Sam's Club Auto Insurance: What You Need To Know

Sam's Club does not offer auto insurance, nor does it partner with any insurance companies. However, some auto insurance companies may provide a discount if you have a Sam's Club membership. For example, Progressive Insurance offers a discount for Sam's Club members, which can make the membership pay for itself. Additionally, Sam's Club members can save on auto-related items like gasoline and tires, and even buy a car through the Sam's Club Auto Program, which offers a car-buying service that connects car buyers with participating dealerships.

Sam's Club Auto Program pros and cons

Sam's Club does not provide auto insurance, but it does offer an Auto Buying Program that can help members save money when purchasing a new or used car. Here are some pros and cons of the Sam's Club Auto Buying Program:

Pros

• Sam's Club members can save between $500 and $4,500 in additional incentives on select Mercedes-Benz models.
• Members receive a $110 Sam's Club e-Gift Card when they report the purchase of a new or used vehicle from a TrueCar Certified Dealer within 45 days of purchase.
• The program offers upfront, personalized pricing from dealers online, including manufacturer incentives and discounts.
• The program allows users to browse thousands of vehicles offered by TrueCar-certified dealerships and provides several incentives that wouldn't be available by going to the dealership directly.
• The site gives detailed pricing, comparing the vehicle's market value to its actual MSRP.
• Sam's Club claims that users can save an average of $3,463 on new car purchases.
• Anyone who buys a car through the program can receive two $500 reimbursements for insurance deductibles and up to $1,000 a year (in two $500 discounts) on auto repair reimbursements.
• Members can visit a Sam's Club auto mechanic to have most routine issues addressed free of charge, including battery testing, flat tire repairs, etc.
• Sam's Club members can also buy gas at a discounted rate.

Cons

• The program doesn't include all dealerships, only those approved by TrueCar, which can result in a limited inventory.
• The program doesn't allow users to negotiate for a better price.
• The program doesn't provide financing, so users will need to use cash or obtain a loan separately.
• The program doesn't include insurance, and Sam's Club doesn't have its own insurance marketplace.

Discounts on auto insurance for members

Sam's Club does not offer auto insurance or partner with any insurance companies. However, members can enjoy discounts on auto insurance from certain providers.

For example, one user with auto insurance from Progressive reported savings of around $95 every six months with their Sam's Club membership. This was the second-best discount offered by the insurer after AAA membership.

Another user with Geico auto insurance reported that while they did not receive a discount for their Sam's Club membership, they did receive a discount for being a member of Bank of America and signing up for autopay.

It is worth noting that Sam's Club offers a range of other auto-related services and benefits, such as the ability to buy a car through the Sam's Club Auto Program, which offers exclusive member savings for both new and used cars. Additionally, Sam's Club members can save on auto-related items like gasoline and tires, as well as receive benefits like free flat tire repairs, battery testing, and wiper blade repairs.

Sam's Club Auto Program vs Costco Auto Program

Sam's Club and Costco both offer auto programs with similar services, but there are some differences between the two. This comparison will cover the features of each program and help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.

Sam's Club Auto Program:

Sam's Club offers its auto program through TrueCar, allowing members to buy a vehicle completely online at a reduced price. The program provides transparency by letting consumers see what others in their region are paying for the same vehicle, so they can determine a reasonable price. Sam's Club members saved an average of $3,463 from the MSRP in 2020. In addition to savings on new cars, the program also offers discounts on high-quality used vehicles.

Other benefits of the Sam's Club Auto Program include free flat tire repair, battery checking, and wiper blade fixing for all cars, regardless of where they were purchased. Members also receive exclusive gasoline discounts at Sam's Club locations with a gas station. However, Sam's Club does not offer auto loans, so customers must arrange their own financing.

Costco Auto Program:

Costco partners with specific dealerships and hand-picks those in its network, ensuring quality and reliability. Costco prices are fixed, and there is no haggling required. The directory listing displays the invoice price and the manufacturer's suggested retail price for each car, providing transparency about the vehicle's worth.

Costco offers a wide range of vehicle options, working with almost every new car manufacturer, including Chevrolet, Honda, Cadillac, and Volvo. In addition to vehicle discounts, members can receive coupons for parts, oil changes, extended warranty plans, and accessories. Costco also compiles a list of special financing deals available at dealerships, allowing members to choose the right financial plan for their needs.

Costco members save an average of $1,000 off the price of their vehicles. While the savings may be lower compared to Sam's Club, Costco provides a smoother and more straightforward purchasing process.

Both Sam's Club and Costco auto programs offer significant benefits to their members. If you prioritize convenience and a wider variety of vehicle options, Costco might be the better choice. On the other hand, if maximizing savings is your main priority, Sam's Club could be the preferred option. Ultimately, the decision may depend on which club is more accessible in your area.

Sam's Club Auto Program car buying process

The Sam's Club Auto Buying Program, powered by TrueCar, is a car-buying service that is offered to Sam's Club members and connects car buyers with participating dealerships. The program promises upfront pricing and a transparent buying process.

• Sign in with your Sam's Club membership: To use the Sam's Club Auto Buying Program, you need to be a Sam's Club member. You can sign up online or in-store. Membership costs range from $45 to $110 per year, depending on your membership level.
• Decide on a vehicle: The Sam's Club Auto Program provides access to almost a million used cars and a wide range of new cars. You can search for used cars based on criteria such as distance, engine type, body style, make, model, and mileage. For new cars, you can select an auto brand or body style first and then narrow down your options.
• Review your discounted price: Anyone can browse the discounted prices on the Sam's Club Auto Program website. You can compare these prices with those listed on dealership websites to determine your potential savings.
• Shop for a car loan: It is important to note that the Sam's Club Auto Program is just a marketplace, so you will need to secure your own funding. You can get a car loan through dealership financing or from an external lender, such as a bank or credit union.
• Finalize paperwork with the dealership: Once you have selected your car and secured financing, you will need to finalize the paperwork with the dealership. This process may vary slightly depending on the dealership but will follow a standard procedure.
• Report your purchase to Sam's Club for additional benefits: After purchasing your car, be sure to report the purchase to the Sam's Club Auto Program within 45 days to access additional benefits. These benefits include auto repair expense reimbursement, auto deductible reimbursement, and access to a certified auto mechanic.

Overall, the Sam's Club Auto Program offers a simple and straightforward car-buying process with pre-negotiated prices and exclusive member savings. However, it is important to research and compare prices before purchasing, as the program has a no-haggle pricing policy, and inventory is limited to vehicles in the TrueCar network.

Sam's Club Auto Program additional benefits

Sam's Club Auto Program offers a host of additional benefits to its members. Firstly, members can save on auto-related items like gasoline and tires. The program also offers a car-buying service, connecting car buyers with participating dealerships and offering pre-negotiated prices. Sam's Club Auto Program members receive a detailed pricing analysis to understand what other shoppers in their area pay for similar vehicles. This helps ensure they are getting a fair deal.

There are also additional perks available at the Sam's Club Tire Center, including special pricing on tires, tire installation, batteries, and other vehicle accessories. Free flat tire repairs, battery testing, and wiper blade repairs are also included.

If you purchase a car through the Sam's Club Auto Program, additional benefits include 20% off auto repair expense reimbursement of up to $500 twice a year and up to two $500 auto insurance deductible reimbursements. To access these benefits, you must notify Sam's Auto Club within 45 days of your purchase.

Frequently asked questions