FORT LAUDERDALE, FL --An important consumer alert tonight about a company that sells extended warranties for your vehicle. In these tough economic times an insurance policy to cover unexpected car repairs can be smart, but they can also be a financial mistake. Eyewitness News consumer reporter Jeff Chirico has details of an investigation.

A Pocono area woman demanded a refund from a car warranty company in Florida. To help her, Eyewitness News joins forces with a TV station in Miami to get her money back. Watch as this "supervisor" runs from a WPLG camera. Shortly after the reporter arrives at "Beacon Industries Worldwide" in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida he orders employees to dial 9-1-1.

 Aida Cobianchi says “I was ripped off. Of course I was." Cobianchi of Bushkill is one of dozens of dissatisfied customers who've done business with Beacon Industries. She asked for help when the company failed to refund almost $1300- even though she had received a court ruling in her favor! "Finally, after being contacted by the TV station, beacon sent her a check. But, - get this - it wasn't for the full amount! The necessary court costs mandated by the judge were *not* paid - even though Beacon Industries falsely notified the court - the money *had* been paid in full. So it was back to work *again* on Cobianchi's behalf!

Aida Cobianchi "I was ticked. I was really upset because they promised me my money." In these tough economic times - what happened to Aida offers a valuable lesson to us all. When money is tight, an extended warranty to cover unexpected car repairs can be a smart budget move but only if you do business with a reputable company.

And if Cobianchi had checked - she would have found "Beacon Industries Worldwide" has an "F" rating from the Better Business Bureau. "Do you feel this is a good way to do business sir? I'll repeat maam, I have nothing to say."

But Beacon Industries was finally convinced to pay Aida in full. And now she's grateful and wiser! "When you buy a car contract, make sure you check it out."

Here are a few tips when buying an extended warranty. Never buy without reading the policy first.

Make sure you know the terms. For example, Find out if you need pre-approval before repairs are made or whether you send a bill to the warranty company for reimbursement.

Find out if you're limited to a network of mechanics. And if not, whether you have to pay anything for repairs that are more expensive than what they cover.