An extended warranty for a car is a type of warranty that offers added protection for repairs beyond the standard manufacturer's warranty. Typically, an extended warranty covers parts and labor and pays for repairs in the event of a breakdown due to mechanical, electric, or hydraulic failures. Depending on the coverage, the extended warranty may also cover maintenance, such as oil changes and tune ups. Extending the warranty can help protect you from financial losses due to a car breakdown and give you the peace of mind that you're covered should any major repairs arise.
A car warranty is an essential part of owning a car. It provides coverage for costly repairs and malfunctions, protecting you from having to pay for all of the repair costs out of pocket.
Additionally, having an extended car warranty can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your car is covered in the event of a breakdown or malfunction. Car warranties typically cover parts such as the engine, transmission, and electrical and air conditioning systems, allowing you to get help fixing problems that come up without having to pay for it out of pocket.
Bumper-to-bumper warranties are the most comprehensive type of car warranty. This type of warranty covers routinely scheduled maintenance, parts replacements, and repairs to almost every component of the car, excluding items like batteries and brake pads.
Powertrain warranties are also comprehensive in coverage and cover most of the major engine and transmission components.
Drivetrain warranties usually cover the transmission, differential, front and rear axles, and other related components.
Named component warranties cover specified parts only. They may also have time or mileage limits, so it is important to check the details of the policy before you purchase one.
Finally, wrap policies combine different types of coverage, usually including a combination of bumper-to-bumper, powertrain, and named component warranties, into one comprehensive policy.
1. To Avoid Unexpected Repair Costs: An extended car warranty can help protect you from any unexpected repair costs due to mechanical, electric, or hydraulic failures. Knowing that you are covered can give you peace of mind and help you avoid expensive out-of-pocket repairs should your car breakdown.
2. To Cover Regular Maintenance: Extended car warranties typically cover regular maintenance such as oil changes and tune-ups, helping to reduce the cost of routine maintenance over the life of the car.
3. To Cover Vehicle Age: Older car models can be more at risk of breakdowns and malfunctions. With an extended car warranty, you can make sure that your car is covered even as it ages, helping protect you from any additional costs.
4. To Cover High Cost Components: Many extended warranties cover more expensive parts, such as components in the engine or transmission systems. This type of coverage can help to make even large, expensive repairs more affordable.
5. To Get Professional Help: An extended warranty often comes with 24/7 roadside assistance and access to professional mechanics, helping make difficult repairs more manageable. This, in turn, can save you time and money, as the mechanics
A car warranty typically will not cover damage or malfunctions that are the result of misuse, abuse, or improper maintenance. It will also not cover regular wear-and-tear items, such as tires, batteries, brake pads, and spark plugs. Additionally, some warranties may exclude damage caused by road hazards, accidents, and other unexpected events. Be sure to read the details of the specific car warranty before you purchase it to make sure it will provide the coverage you need.
1. Length of Coverage : Check to see how long the warranty lasts and whether it is transferable to a future owner. In some cases, you may even be able to customize the length of coverage to meet your needs.
2. Deductibilities : Look over any deductible amounts on the policy to make sure it is within your budget.
3. Types of Coverage : Read through the coverage to make sure the warranty offers the full protection you need. Does it cover both parts and labor in the event of a breakdown? Will it cover maintenance, such as oil changes and tune-ups?
4. Covered Components : Read through the list of components covered under the warranty to make sure they include the larger, costlier parts that could be at risk of breakdown.
5. Cost of Coverage : Ultimately, the cost of the coverage will be a major factor when it comes to deciding which warranty to choose. Be sure to compare cost against coverage to make sure you’re getting the best value.
Unfortunately, there are less-than-reliable providers out there. Luckily, we’ve provided you with a list of car warranty providers that have been vetted by our reviewers and have received our stamp of approval.
If you’re still not sure though, here is a quick list of things to look out for when shopping for a new extended car warranty:
Especially when shopping for a car warranty, it’s important to remember: if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.