Back to Blog

Why Dealers Push Protection Packages

Why dealers push protection packages in the US—high margin; say no or negotiate so you don't overpay.

AutoPremo Team
January 31, 2026
1 min read

Dealers in the U.S. push protection packages (paint, fabric, extended warranty, gap, VIN etching) because they're high margin—dealers make more on add-ons than on the car. Say no or negotiate so you don't overpay.

TL;DR Dealers push protection packages = high margin (often 50%+). Say no to what you don't want; negotiate price if you want one. Get full OTD in writing—use autopremo.com OTD calculator. Use autopremo.com.

Why They Push

Add-ons (paint protection, fabric, warranty, gap, VIN etching) are high margin—dealers make more per dollar on add-ons than on the car. Use autopremo.com OTD calculator to build OTD without add-ons. Get your numbers at autopremo.com.

Say No or Negotiate

Say no to what you don't want. If you want one (e.g., gap, warranty), negotiate price—don't pay full retail. Get full OTD in writing. Use autopremo.com. See OTD at autopremo.com.

Bottom Line

Dealers push protection packages = high margin. Say no or negotiate; get full OTD in writing. Use autopremo.com OTD calculator so you don't overpay.

Share this article