Wholesale Warranties is still a broker, BUT they quote their own branded warranty product - the Viking Protection Plan - by default. As they have become more experienced in warranties, claims history, and service, they determined that they wanted to eliminate the inconsistencies in service they were seeing from multiple warranty administrators. So they have a contract they developed with a single administrator and branded it.

Though they don't "administer" (i.e. process claims for) the Viking Protection plan, they do have more influence with the administrator which can be quite helpful to the customer.

We have the Viking Protection Plan ourselves and recently had a claim paid with no problems (even though the repair facility didn't get pre-approval like they are supposed to).

Of course, you know we've been working with Wholesale Warranties since 2012 and we refer them a lot of business and quotes can be obtained by requesting through our website. Working with an extended warranty company can be rough on a reputation and our reputation is all we have, so we don't take it lightly. We continue to maintain our relationship because 1) they've always done everything they told us they would do and have never violated any provisions of our partnership contract, 2) they've been very responsive anytime I've contacted them about a customer's issue, and 3) they are one of the few companies that sell extended warranties that you can call when you are having issues with a claim or there are disputes between the repair facility and the warranty administrator (claims processor).

One thing I've found is that though we provide a contact at Wholesale Warranties should any issues come up, folks often never call that contact to help work things out. They don't take advantage of the mediator role that they take on to try to resolve issues with a claim. Having someone to talk to at the company you purchased from is one of the biggest reasons, in my opinion, to use Wholesale Warranties, but if you don't avail yourself of that benefit, neither they nor I can help until it's too late. Remember, Wholesale Warranties sells the contract but, even though it may their own branded plan, they don't administer it and they aren't automatically contacted every time there is a claim started, so they don't know a claim is in process unless the customer notifies them directly.

As you intend to do, you should check out other options outside of Wholesale Warranties and I would also ask them what other plans they can quote for you besides Viking Protection. They aren't always the cheapest and I've noticed costs have been going up, but I still think the back-office help after the sale has good value if you take advantage of it. And that back-office help is even better with the Viking Protection plan because they have additional clout with the administrator. They won't always be able to get you a favorable outcome, but the odds they can help are higher.

Also, beyond just getting a quote it's a good idea to speak with someone and discuss your personal situation and needs. Often an addendum can be added to a contract and it may or may not come with an additional premium.

I know you do your homework, so I hope my long dissertation helps.  :) 

P.S. Laws in California and Massachusetts prevent anyone to sell extended warranties (service protection plan contracts) online - you have to buy through a dealer. So, Wholesale Warranties can't issue the Viking Protection plan in those states (yes, ironic since they are located in California). However, they have worked out a deal with another provider to issue Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (regulated differently) in those states. Mechanical Breakdown Insurance is what Good Sam offers and it's a very good plan that is recognized all over the country (but it can be quite pricey).