In SK, what should I know about add-ons and etching for car loans?

In Saskatchewan, much like the rest of Canada, car dealerships frequently present a range of add-ons and etching services when finalizing a vehicle purchase and loan. These often include extended warranties, rustproofing, paint protection, fabric protection, credit protection insurance, GAP insurance, and VIN etching. It is paramount for consumers to recognize that these offerings are almost always optional and are not a prerequisite for securing your car loan or purchasing the vehicle itself. Dealers typically profit significantly from these high-margin products, which can substantially inflate your total loan amount and monthly payments. In the current 2025 market, with prevailing higher interest rates, financing these optional extras means you'll pay interest on them for the entire loan term, drastically increasing their true cost. While Saskatchewan's consumer protection framework requires transparent disclosure, the onus remains on you to critically evaluate and decline items you don't genuinely need or that offer questionable value compared to their cost. Many factory warranties already cover common issues, and services like rustproofing may be redundant with modern vehicle manufacturing.

Why this matters: By firmly declining these often-unnecessary add-ons, you can save thousands of dollars over the life of your loan, significantly reduce your monthly payments, and avoid financing products that offer minimal long-term benefit or can be acquired more affordably through independent providers. Always scrutinize the final purchase agreement and be prepared to assertively remove any unwanted items before signing.