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Home › Pay › Common problems › Car dealer add-ons and fees
Fees and services

Car dealer add-ons and fees

The price on the windshield is not always the price you end up paying. Some dealers add extras like paint protection, window etching, nitrogen-filled tires or service contracts, and these may show up late in the paperwork. Many add-ons are optional, so asking for an itemized out-the-door price helps you see what you are really paying for.

Common problems to watch for

  • Add-ons already printed on the sales sheet as if they were required
  • Quoting a monthly payment instead of the total price, hiding extras
  • Pre-installed items like etching or coatings with a large markup
  • Saying a service contract or add-on is needed to get financing approved
  • Long paperwork signed quickly at the end of a tiring day

Had one of these happen? Telling others what you were charged helps them avoid it.

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Free and low-cost alternatives

NHTSA recall lookupCheck any car's open safety recalls for free by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are done at no charge by the maker's dealers.
Financing from your bank or credit unionCompare a loan offer from your own bank or credit union before visiting the dealer, so you can tell if dealer financing is a good deal.
The used car Buyers GuideDealers must post a Buyers Guide on used cars showing whether the car is sold 'as is' or with a warranty. Read it before you buy.
Skip it or buy laterMany add-ons, such as gap coverage or service contracts, are optional and can often be bought elsewhere later. You can say no.

Availability depends on your device and model. AblePro has no relationship with any company named here.

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What fair pricing looks like

A fair deal starts with a written, itemized out-the-door price that shows each fee and add-on separately. Optional extras should be clearly optional, and you should be able to decline them.

Before you pay

  • Ask for an itemized out-the-door price in writing
  • Ask which add-ons are optional and remove the ones you don't want
  • Get a loan quote from your own bank or credit union first
  • Compare the total cost, not just the monthly payment
  • Read every page before signing, and take it home if needed

How to cancel

  1. Many service contracts and some add-ons can be cancelled later; read the contract for the cancellation section.
  2. Ask the dealer or contract company for cancellation in writing and keep a copy.
  3. If the add-on was financed, ask how any refund will be applied to your loan.
  4. If you hit a wall, contact your state attorney general's consumer protection office.

Step-by-step cancel guide for iPhone, Android and PayPal →

Common questions

Do I have to buy add-ons to get the car?

Many add-ons are optional, even if they are already printed on the paperwork. Ask the salesperson which items are optional and ask for them to be removed if you don't want them. If a dealer insists an item is required, ask them to put that in writing and consider shopping elsewhere.

Is a service contract the same as a warranty?

No. A warranty comes with the car and is included in the price. A service contract, sometimes called an extended warranty, is a separate product you pay extra for. Read what it covers, what it excludes, who backs it, and whether you can cancel it for a refund.

How can I tell if dealer financing is a good deal?

Get a loan quote from your own bank or credit union before you shop. Then compare the interest rate, loan length and total amount paid, not just the monthly payment. A longer loan can make the payment look small while costing more overall.

General consumer information, not legal or financial advice. Reports reflect the experiences and opinions of their writers, not AblePro, Inc. We check reports against our posting rules but do not verify them.