General information only. This page summarizes the Prime Protection contract we reviewed (form E7036E, May 2019, the edition for Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island) and iA's Prime Protection brochure (March 2024) as we read them on September 28, 2026. It isn't a contract or an offer of coverage, and it isn't legal advice. Coverage and terms can vary by province and change between contract editions. Where this page and your contract differ, your contract governs. Auto Warranty Experts is not the warranty provider or administrator.
More about the company behind this plan: iA Dealer Services extended warranties.
Who provides it
iA Dealer Services is a division of iA Financial Group, a business name and trademark of Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. The contract we reviewed names SAL Marketing Inc. (SMI) as the obligor and administrator. SMI is described there as an affiliated company of Industrial Alliance Pacific General Insurance Corporation. Claims are handled by iA's claims administrator, reachable at 1-888-444-0301.
Prime Protection at a glance
| Level | What's covered | Rental and trip interruption |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | Engine, transmission/transaxle, differential(s)/transfer case, hybrid components | Optional |
| Silver | Bronze, plus seals and gaskets, factory turbocharger and supercharger | Optional |
| Gold | Silver, plus air conditioning, electrical, brakes, steering, front and rear suspension, fuel injection | Optional |
| Gold/Silver | Gold for the first part of the term, then Silver (see below) | Optional |
| Top-Up (new vehicles) | Seals and gaskets, air conditioning, electrical, brakes, steering, suspension, fuel injection, electronic high-tech. No engine, transmission, differential, turbo, supercharger or hybrid coverage | Included |
| Platinum | Gold, plus electronic high-tech, extended engine, transmission, drivetrain, A/C, electrical, brake, steering and suspension parts, body interior hardware, fuel delivery, cooling and first-hour diagnostics | Included |
24/7 roadside assistance is included at every level. Prime covers only the parts listed for your level. If a part isn't listed, it isn't covered. (More on named-component vs. exclusion-based coverage and on what powertrain coverage usually includes.)
Gold/Silver split. The contract sets the Gold and Silver periods by term:
| Term | Gold coverage | Then Silver coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 12 months | First 6 months | Last 6 months |
| 24 months | First 6 months | Last 18 months |
| 36 months | First 12 months | Last 24 months |
Options (when shown on your contract): seals and gaskets, turbocharger and supercharger on Bronze; air conditioning on Bronze and Silver; electrical on Silver; electronic high-tech on Silver and Gold; Ultra High-Tech on Gold, Top-Up and Platinum; zero deductible on every level; rental and trip interruption on Bronze, Silver and Gold. iA's brochure also shows a $10,000 claim limit as an option on Top-Up and Platinum.
What's covered
- Engine (all levels except Top-Up): block and cylinder heads (when damaged from within) and internal lubricated parts, including the crankshaft, bearings, connecting rods, camshaft, timing chains and gears, pistons, valves, lifters, oil pan and oil pump.
- Transmission/transaxle (all levels except Top-Up): internal lubricated parts, including the housing, torque converter, valve body, gear sets and oil pump. External linkages, the shifter and manual clutch parts are excluded.
- Differential(s) and transfer case (all levels except Top-Up): housing (when damaged from within) and internal parts.
- Hybrid components (all levels except Top-Up): high-voltage cable, inverter/converter, electric drive motor, regenerative-braking generator and the propulsion battery. Battery coverage is capped (see below). A residential charging station is covered if it's new, up to 220 volts and bought at the same time as the vehicle. Service calls and diagnostics for it aren't covered.
- Seals and gaskets (Silver, Gold, Top-Up, Platinum): those that contain fluids and lubricants within covered parts.
- Turbocharger and supercharger (Silver, Gold, Platinum): factory-installed only.
- Air conditioning, electrical, brakes, steering, suspension and fuel injection (Gold, Top-Up, Platinum): for example the A/C compressor and evaporator, starter and alternator, wiper motors, master cylinder, calipers and brake lines, rack and pinion and power steering pump, ball joints and control arms, fuel pump and injectors.
- Electronic high-tech (Top-Up and Platinum; optional on Silver and Gold): ABS/traction control module, climate control module, engine computer (ECM), cruise control, instrument cluster, keyless entry keypad, power door lock actuators, power window, seat, mirror and sunroof motors.
- Platinum extras: manifolds, engine and transmission mounts, powertrain control module, axle shafts and CV joints, front wheel bearings, 4WD/AWD actuator, condenser, wiring harnesses and sensors, ABS processor and wheel speed sensors, tie rod ends, variable-dampening suspension, fuel tank and lines, radiator fan motor, water pump, heater core and thermostat. Platinum also covers up to the first hour of diagnostics for an eligible repair.
- Ultra High-Tech (option): driver display screen, GPS/navigation, Bluetooth, radio head unit, back-up camera and sensors, body control module, push-button start, blind spot sensors, heated seat elements, hands-free door handles and power liftgate and sliding door motors.
Benefits
| Benefit | What the contract pays | Levels |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 roadside assistance | Up to 5 benefits per contract: mechanical first aid, changing a tire with your inflated spare, a battery boost, delivery of gas, oil or coolant (you pay for the fuel or fluid), towing up to 50 km to a destination of your choice, and a locksmith if your keys are locked inside. Call 1-866-742-0938 | All levels |
| Rental | Up to $50 a day to a maximum of $250 per repair visit, taxes included, with the number of days based on the repair cost (1 day up to $200, up to 5 days over $1,000) | Included on Top-Up and Platinum; optional on others |
| Trip interruption | Lodging and restaurant costs up to $100 a day for up to 3 days ($300 per occurrence), when a covered breakdown more than 150 km from home keeps the vehicle overnight at a licensed repair facility | Included on Top-Up and Platinum; optional on others |
No deductible applies to these benefits.
Deductible, limits and term
- Deductible: the amount on your contract, paid per repair visit, plus any taxes. If a breakdown takes more than one visit, you pay it once. The zero-deductible option removes it for the life of the contract. For a claim in the United States, you pay the deductible in US dollars.
- Per repair visit: the lesser of the maximum claim value on your contract or 50% of the price you paid for the vehicle (not including taxes, licensing and warranty). Limits include taxes.
- In total: the price you paid for the vehicle. This doesn't change if the contract is transferred.
- Hybrid propulsion battery: the lesser of $5,000 or the amount on your contract.
- When coverage starts. On a new vehicle, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Gold/Silver and Platinum begin when the manufacturer's original full warranty ends, by date or kilometres, whichever comes first, so your term is added on top. Top-Up and Platinum No Time Limit count from the manufacturer's original warranty start date and from zero kilometres. On a pre-owned vehicle, coverage counts from the contract effective date and from the odometer reading when you bought the contract.
- Term and kilometres: shown on your quote and contract.
Things to know before you buy
- Bought after the vehicle. Prime can be added after you've bought the vehicle. The vehicle must pass an inspection first; iA accepts a certified inspection by a Red Seal mechanic. Your contract shows any waiting period before claims are accepted.
- Call first. Authorization from the claims administrator is required before any repair, teardown or rental. Repairs without prior authorization aren't covered, and the contract has no emergency-repair exception.
- Licensed and approved repair facilities. The contract defines a repair facility as the selling dealership you bought the vehicle from, or a fully licensed and approved repair facility.
- Report on time. A breakdown must be reported within 15 days of when it happens.
- Maintenance. Have the vehicle maintained by a licensed repair facility in strict compliance with the manufacturer's schedule. The contract highly recommends the severe-driving schedule in Canada's climate. Keep every invoice or work order showing the date, odometer reading, VIN, your signature and the services performed. Do-it-yourself maintenance and repairs aren't permitted. Keep the manufacturer's warranty in force for its full term.
- Not covered: any part not listed for your level, plus maintenance items such as spark plugs, hoses (other than steering and A/C hoses), belts, brake pads, linings, rotors and drums, wiper blades, and batteries and cables. Filters and fluids are covered only when needed for an eligible repair.
- Damage and wear. Collision, fire, theft, weather, rust and corrosion, contaminated fluids, road debris and physical damage aren't covered. Neither are misuse, missed maintenance, sludge, failure to protect the vehicle after a warning light, noises and leaks, or repairs meant to improve compression or reduce oil use.
- Modifications. Any vehicle modified from its factory specifications is excluded.
- Towing a trailer. Breakdowns aren't covered if you tow beyond what the manufacturer approves, or without a factory-installed or factory-authorized tow package where the manufacturer requires one.
- Other coverage first. Repairs another warranty or service contract covers, and conditions the manufacturer has taken responsibility for through recalls or bulletins, aren't covered. Pre-existing conditions aren't covered either.
- Parts and labour. Replacement parts may be new, remanufactured or of like kind and quality. Labour is paid up to an approved labour guide.
- Acceptance. The contract is effective unless the administrator notifies you otherwise within 90 days of purchase.
- Where it applies. Canada and the continental United States. US repairs are paid in US dollars.
Eligibility
- New and pre-owned vehicles, with the contract bought at the same time as the vehicle or later. Pre-owned vehicles, and vehicles bought before the contract, must pass an inspection; iA accepts a certified inspection by a Red Seal mechanic. Top-Up is for new vehicles only.
- Not eligible: alternate fuel models; vehicles with a chassis over one ton or a GVWR over 6,400 kg; vehicles used for racing; vehicles ever declared a total loss, write-off or salvage, or not built for Canada or the US; and vehicles whose manufacturer's warranty has been voided, except US imports with the applicable charge.
- Business use: a single driver's light commercial use is allowed with a surcharge. Uses such as daily rental, courier or delivery, taxi and ride-share, snow plowing, commercial towing, police, tow trucks, construction and mining aren't eligible.
- Your quote confirms whether your vehicle qualifies for the level quoted.
How a claim works
- Prevent further damage. Pull off the road safely and shut off the engine when a warning light or gauge shows a problem, or you notice unusual noises or performance.
- Call the claims administrator at 1-888-444-0301 to be directed to a licensed repair facility near you.
- Take the vehicle to the licensed repair facility and give them your contract or contract number.
- The shop gets an authorization number from the claims administrator before any disassembly or repair. The authorized amount is the most that will be paid. Anything more needs approval first. A previously reported but unconfirmed failure must be resubmitted within 30 days.
- Approve any teardown. If the shop needs to inspect or take apart the failed parts, you authorize it and pay for it if the failure isn't covered. iA may require an inspection first.
- Review what's covered with the service department.
- Pay your deductible. iA pays the shop the authorized cost, less your deductible plus any taxes. Repair orders and paperwork must reach the claims administrator within 60 days.
Transfer and cancellation
- Transfer: once, when you sell the vehicle privately. It can't be transferred if the vehicle is sold or traded to a dealership, leasing company or other vehicle business. Within 30 days of the sale, send the administrator the transfer form and the $100 fee plus tax. Any remaining factory warranty and your maintenance records go to the new owner. Transfers are only allowed for vehicles registered in Canada.
- Cancellation: under the contract we reviewed, you can cancel only within the first 30 days, through the administrator or the selling dealership. You get a full refund if no claim has been authorized. If one has, the refund is less a $100 fee plus tax and any claims paid. After 30 days, only a lienholder (if the contract was financed) can cancel, for non-payment, total loss or repossession. The refund is pro-rated on the lesser of the remaining days or kilometres, less claims paid and a $100 fee plus tax, and it's paid to the lienholder. If your province's law requires different terms, the contract says iA will comply by endorsement.
- Disputes: the contract refers disputes to arbitration under your province's Arbitration Act. iA's complaint process is at www.iasal.ca/complaints.
Common questions about Prime Protection
What is the difference between Prime Protection Bronze, Silver, Gold, Top-Up and Platinum?
Bronze covers the engine, transmission, differential and transfer case, and hybrid components. Silver adds seals and gaskets, turbocharger and supercharger. Gold adds air conditioning, electrical, brakes, steering, suspension and fuel injection. Platinum adds electronic high-tech, a longer list of engine, drivetrain, electrical, brake, steering, suspension, fuel and cooling parts, and first-hour diagnostics. Top-Up is for new vehicles and covers seals and gaskets, air conditioning, electrical, brakes, steering, suspension, fuel injection and electronic high-tech, but not the engine, transmission or hybrid system.
What does Gold/Silver mean on a Prime Protection quote?
It's a split term. You get Gold coverage for the first part of the term and Silver coverage for the rest. The contract sets the split at 6 months Gold and 6 months Silver on a 12-month term, 6 and 18 months on a 24-month term, and 12 and 24 months on a 36-month term.
How much will Prime Protection pay for a repair?
Each repair visit is capped at the lesser of the maximum claim value on your contract or 50% of the price you paid for the vehicle, including taxes. All claims together can't exceed the price you paid for the vehicle. A hybrid propulsion battery is capped at the lesser of $5,000 or the amount on your contract. Your claim limit and deductible are shown on your quote and contract.
Can I buy Prime Protection for a vehicle I already own?
Yes. Prime can be added after you've bought the vehicle, as long as the vehicle passes an inspection. iA accepts a certified inspection by a Red Seal mechanic. Your contract shows any waiting period before claims are accepted, and your quote confirms which levels your vehicle qualifies for.
When does Prime Protection coverage start on a new vehicle?
On a new vehicle, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Gold/Silver and Platinum begin when the manufacturer's original full warranty ends, by date or kilometres, so your term is added on top. Top-Up and Platinum No Time Limit count from the manufacturer's original warranty start date and from zero kilometres. On a pre-owned vehicle, the term counts from the contract effective date and the odometer reading on the day you buy the contract.
Can I use my own mechanic with Prime Protection?
Only if the shop is licensed and approved. The contract defines a repair facility as the selling dealership you bought the vehicle from or a fully licensed and approved repair facility. Call the claims administrator at 1-888-444-0301 first to be directed to a licensed repair facility near you, and make sure the shop gets an authorization number before any teardown or repair.
Can I cancel or transfer Prime Protection?
You can cancel within the first 30 days for a full refund if no claim has been authorized. If one has, you get a refund less a $100 fee plus tax and any claims paid. After 30 days, the contract only allows a lienholder to cancel. You can transfer the contract once in a private sale, within 30 days of the sale, for $100 plus tax, with your maintenance records.
Questions about your quote?
If you're looking at Prime Protection because it came up in a quote from us, reply to the email from your Auto Warranty Experts contact. We can walk through which level fits your vehicle and what the claim limit on your quote means. Every price we quote is in writing, shown plus tax and held for seven days. It's free and there's no obligation.
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Related: What a powertrain warranty covers · Exclusionary vs. named-component coverage
Auto Warranty Experts is operated by Sault Nissan, an Ontario motor vehicle dealer registered with OMVIC. We are not the warranty provider. iA and related names are trademarks of Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc.
Published September 30, 2026 · Last reviewed September 30, 2026. General information from the provider's published documents, not legal advice and not a substitute for your contract, which governs. Program names are trademarks of their owners.