What Is an Extended Warranty?
An extended warranty for a car, also known as a “vehicle service contract”, is a type of auto protection plan that covers repair costs after the factory warranty expires. Unlike a manufacturer’s warranty, which is included with the purchase of a brand new vehicle, an extended auto warranty is an additional coverage that you can buy separately.
The extended warranties vary in terms of price and coverage, but they help vehicle owners avoid paying out-of-pocket for costly repairs due to mechanical or electrical failures.
Manufacturer's Warranty Vs. Extended Warranty
A manufacturer’s warranty is provided by the car’s manufacturer when you buy a brand-new vehicle. It generally lasts for a certain number of miles or years, such as 3 years/36,000 miles or 5 years/60,000 miles, depending on the automaker. Once the manufacturer’s warranty expires, the responsibility for repair bills falls on the vehicle owner.
An extended warranty is a separate coverage plan that extends protection beyond the original factory warranty. Depending on your car, whether you drive a Tesla, Mercedes, Ferrari, or Honda, you can purchase an extended warranty from dealerships, automakers, or third-party companies.
What Does Extended Warranty Coverage Include?
The details of extended warranty coverage depend on the auto protection plan you choose and the extended warranty provider. However, most extended auto warranties cover major vehicle components like:
- Engine and transmission
- Electrical systems ( power windows, wiring, sensors, etc.)
- Air conditioning and heating systems
- Suspension and steering
- Roadside assistance ( battery jump-starts, Towing, and lockout services)
- Rental car reimbursement
Some extended warranties may also offer coverage for parts and labor at an approved repair shop but always read the fine print in detail to understand exactly what’s typically covered.
Are Routine Maintenance and Wear and Tear Covered?
Most extended warranties for cars do not cover routine maintenance services such as:
- Battery replacements
- Oil changes
- replacements of Brake pad
- Wiper blades
- Tire rotations
The extended warranties generally do not include items that wear down over time, such as tires , upholstery etc. Some premium auto protection plans may offer maintenance benefits, but you should confirm with your extended warranty provider before purchasing.
Do Extended Warranties Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
No, most service contracts exclude pre-existing conditions! If your car already has a known mechanical issue before purchasing the auto warranty, that issue will likely not be covered.
This is why it’s best to purchase an extended warranty early — ideally while your car is still under the factory warranty. This way, you can avoid being denied coverage due to pre-existing issues.
Is an Extended Warranty Worth It?
Whether an extended car warranty is worth the cost depends on several factors. Let’s discuss them one by one for better clarity!
- Age and reliability of your car
- If your vehicle has a history of frequent breakdowns, an extended warranty from a reputable provider can save you thousands in repair bills.
- Your financial situation
- Can you afford unexpected costly repairs out-of-pocket?
- How long do you plan to keep your car?
Extended protection is a wise choice for you if you plan on long-term vehicle ownership.
For some, paying for repairs as they arise may be a better option than buying an extended car warranty, but for others, the security of a vehicle service contract is invaluable. So choose what suits your situation the best.
How Do I Choose the Best Extended Warranty Provider?
When selecting an extended warranty provider, research their reputation! Look for companies with strong reviews from the Better Business Bureau or Business Bureau. Here are factors to consider:
- Do they have good support for policyholders?
- Do they clearly explain coverage, deductibles, and exclusions?
- How easy is it to file a claim and get repairs covered?
- Are you limited to certain mechanics
- Can you choose any repair shop?
A reputable extended warranty provider will have clear terms and conditions with no hidden fees in the fine print. Take your time to understand all these factors before you make the final decision!
Can I Choose My Own Repair Shop?
Some extended warranties allow you to take your car to any licensed repair shop! On the flip side, others require you to use network-approved mechanics. This is an important detail to confirm before you sign any service contracts.
How Do I File a Claim for Car Repairs?
The claim process varies by extended warranty provider! It generally involves the following steps:
- Take your car to an approved repair shop for professional diagnostics.
- Have the mechanic identify the issue in your car and confirm coverage with the extended warranty provider.
- Receive approval for the repair costs before work begins.
- Pay any applicable deductible (if needed).
- The extended warranty provider covers the rest of the cost.
- It’s always a good idea to check with your customer service team before starting any repairs.
Do Extended Warranties Offer Additional Perks?
Many extended warranties come with added benefits, such as:
- Roadside assistance includes jump-starts, emergency towing, and flat tire changes.
- Rental car reimbursement covers a temporary vehicle while yours is being repaired.
- Trip interruption coverage includes hotel and food expenses if your car breaks down far from home.
- These perks can add value to your vehicle ownership experience.
Final Thoughts
An extended car warranty is surely a smart investment if you want to save yourself from unexpected repairs and repair bills. However, not all auto protection plans are equal! Before committing, read the fine print, compare extended warranty providers, and check the Better Business Bureau to confirm that you’re getting the best coverage. By understanding the details of extended auto warranties, you can confidently decide whether to purchase one and protect your vehicle against costly repairs.
Extended Warranties Comparison: Consumer Warranty Choice
Do you need an extended warranty for your car and feel confused about which one to buy? Call Consumer Warranty Choice to get all the information on extended warranty provider companies like Olive Warranty, Carchex, CarShield, Major Auto-Protect, and Nova Warranty.
We compare these extended warranty providers so you can purchase the extended warranty that is best for you. Nova Warranty stands out among these options because of its two amazing auto protection plans, Nova Superior and Nova Powertrain.
Nova Wannary covers all types of makes and models, including Asian, European, and American manufacturers, plus supercars, vintage models, daily commuter cars, and sports cars. Call us today to learn more about extended warranties for your beloved car.
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