FIRST EXTENDED SERVICE CORPORATION Intermediate Steering Shaft not included in coverage of steering system. FESC refused to pay for repair because it is not specifically mentioned as part of steering system. Independence, Iowa

On August 13, 2009 I took our 2005 Saturn Vue to a local GM dealer for diagnosis of a shake in the steering when braking. Their diagnosis was; both front stabilizer links have play and Intermediate Steering Shaft binding.

They called FESC to get authorization for the repair. FESC authorized repair of the stablilizer links, but refused to cover the Intermediate Steering Shaft, saying that it is not specifically mentioned in the contract. The Intermediate Steering Shaft happens to be the most expensive part of the repair.

After the dealer told me of their refusal, I called FESC as I thought there must be some misunderstanding of the repair needed. I talked to their customer service rep. and he told me the same thing, that the Intermediater Steering Shaft was not covered because it is not specifically mentioned. He told me to read the "What is not covered" part on the contract. It is true that part is not specifically mentioned in the contract.

I asked him if a person of average intelligence when purchasing their extended warranty should know the specific names of all parts in the various systems of the automobile in order to know whether or not they are covered? Apparently that is what you should do before purchasing a service contract from FESC.

I tried to explain that the Intermediate Steering Shaft was an integral part of the steering system and that is what linked the steering wheel to the rest of the system. He said it did not qualify under the "linkage" mentioned in the contract as covered.

So, bottom line, they refused to pay for the most expensive part of the repair. I went to the issuing dealer and canceled the contract and hope to receive a refund of the remaining time of the coverage.