Home Appliance, Car Breakdowns Can Be a Real Halloween Nightmare

This Halloween, U.S. consumers are expected to spend an average of $8.4 billion on the delightfully spooky holiday, according to the National Retail Federation. But the unexpected cost of a home appliance or car breakdown can put a goblin in your plans faster than you can say “trick or treat” – causing a real Halloween nightmare.

While consumers are out splurging on candy and costumes, the Service Contract Industry Council (SCIC) recommends they also protect themselves from worst-case scenarios with the help and protection of home and auto service contracts.

“Extended warranties might be the last thing we think about, just another thing we don’t think we need – like that extra piece of Halloween candy. But the truth is just the opposite,” said Tim Meenan, executive director of SCIC. “Home warranties and auto service contracts help consumers prepare for the inevitable breakdown so fun holidays aren’t ruined by a fridge quitting or the car transmission giving out unexpectedly.”

As Halloween approaches, you might be preparing to deck out your home in all the terrifying decorations you can find – but if a home appliance breaks down and you’re not covered, your Halloween party probably won’t happen. Home service contracts, also known as home warranties, can cover everything from smoke detectors to large appliances like heating, air conditioning, and more. They can be purchased year-round while you own your home.

Service contracts can also help car owners maintain the quality of their vehicle after the manufacturer’s limited warranty expires. Forget the hassle of car repair shops — most auto service contracts provide 24-hour roadside assistance.

“Service contracts are all about helping you get the best value out of your products while making your life easier,” said Meenan.

This Halloween, leave the scary stuff to kids in costume – not to unexpected breakdowns of your vehicle or your home.