Good discussion on this topic.  Bill mentions using tire
dealer's protection a lot in Arizona, making me think this
would cause the auto insurance alternative Malcom mentions
to result in raised rates.  If this was so, the latter might
just be the route when the possibility of road damage is
considered slight.  Am I right in assuming lots of claims
could result in raised rates?  (This actually sounds like
something that usually comes with a deductable.)

In addition I was struck by the equal price comparison
between Sears without coverage and mail order, since it
always seemed to me that there really is no coverage with
mail order--one of the trade offs between purchasing locally
vs. mail order.  Any different experiences?

Me, I'm self insured (taking my chances).