
In recent years, the landscape of automotive warranty and protection plans has undergone significant changes in North America, driven by evolving consumer demands, technological advancements, and increased market competition. Offering comprehensive protection plans is now a critical aspect of business success for automotive dealerships. Today's customers expect better security, convenience, and flexibility from their purchased vehicles, and dealers who keep up with these industry trends can greatly benefit from the competitive edge they provide.
As a leading protection program provider, Auto Shield Canada understands the necessity to stay ahead of the curve, and in this blog post, we'll discuss some game-changing trends in the world of automotive warranty and protection plan offerings. We'll provide you with insights to help you understand how these changes affect your dealership, and offer strategic approaches to capitalize on these emerging trends, focusing on the B2B automotive space.
One of the most prominent trends in the industry is the increasing demand for extended warranties. Customers want the assurance that unexpected repair costs will be covered long after their original manufacturer warranty has expired. As such, dealerships that provide extended warranties as part of their protection plans are in high demand, distinguishing themselves from competitors.
Additionally, automobile owners are now seeking more innovative and flexible protection solutions that cover not only mechanical issues but also routine maintenance, cosmetic protection, and enhanced roadside assistance. For dealerships, this presents an opportunity to offer customers a more complete and tailored service, ultimately improving the overall customer experience.
Another crucial development to be aware of is the impact of technology in fostering better communication and service options between dealerships and their customers. By adopting an online portal or mobile app, dealerships can simplify protection plan management, enabling customers to access their accounts, claims, and other relevant information effortlessly.
By staying informed about protection plan trends in North America and adopting strategic approaches to align your dealership's offerings with these developments, you can significantly enhance your value proposition, improve customer satisfaction, and ultimately secure a sustainable advantage in the highly competitive automotive landscape. In the remainder of this blog, we'll dive deeper into each of these trends and discuss how your dealership can develop a winning automotive protection program that leads to increased business growth.
Embracing Extended Warranties for Customer Retention
Extended warranties have become increasingly popular among customers as a means to protect their investment in a vehicle for a longer period. Offering extended warranty coverage as an integrated part of your protection plans can differentiate your automotive dealership by providing an added sense of security to your customers. This, in turn, can lead to increased customer loyalty and repeat business.
To effectively meet customer expectations, consider offering tiered warranty structures that combine various levels of coverage and duration. Additionally, ensure transparent pricing and the ease of purchasing extended warranties. By catering to the diverse needs and preferences of vehicle owners with comprehensive, flexible extended warranty options, you can significantly enhance your dealership's value proposition.

Innovating Protection Offerings with Comprehensive Solutions
As customer expectations evolve, dealerships must adapt by providing innovative protection solutions that cover all aspects of vehicle ownership. Beyond mechanical repairs, customers are increasingly seeking coverage for routine maintenance, cosmetic protection, and advanced roadside assistance. Incorporating these elements into protection plans can lead to skyrocketing customer satisfaction rates.
- Routine Maintenance Coverage: Efficient, timely, and cost-effective maintenance is vital to preserving the longevity of a vehicle. By including a routine maintenance package in your protection plans, customers can benefit from a convenient and hassle-free experience. This offering could include oil changes, tire rotations, brake servicing, and more.
- Cosmetic Protection: An automobile's appearance is critical to maintaining its resale value, and customers are now appreciating the importance of cosmetic coverage. Offer specialty services such as paint protection, interior fabric protection, and dent and scratch repair to cater to the visual preservation of the vehicle.
- Enhanced Roadside Assistance: Going beyond simply offering a tow, dealerships can provide emergency assistance services such as battery boost, fuel delivery, lockout assistance, and flat tire repair. Including these services instills further confidence in vehicle owners and bolsters customer satisfaction.
By offering an all-inclusive approach to protection plans, dealerships can provide a comprehensive and valuable customer experience.

Leveraging Technology for Improved Customer Engagement
With technology increasingly influencing customer preferences, dealerships must adapt their engagement strategies to align with the digital landscape. Utilizing online portals and mobile apps can help to streamline the management of warranties and protection plans, leading to a seamless customer experience.
- Simplifying Account Management: By providing easy-to-use digital platforms, customers can access, review, and manage their protection plans, claims, and payments with ease. This high level of convenience and transparency fosters trust and encourages loyalty to your dealership.
- Tracking Service History: Digital platforms can enable customers to store and retrieve records of their vehicle's service history, simplifying future transactions, and communication with the dealership.
- Mobile App Integration: With most customers relying on their smartphones for daily routine activities, developing a mobile app to manage warranties and protection plans provides instant, on-the-go assistance.
Harnessing technology not only improves customer engagement but also positions your dealership as a forward-thinking and reliable entity.
Building a Collaborative Ecosystem with Third-Party Administrators
Navigating the complexities of automotive protection programs can be challenging for dealerships. Therefore, it is crucial to collaborate with experienced third-party administrators, such as Auto Shield Canada, to ensure a successful implementation of dealership protection plans. A well-established partner will work closely with your dealership to create tailored programs that directly address your business needs, as well as provide the following benefits:
- Expert Claims Administration: Outsourcing claims administration to an experienced third-party provider reduces the risk of inefficiencies and disputes, leading to fast and accurate processing.
- Training and Support: Third-party administrators can offer training sessions and support to dealership staff, ensuring that they fully understand and efficiently promote the available protection programs.
- Diagnostic Technology: Partnering with third-party providers that utilize advanced diagnostic technologies can lead to more effective identification, validation, and repair of vehicle issues.
In summary, collaborating with a reputable third-party administrator can help your dealership successfully implement automotive protection programs that effectively cater to your customer base.
Navigating the Future of Automotive Protection Programs
In an increasingly competitive landscape, staying ahead of evolving trends in the car protection plan and warranty industry is essential for dealerships seeking to thrive in the North American market. By offering extended warranties, innovative comprehensive protection solutions, leveraging technology, and partnering with experienced third-party administrators like Auto Shield Canada, dealerships can provide an unmatched value proposition for customers.
By embracing these strategies, dealerships can enhance customer loyalty, encourage repeat business, and ultimately secure a sustainable advantage in the rapidly evolving world of automotive dealership protection programs. With a forward-thinking approach and resolute commitment to continuous improvement, success in the dynamic and highly competitive automotive landscape is within reach.
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Why Tire and Rim Protection Is a Must-Have for Dealerships
Tire and rim damage is one of the most common — and costly — frustrations Canadian drivers face. Whether it’s a pothole in Toronto or a curb scrape in Montreal, road hazards are unavoidable. That’s where dealership protection plans come in.
Tire and rim protection isn’t just about fixing flats — it’s a smart way for dealerships to increase revenue while offering real value. Customers walk away knowing their vehicle investment is protected, and you create a long-term service relationship that builds loyalty.
What Does a Tire and Rim Protection Program Cover?
These plans typically include:
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Repair or replacement of tires and rims due to road hazards like nails, potholes, and curbs
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No out-of-pocket expenses for the customer at the point of claim
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Towing and roadside assistance, depending on plan tier
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Quick service turnaround through approved repair networks
Unlike factory warranties, which cover defects, tire and rim programs focus on wear and tear from everyday driving. That makes them especially valuable in climates with rough winters and poorly maintained roads — a reality across much of Canada.
Dealership Benefits: More Than Just Extra Revenue
Adding tire and rim protection to your F&I suite pays off in multiple ways:
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Boost Gross Profit: Protection plans increase F&I per-vehicle revenue
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Improve Retention: Customers return to your dealership for covered repairs
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Enhance Brand Value: Offering protection shows your dealership cares beyond the sale
Want real numbers? Dealerships offering tire and rim coverage see up to 30% higher F&I product penetration when plans are properly positioned and bundled with other services.
Sales Tactics That Work
To increase plan uptake, your sales team needs more than product knowledge—they need to understand why customers say yes. Use the following tips:
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Localize the pitch. “Given how rough the roads are here in [city/province], this protection saves our clients hundreds every year.”
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Use real-world examples. “Last month, a client came back after hitting a deep pothole — we had a new tire and rim installed within 48 hours, at no cost to them.”
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Bundle with other protections. Pair with winter tire packages, extended warranties, or vehicle appearance plans.
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Keep it simple. Offer a visual one-pager that compares “Covered vs. Not Covered” costs.
Integrating Tire and Rim Protection Into Your F&I Workflow
Smart dealerships don’t sell this plan as an afterthought. Instead:
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Present it during menu selling, not as a post-sale add-on
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Equip your F&I managers with objection-handling scripts and real testimonials
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Offer tiered coverage levels (basic, plus, premium) to appeal to different budgets
Want to streamline your rollout? Auto Shield Canada provides white-labeled materials and live training to help your team close more plans with confidence.
Why Partner with Auto Shield Canada
Our tire and rim protection plans are purpose-built for Canadian drivers and dealerships. We understand the terrain, the claims realities, and the sales process. Partnering with us means:
✅ Dedicated onboarding and training
✅ Seamless integration with your F&I systems
✅ Competitive pricing and flexible commission models
Final Thought: Protection That Pays
Tire and rim coverage isn’t just good for your customers — it’s good for business. It strengthens your brand, grows your profit margins, and keeps customers coming back. The key is thoughtful positioning and reliable delivery.
Learn more about our protection programs and how they can fit seamlessly into your dealership’s F&I process:
👉 https://goautoshield.com/road-hazard/
Disclaimer:
This content is intended for educational purposes and should not be treated as insurance or financial advice. For personalized guidance, contact a licensed advisor or Auto Shield Canada representative.
Why Glass Protection Plans Are a Smart Move for Dealerships
Glass protection plans aren’t just optional add-ons—they’re high-impact tools that help dealerships grow revenue and improve customer satisfaction. With Canadian roads facing increasing wear from gravel, salt, and debris, windshield and glass damage has become one of the most common—and frustrating—vehicle issues.
By offering glass protection as part of your dealership’s warranty lineup, you position your team as a proactive, customer-first operation while creating new revenue opportunities.
What Is Glass Protection?
Glass protection plans typically cover the repair or replacement of windshields and other automotive glass damaged by road hazards or debris. Coverage often includes:
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Windshield chip repairs or full replacements
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Front side window damage
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Fast turnaround with no out-of-pocket cost for customers
This type of protection provides peace of mind and adds tangible value at the point of sale. Customers appreciate having a seamless, in-house solution rather than dealing with third-party auto glass vendors later.
Benefits for Canadian Dealerships
For dealerships, the impact goes beyond customer experience. Here's how glass protection helps your business:
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Increases per-unit revenue through bundled F&I packages
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Improves retention by giving customers a reason to return to your service department
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Differentiates your offering in a competitive retail market
How to Sell Glass Protection Effectively
Selling these plans is about solving a real pain point—not just upselling.
Proven sales tactics:
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Use local context. Reference regional road hazards (e.g., Alberta gravel, Ontario salt, Quebec potholes) to make protection feel essential.
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Create urgency. Emphasize how one chip today could mean a $700 windshield replacement tomorrow.
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Bundle strategically. Include glass protection in care packages with extended warranties or rust protection.
Make sure your sales team knows the product inside and out. A confident explanation makes all the difference in closing rates.
F&I Integration: Where the Real Money Is
Glass protection belongs in your F&I department—not as an afterthought. The most successful dealerships:
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Train F&I managers to present it alongside extended warranties
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Use digital menu selling to showcase value clearly
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Incentivize teams based on plan attachment rates
Maximizing Profitability
Profitability is about more than sales volume—it’s about margin, efficiency, and satisfaction. Here’s how to make it count:
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Tiered pricing based on customer profile or geography
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Customer testimonials to reduce objections and build social proof
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Post-sale follow-up to ensure service appointments are booked when chips occur
These tactics reduce cancellations, increase plan usage, and improve long-term customer engagement.
Drive Loyalty and Revenue with Auto Shield Canada
Glass protection isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a loyalty driver and profit center. Auto Shield Canada partners with dealerships to deliver high-quality protection plans tailored to your sales process.
✅ Boost per-unit profit
✅ Improve CSI scores
✅ Differentiate your F&I offering
Ready to unlock your dealership’s potential?
Disclaimer:
The information provided is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute personalized insurance or F&I advice. For custom recommendations, please speak to our licensed advisors.
Maintaining pristine wheel condition is crucial for customer satisfaction and vehicle safety. However, wheels are susceptible to damage from potholes, curbs, and road debris, leading to unexpected repair costs and potential customer dissatisfaction. This is where offering comprehensive wheel protection plans becomes a valuable asset for your dealership.
Wheel protection plans alleviate customer concerns about unforeseen expenses related to wheel damage. Whether navigating rough roads or encountering unexpected hazards, these plans ensure customers are covered, fostering trust and repeat business. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also drives service department revenue through repairs and replacements.
Understanding the value of wheel protection and how it benefits customers empowers your dealership to offer informed solutions. By integrating these plans into your sales and service offerings, you can ensure enhanced dealership profitability.
What Is Wheel Coverage?
Definition and Types of Wheel Coverage
Wheel coverage is a special insurance plan that covers the cost of repairing or replacing the wheels if they get damaged. It goes beyond standard car insurance, which might not cover such specific issues. This coverage is essential for protecting the wheels from various road hazards.
Types of wheel coverage include:
- Repair Coverage: This covers the cost of repairing damages like bends or cracks in the wheels.
- Replacement Coverage: If the wheel is beyond repair, this type covers the cost of a new wheel.
- Comprehensive Coverage: This combines both repair and replacement, offering the most extensive protection.
By securing the correct type of wheel coverage, you can ensure that your customers are financially protected in case of unexpected wheel damage. Knowing what is covered under each type helps you choose the best plan for your customer’s needs.
Why You Need Wheel Coverage for Your Dealership
Offering wheel protection plans is a strategic move for any dealership looking to boost revenue and enhance customer satisfaction. Firstly, every drive exposes wheels to risks like potholes, road debris, and curbs, leading to potential damage.
By providing wheel coverage, you're offering customers a valuable solution that protects them from unexpected repair or replacement costs. This immediately adds value to your sales package.
Secondly, wheel repairs and replacements can be a significant financial burden for customers. Without coverage, they face potentially high out-of-pocket expenses, which can lead to dissatisfaction and decreased loyalty.
Offering a wheel protection plan addresses this concern, demonstrating your dealership's commitment to customer financial well-being, particularly for those who frequently drive or navigate challenging road conditions.
Finally, wheel coverage provides customers with invaluable peace of mind. Knowing their wheels are protected allows them to drive with greater confidence, reducing anxiety about potential damage and costly repairs.
This peace of mind translates to increased customer loyalty, fostering long-term relationships and repeat business for your dealership.
Key Benefits of Wheel Coverage
Protection Against Damage
A key selling point for wheel coverage is its robust protection against a wide range of damage, directly addressing customer anxieties. Whether a customer faces a pothole-induced crack or a curb-related scrape, this coverage ensures repairs and replacements are managed smoothly, minimizing customer stress. This proactive protection removes concerns about road conditions and unexpected obstacles, which is a significant selling advantage.
Furthermore, wheel damage varies from minor cosmetic issues like scuffs and scratches to critical structural problems like cracks and bends.
Our wheel coverage addresses both. This comprehensive approach not only maintains the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal, boosting customer satisfaction, but also safeguards its structural integrity, driving service department revenue through necessary repairs and replacements.
By showcasing this comprehensive protection, you're not just selling a plan; you're selling peace of mind and long-term vehicle health, leading to increased customer retention and service profitability.
Cost Savings on Repairs and Replacements
A powerful selling point for wheel coverage is the substantial cost savings it offers customers. Without it, even minor wheel repairs can lead to significant expenses. A major crack or bend can necessitate a full-wheel replacement, resulting in a hefty bill.
By offering wheel coverage, you're providing customers with a financial shield, protecting them from these unexpected and costly repairs.
Moreover, many of our wheel coverage plans include valuable perks like complimentary tire rotations and balancing. These services not only maintain the wheels and tires but also extend their lifespan and performance.
By leveraging these benefits, customers can avoid future, more costly repairs, ensuring their vehicles remain in optimal condition. This positions your dealership as a proactive partner in vehicle maintenance.
Ultimately, wheel coverage provides customers with financial peace of mind. Knowing they're protected from large, unforeseen expenses allows them to allocate their budget to other priorities.
Common Wheel Damages Covered
Potholes, Curbs, and Road Debris
Wheels face many hazards on the road, with potholes, curbs, and road debris being the most common causes of damage. Potholes can cause severe damage, such as cracks or bends in the wheel, making repairs necessary. Curbs can scrape and scratch the wheel surface, affecting both function and appearance. Road debris, like rocks and sharp objects, can also cause punctures or cracks.
Wheel coverage ensures these types of damages are covered, taking care of the repair costs. Whether a wheel needs to be fixed or replaced altogether, having coverage helps avoid the high costs associated with these repairs.
Cosmetic Damage vs. Structural Damage
Wheel damage can be either cosmetic or structural. Cosmetic damage includes scratches, scuffs, or paint damage that affects the appearance of the wheels. While not affecting the wheel's function, it can detract from the overall look of the vehicle. Wheel coverage often includes repairs for these minor damages, keeping the wheels looking their best.
Structural damage is more serious. This includes cracks, bends, or any damage that affects the wheel's integrity. Structural issues can compromise safety, making it crucial to address them quickly. Wheel coverage helps by covering the costs of repairing or replacing wheels with structural damage, ensuring the vehicle remains safe to drive.
How to Choose the Right Wheel Coverage Plan
Comparing Plans and Providers
Choosing the right wheel coverage plan involves comparing different plans and providers. Start by looking at what each plan covers. Some plans offer more extensive coverage, while others focus on affordability. Compare the details to see which plan best meets your needs.
Check customer reviews and ratings to get a sense of each provider's reputation. A reliable provider will have good reviews and a track record of customer satisfaction. Look for additional benefits like free tire inspections or roadside assistance, which can add extra value to the plan.
Understanding Terms and Conditions
Reading the terms and conditions of any wheel coverage plan is essential. Check what types of damage are covered and any exclusions. Understanding these details can prevent surprises when you need to make a claim. Look for information on claim limits, deductibles, and the process for submitting a claim.
Make sure to understand any maintenance requirements for the coverage. Some plans require regular inspections or specific upkeep to remain valid. Knowing these terms helps you keep your coverage in good standing and ensures you can take full advantage of the benefits.
Conclusion
Offering wheel coverage isn't just a sale; it's a valuable investment in customer peace of mind and long-term vehicle health. By educating your customers on the benefits and coverage details, you empower them to make informed decisions.
Providing wheel coverage allows your customers to drive with confidence, knowing their wheels are protected from the common hazards of the road. This peace of mind translates directly to a more enjoyable driving experience and strengthens their relationship with your dealership.
Partner with reputable commercial auto warranty providers in Canada to provide your customers with the best wheel protection options. Explore the comprehensive wheel coverage plans available through Auto Shield Canada and find the perfect solutions to meet your customers' needs. Contact us today to learn more about our leading protection programs!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as actual insurance advice. Our articles offer insights and general guidance on various insurance topics; however, they do not substitute professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances. For expert, personalized insurance advice and solutions, please contact our licensed insurance brokers.