
When you choose to purchase an aftermarket vehicle protection agreement with a third party, such as extended warranty providers like Endurance Warranty, Carchex, or CarShield, you become eligible for a host of additional benefits the manufacturers cannot offer, such as: Therefore, many car owners seek alternative solutions with vehicle service contracts (VSC) through third-party car warranty providers. Unfortunately, when a dealership provides extended warranty coverage, they generally include substantial limitations, restrictions, and fees compared to the original. Technically speaking, only a vehicle manufacturer can “extend” the original warranty. Still, it generally includes the provider repairing or replacing included parts at little or no cost to the car owner. How they help varies based on policy and provider, and we encourage you to read the fine print of any vehicle service contract. In return for a monthly payment, the provider agrees to financially assist with any expensive repairs in case of a mechanical breakdown. In these cases, an extended auto warranty can be worth it.Ĭommonly referred to as an extended car warranty, an auto protection plan is a vehicle service contract between the issuing company and the car owner. But, as we mentioned, more than half of car owners today cannot afford a surprise car repair bill, let alone one that costs thousands of dollars, such as a transmission or engine replacement. Also, the older the vehicle gets, and the higher the mileage, the higher the likelihood of expensive car repairs. Unfortunately, the factory car warranty does eventually expire. Fail to keep up with the recommended maintenance schedule.Use the vehicle other than its intended use (racing, off-roading, heavy-towing, etc.).Change car parts (lift kits, flat tires, exhaust pipes, etc.).

If you do any of the following, your factory warranty could be voided, or your claim may be denied: However, if your car battery dies after one year and you didn’t leave the lights on, there may be an issue, and the dealership should replace the battery and investigate the cause at no cost to you.Īdditionally, there are a few limitations to consider. Therefore, the warranty will not be effective if your battery dies after three years, depending on where you live. For example, replacing the car battery every three to five years is expected. Unfortunately, most original car warranties do not include replacing or repairing parts that break or fail due to normal wear and tear. Still, it can be prolonged with a limited extended car warranty with the car dealership or directly from the automaker. Ultimately, the length of a factory warranty depends on your car manufacturer. Powertrain warranties can extend up to 10 years/100,000 miles. Depending on the manufacturer, bumper-to-bumper warranties typically last between 3 years/36,000 miles or five years/60,000 miles. However, all auto manufacturer warranties do expire eventually. Then, if something does happen, the manufacturer guarantees their quality and will repair or replace the part at no additional cost. However, when you buy a new or used car, you pay a higher price in return for the peace of mind that parts are less likely to break. Through daily wear and tear, parts eventually wear out and break, especially the older the vehicle gets. Limitations of a Manufacturer’s WarrantyĮven with the most reliable vehicles, mechanical breakdowns are simply a part of car ownership. However, understanding how they can be helpful can help you determine whether or not an auto protection plan is worth the investment. Is an Extended Auto Warranty Worth It?Īn extended car warranty isn’t the right solution for everyone. We’ll help you learn to compare prices and get a great deal on an extended car warranty.

However, these only provide financial protection for a limited time, and once the factory warranty expires, car owners are left to pay out-of-pocket for repair costs. The good news is if the manufacturer’s warranty still covers the vehicle, you’ll have the peace of mind of a bumper-to-bumper warranty that will repair or replace any broken car parts. Therefore, a damaged vehicle needing repairs would hinder or even incapacitate essential daily activities. However, most of the population depends on their vehicles for daily life, such as going to work, buying groceries, or attending medical appointments. To make matters worse, 69% of car owners put off routine car maintenance due to financial constraints. Recent reports indicate that less than half of Americans can pay for more than $1,000 in surprise repair costs. Today, many car owners are having difficulty paying for unexpected and expensive car repairs.
