Small correction, the neighbor didn't actually stop you, they just gave an opinion. You still had legs and a free morning, so the pile didn't get missed, it got skipped. Next time just go look and let them talk to the air.

Dented cans never did anything for me honestly

Ray is right about the exclusions list being where people get mad, that part hits home. I sold cars for a bit and watched folks sign up for a warranty on a 2 year old ride and never once ask what was NOT covered. Here is the thing though, those plans on newer low mileage cars are not always a total wash. If the car is a brand known for early problems, like certain turbos or CVTs that act up around 40k, a plan can bail you out before the factory warranty even ends. But for a plain Civic like your brother in law has? Yeah, you told him right. Those things run forever and the plan money is better off sitting in an account. The math only flips in your favor once you are past 80k or so and staring down a repair that costs more than the plan itself.