranty
Services Inc., or through Costco. Plans
include exclusive Costco member pricing,
24-hour roadside assistance, towing charges,
car rental expense and travel coverage.
Repair facilities are paid directly on your
behalf for covered repairs. Flexible interest-
free payment plans are available. Restric-
tions apply.
To request a quote or learn more, call
toll-free 1-877-900-9077, or visit Costco.com
and search “premiumcare5.”
SERVICE UPDATE
Renters insurance a wise buy
HOW WOULD YOU cope with a catastrophe
that affects your personal items in the apartment or house you rent? It could be a fire or
other natural disaster, or a man-made problem
such as burglary.
Many renters do not consider their need
for insurance. They might assume the owner
of the property will have insurance that will
cover them in case of a loss, or they might
underestimate the value of their possessions.
If a catastrophe occurs, renters insurance
may help to protect your personal items such
as furniture, televisions, CD and DVD collections
or clothing, and may help to cover financial
responsibility to others who are injured in
your rented house or apartment.
Typically, the cost of renters insurance is
reasonable.
Through Ameriprise Auto & Home Insurance,
you might be eligible to receive a discount on
renters insurance just for being a Costco
member, or a multiple-policy discount if you
also insure your auto with Ameriprise.
All services are provided by third parties, may not be available in all areas and are subject to change without notice. Some restrictions apply. See “Services” at Costco.com for applicable terms and conditions.
AUGUST 2010 ;e Costco Connection 65
