All articles written by Sandra McVey

The latest extended warranty news, auto and car repair tips, and more extended warranty resources from Sandra McVey, Vehicle Finance Specialist

Family on a road trip with their dog

Expert Tips

Hit the Road Right: Essential Summer Road Trip Prep Tips

The summer road trip is a sacred American tradition. Take the stress out of your summer travel plans by giving your car a pre-trip checkup, planning a flexible itinerary, packing essentials, downloading entertainment, and staying safe on the road. With a bit of preparation, you can enjoy a smooth, memorable summer adventure on the open road.

Sandra McVey 5/28/2025 1,860

Young couple checking their credit scores before refinancing their car loan

Auto Refinance

Check Your Credit Score To Secure The Best Auto Refinance Rates

A strong credit score is your ticket to lower auto refinance rates. By using free tools (like AnnualCreditReport.com or your bank’s portal), reviewing your FICO® or VantageScore® for errors, and improving factors—on-time payments, low utilization, and limited new inquiries—you can shop multiple soft-pull offers in a short window and lock in the best APR.

Sandra McVey 6/26/2025 961

Green piggy bank on top of a car hood

Auto Refinance

How Refinancing Your Car Loan Can Save You Money

Looking to lower your monthly car payments or reduce interest? Learn how refinancing your auto loan can save you money with smart tips, timing advice, and key benefits. By investing a little of your time, refinancing can help you manage your finances more efficiently, pay less over time, and get the benefit of extended warranty coverage.

Sandra McVey 5/30/2025 1,716

Toy car in raised palm with money on top

Auto Refinance

Refinancing Your Car Loan? Don’t Forget To Protect Your Ride

When you refinance your car loan, it’s easy to focus only on lower rates and payments—but without coverage, a major repair can wipe out those savings. By adding a Vehicle Service Contract at the time of refinance, you bundle predictable repair protection into your new loan, lock in affordable deductibles, and avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs for things like transmission or engine failures.

Sandra McVey 6/19/2025 1,224

Close-up of a person handing over a car key after selling a vehicle, with a blurred car in the background.

Expert Tips

How a VSC Increases Your Car’s Resale Value

Selling a car with an active Vehicle Service Contract can significantly boost its resale value. This blog explores how transferable coverage builds buyer trust, helps justify a higher asking price, and speeds up the selling process.

December 18, 2024

Sandra McVey 12/18/2024 6,882

working through the details of a lease buyout and extended warranty

Auto Refinance

Lease No More: Buying Out Your Car Lease Is A Smart Move

Explore the top advantages of a lease buyout—from cost savings and equity building to no more mileage fees—to decide if purchasing your leased vehicle makes sense for you. You gain full ownership of your vehicle—avoiding mileage and wear-and-tear fees, building equity, and enjoying flexible financing and customization options. Read more about it in this pos.

Sandra McVey 6/21/2025 1,021

confused driver without an extended warranty

Extended Warranty

What Is a Vehicle Service Contract and Why Do You Need One?

Not sure what a Vehicle Service Contract is or why you might need one? This guide breaks it down in simple terms and shows how a VSC can save you money, reduce stress, and keep you covered after your factory warranty runs out.

December 16, 2023

Sandra McVey 12/16/2023 22,495

Orange toy car on stack of $100 bills

Auto Refinance

Understanding APR: How It Works With Your Auto Loan

When shopping for an auto loan, APR (Annual Percentage Rate) reveals the true yearly cost of borrowing by combining both interest and lender fees. This post will show you exactly what APR is, how it’s calculated, and why focusing on APR—rather than just the headline interest rate—helps you compare offers more accurately and save money over your loan’s lifetime.

Sandra McVey 6/28/2025 839

Illustration of saving money monthly with an auto refinance loan

Auto Refinance

Understanding Interest Rates When Refinancing Your Car (And How Cuvrd Can Help)

Refinancing your auto loan lets you replace your current loan with a new one—often at a lower APR—to reduce monthly payments, save on total interest, and build equity faster by understanding how rates are set and what influences them.

Sandra McVey 6/15/2025 1,051

couple shopping for a new car and considering dealership financing

Car Buying Tips

Do I Have To Get My Car Loan At The Dealership?

Dealership financing can be convenient—bundling your loan, trade-in, and paperwork in one visit—but dealers often mark up interest rates. You can usually get better terms by shopping around: check your credit score, secure pre-approval from banks, credit unions, or online lenders, and compare APRs, fees, and loan terms. Dealer financing still makes sense if you qualify for promotional rates (like 0% APR) or need a one-stop solution when your credit is thin.

Sandra McVey 6/25/2025 937

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