Sam's Club Auto Insurance: Is It Worth The Membership?

Sam's Club offers a range of auto-related services to its members, including gasoline and tires. Notably, the retailer also provides a car-buying service, known as the Sam's Club Auto Program, which connects car buyers with participating dealerships. However, it is important to clarify that Sam's Club does not sell auto insurance directly. While the company's auto program offers various benefits, such as discounts on auto repairs and reimbursements for auto insurance deductibles, members are responsible for obtaining their own insurance policies separately.

Sam's Club Auto Program pros and cons

Sam's Club does not sell auto insurance, but it does offer an auto-buying program that provides several benefits to its members. Here are some pros and cons of the Sam's Club Auto Program:

Pros:

• The program offers a stress-free solution to buying vehicles, with prearranged vehicle pricing that provides value.
• Sam's Club members can save an average of $3,463 on new car purchases, and there are additional incentives on select Mercedes-Benz models, ranging from $500 to $5,500.
• Members can browse thousands of vehicles offered by TrueCar-certified dealerships and receive personalized prices from dealers online, including manufacturer incentives and discounts.
• The program offers several incentives that wouldn't be provided if you went to the dealership directly. For example, members can receive two $500 reimbursements for insurance deductibles and up to $1,000 a year on auto repair reimbursements.
• Members can visit a Sam's Club auto mechanic to have most routine issues addressed free of charge, such as battery testing and flat tire repairs.
• Sam's Club also allows its members to buy gas at a discounted rate.

Cons:

• The program does not provide financing options, so you'll need to arrange financing through a bank or dealership if you want to purchase a vehicle.
• The vehicle listings include only cars from dealerships approved by TrueCar, which can result in a limited inventory.
• The program does not allow you to negotiate for a better price, and if you don't accept the given price, you'll need to start over and shop for a different vehicle.
• The program is only available in specific locations, and some benefits are not available in certain states, such as New York and New Hampshire.

Sam's Club Auto Program compared to Costco Auto

Sam's Club and Costco both offer auto programs to help members get discounts on new and used vehicles. Sam's Club's auto program is offered through TrueCar, while Costco partners with specific dealerships. Sam's Club offers a completely online buying process, while Costco prices are non-negotiable.

Sam's Club offers a $110 e-gift card to members who report the purchase of a new or used vehicle from a TrueCar Certified Dealer within 45 days of purchase. They also offer free flat tire repair, battery checking, and wiper blade fixing. Costco, on the other hand, offers a 15% reimbursement on vehicle services, parts, and accessories, up to $500 per visit.

In terms of pricing, Sam's Club typically offers greater savings. In 2020, Costco members saved an average of $1,000 off the MSRP, while Sam's Club members saved an average of $3,463. However, Costco offers a wider variety of car choices and is available in more states. Sam's Club's Vehicle Maintenance Reimbursement program, for example, is not available in New Hampshire or New York.

Both programs have their advantages, and the best option for you may depend on your specific needs and location. Sam's Club may be a better choice if you're looking for greater savings, while Costco could be preferable if you value convenience and a wider selection.

Sam's Club Auto Program savings

Sam's Club Auto Program offers a car-buying service to its members, connecting car buyers with participating dealerships. The program is powered by TrueCar, which connects Sam's Club members to 10,000 TrueCar-certified dealers across the country.

The Sam's Club Auto Program provides a hassle-free shopping experience, eliminating the need for shopping around, researching information on multiple websites, and visiting different car dealerships. One of the most appealing aspects of the program is the pre-negotiated price, with Sam's Club claiming an average savings of $3,463 on each new car sold.

Detailed Pricing Analysis:

The program provides a detailed pricing analysis, allowing members to see what other shoppers in their area are paying for the same vehicles. This helps members make informed decisions and ensures they are getting a fair deal.

Exclusive Member Savings:

Sam's Club Auto Program offers exclusive member savings for both new and used cars. According to the Sam's Club website, members save an average of $3,463 off the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) with the car-buying service.

Special Pricing on Tires, Installation, and Accessories:

Members can enjoy special pricing on tires, tire installation, batteries, and other vehicle accessories through the Sam's Club Tire Center. This includes free flat tire repairs, battery testing, and wiper blade repairs.

Auto Repair Expense Reimbursement:

Members can receive 20% off auto repair expense reimbursement of up to $500 twice a year. This helps offset the cost of unexpected car repairs or maintenance.

Auto Insurance Deductible Reimbursement:

The program offers up to two $500 auto insurance deductible reimbursements per year. This can help reduce the financial burden of auto insurance deductibles.

Access to Certified Auto Mechanic:

Sam's Club Auto Program provides members with access to a certified auto mechanic, ensuring professional and reliable car maintenance and repair services.

It is important to note that the Sam's Club Auto Program does not offer insurance and is not affiliated with any insurance companies. However, members can still take advantage of the savings and benefits offered by the program when purchasing a vehicle.

Sam's Club Auto Program financing

Sam's Club Auto Program is a car-buying service offered to its members, connecting car buyers with participating dealerships. The program is powered by TrueCar, which connects members to 10,000 TrueCar certified dealers across the country.

The Sam's Club Auto Program does not provide financing options. If you require financing for your vehicle, you will need to do this through an outside lender such as a bank or credit union, or through the dealership. Sam's Club does not provide financing.

The Sam's Club Auto Program offers a hassle-free shopping experience, eliminating the typical steps involved with buying a car, such as shopping around and researching information on multiple websites. Members can take advantage of pre-negotiated prices, with average savings on each new car sold being $3,463.

In addition to price savings, Sam's Club Auto Program members receive benefits such as a detailed pricing analysis, special pricing on tires, tire installation, batteries, and other vehicle accessories, as well as free flat tire repairs, battery testing, and wiper blade repairs.

While the program offers a straightforward car-buying process, it is important to note that it has haggle-free pricing, which may not be ideal for those who prefer to negotiate. Additionally, the inventory is limited to vehicles in TrueCar's inventory, which may not reflect all used vehicles available in your area.

Overall, the Sam's Club Auto Program can be a convenient option for those looking to buy a new or used car, offering exclusive discounts and benefits to its members. However, it is essential to do your research and compare prices to ensure you are getting the best deal possible.

Sam's Club Auto Program trade-ins

The Sam's Club Auto Buying Program, powered by TrueCar, is a car-buying service that connects car buyers with participating dealerships. The program does not include vehicle trade-ins. However, you may be able to negotiate your trade-in separately with the dealer you purchase your vehicle from.

Here's how the Sam's Club Auto Program works:

• To purchase a car through the program, you must be a Sam's Club member. Membership prices range from $45 to $100 per year, depending on your membership level.
• Visit the Sam's Club auto website, which allows you to search for both new and used cars. For used cars, you can search by make/model, body type, or price, and further narrow your search with filters for condition, mileage, and CPO. For new cars, select the brand you are interested in, and then answer questions related to drivetrain, color, trim, and package preference.
• After selecting your car, you'll see a pricing analysis comparing MSRP and TrueCar Market Average prices.
• Enter your personal information, including your name, phone number, and home address.
• Receive price offers from a TrueCar certified dealer in your area, and contact the dealership for a test drive and to complete the transaction.
• For new vehicles, you may also be eligible for manufacturer incentives.

While the Sam's Club Auto Program does not include trade-ins, it offers other benefits to members, such as:

• 20% off auto repair expense reimbursement of up to $500 twice a year
• Up to two $500 auto insurance deductible reimbursements
• Access to a certified auto mechanic
• Detailed pricing analysis to see what others in your area have paid for the same vehicles
• Special pricing on tires, tire installation, batteries, and other vehicle accessories at the Sam's Club Tire Center
• Free flat tire repairs, battery testing, and wiper blade repairs

Frequently asked questions