How to Keep Your Extended Warranty Coverage Active? [With Companies and Warranty Extension]

What is Extended Warranty?

An extended warranty, also known as a vehicle service contract, is an optional insurance policy you can purchase to cover certain vehicle components and repair costs. This policy supplements or replaces the original warranty coverage provided by the car’s manufacturer. It covers repairs for an agreed-upon period of time and miles, and generally does not cover routine maintenance items such as tires, brakes, wiper blades, air filters or oil changes. Some warranty plans include extras, such as towing, roadside assistance or trip interruption protection. Many extended warranty plans require you to pay a deductible toward repairs, while some will pay every dollar of the repair bill. An extended warranty acts like an insurance policy for your car’s major parts. If something breaks down and needs repairs, you can take the car to an authorized shop and pay a deductible (plus a portion of the bill, in some cases). The coverage and cost of an extended warranty varies with every provider and the type of warranty you choose.

What are the Benefits of Having Extended Warranty Coverage?

1. Extended warranty coverage can help protect against costly repairs and replacements on your vehicle.

Extended car warranties can provide coverage for a variety of repairs and replacements, including the following: mechanical and electrical components that are not covered by the factory warranty; trip interruption service; rental car reimbursement; and tire protection. Additionally, extended warranties can help to prevent costly repairs caused by defects or unexpected breakdowns. Furthermore, some policies may also provide perks such as 24/7 roadside assistance and trip interruption service to provide you with peace of mind. Ultimately, extended warranties can help you save money on repairs, as well as provide you with a sense of security in the event of an unexpected breakdown.

2. Some plans offer coverage for parts that may not be covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty.

Extended warranty plans typically cover major mechanical parts of a car, such as the engine, transmission, and other add-ons like 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, trip interruption service, and tire protection. These plans usually do not cover routine maintenance, or damage caused by normal wear and tear. Third-party warranties may have additional exclusions and requirements that OEM warranties do not have.

3. Extended warranty coverage can provide additional protection for critical safety systems in your vehicle.

An extended car warranty, also known as a vehicle service contract, provides extended coverage for certain vehicle components and repair costs that the factory warranty does not cover. These warranties typically provide protection against some breakdowns due to electrical or mechanical malfunctions and can be purchased from the manufacturer or a third-party provider. Extended warranties may include coverage for critical safety systems, such as the braking system, steering system, airbags, and seatbelts, as well as any other parts specified in the warranty agreement. This coverage can give you peace of mind in the event that any of these safety systems fail due to mechanical or electrical issues.

4. Many plans provide 24/7 customer support for claims and repairs.

Extended warranty plans offer a variety of customer support options to ensure that customers are taken care of in the event of an unexpected breakdown. Most plans include complimentary 24/7 roadside assistance and towing, as well as trip interruption coverage and rental car reimbursements. Additionally, some plans offer financial support from large insurance companies, helping guarantee that your claims will be processed without delay. Finally, many plans also provide the customer with flexibility when selecting a certified repair shop, ensuring that they can get the best service possible.

5. Extended warranty plans can provide coverage beyond the manufacturer’s warranty, allowing you to plan longer term for vehicle repairs.

Extended warranty plans cover different types of repairs depending on the terms of the specific plan. The most common types of repairs covered include major mechanical parts, electrical components, and other vehicle components after the factory warranty has expired. Some plans may also include extras such as towing, roadside assistance, and trip interruption protection. The coverage period and deductible for repairs varies based on the plan selected.

6. Plans can be used to cover breakdowns not caused by normal wear and tear, including mechanical failures and electrical failures.

Extended warranty plans cover breakdowns due to electrical or mechanical malfunctions. They typically cover major parts of the vehicle such as the engine, drive train, transmission, brakes, exhaust, and power systems. However, they do not cover normal wear and tear or routine maintenance. Additionally, they are not to be confused with car insurance, which helps to pay for repairs that are caused by an accident.

7. Some plans offer perks like complimentary towing and roadside assistance.

Extended auto warranty plans typically come with a variety of perks, such as roadside assistance, towing, trip interruption reimbursement, rental car coverage, prepaid maintenance, tire and wheel protection, major component coverage, and travel reimbursement. Roadside assistance usually covers lockout service, fuel delivery, flat tire service, battery jump-start, and 24-hour towing. Trip interruption reimbursement may include up to $200 per day (5-day maximum) for lodging, food, and transportation expenses if your vehicle breaks down more than 100 miles away from home. Additionally, prepaid maintenance coverage typically covers scheduled oil and filter changes and tire rotations. Major component coverage includes items such as engine, all-wheel drive (AWD), transmission, towing, and car rental. Finally, rental car benefit and hotel/motel discounts are usually included as well.

8. Extended warranty coverage can provide peace of mind knowing your vehicle is protected in the event of a costly repair.

The purpose of having extended warranty coverage is to provide peace of mind and potentially save money if a costly repair is needed. Extended warranties act as an insurance policy for your car’s major parts, providing coverage for mechanical repairs that are needed when the vehicle’s basic warranty has expired. Many different providers offer various levels of cover to meet all your needs and budget. Usually, the warranty won’t cover routine maintenance or damage caused by normal wear and tear, but may cover major mechanical parts like the engine and transmission, plus add-ons like 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, trip interruption service, and tire protection.

9. Plans can save you money in the long run compared to paying for repairs out-of-pocket.

Having extended warranty coverage can help save you money by protecting you from unexpected and costly car repairs. Unlike a manufacturer’s limited warranty, extended warranties provide additional protection, meaning you won’t have to cover the costs of repair on your own. Furthermore, most extended warranty plans cover scheduled oil and filter changes, tire rotations, and tire and wheel repair or replacement. Additionally, they may include roadside assistance so you don’t have to worry if you get stranded on the side of the road.

On the other hand, if you do have enough money to pay for repairs yourself and don’t mind spending the money, it might be a better option to skip the warranty and plan to pay repair costs yourself if the need arises. Additionally, extended warranties often have a lot of fine print that can exclude certain types of repairs, so if you can afford to pay for repairs yourself, the extra protection may not be necessary. Ultimately, you must weigh the cost of the extended warranty against the cost of the repairs it covers and decide if the added protection is worth it.

10. Many plans offer the option to transfer coverage when you sell your vehicle, giving the new owner protection.

Having extended warranty coverage can have a major impact on the transfer of a vehicle. When you transfer the title of a car, the warranty is often included in the overall value of the vehicle which can be reflected in the sales price. Having a warranty in place provides peace of mind to both the buyer and seller, as it ensures that any covered repairs or replacements needed during the contract’s lifetime will be taken care of.

In addition, most extended warranty providers allow for their warranties to be transferred from the original owner to a new one. This can be done within fifteen days of the change of vehicle ownership and is usually subject to an inspection at the discretion of the provider.

However, there are a few exceptions to this transferability. If the original vehicle warranty does not transfer to subsequent owners, the extended warranty coverage will not be applied. Administrative fees and charges, as well as documentation of maintenance and service of the vehicle, must also be taken into consideration. Notarized proof of the vehicle sale, as well as a completed transfer application through the warranty provider, must also be provided in order to have the transfer accepted.

Overall, having an extended warranty coverage can be beneficial in ensuring that the cost of repairs and replacements are taken care of in the event of a mechanical breakdown or failure. It also allows for the transfer of the warranty from the original owner to a new one, as long as all of the requirements are met.

How to Keep your Extended Warranty Coverage Active?

Step 1: Locate the paperwork

What paperwork is needed to keep an extended warranty coverage active? [Step-by-step instructions]

Step 1: Find the paperwork you received when you bought the car. This should include the details of your extended warranty, which is probably referred to as a vehicle service contract (VSC).

Step 2: If you cannot find the paperwork, or you’ve lost it, contact the dealership where you bought the car. They should have a record of the purchase and will be able to tell you which extended warranty provider they would have offered you cover with.

Step 3: If you are unable to get in touch with the dealer, contact the financing company. If you have the paperwork from the loan, it may contain the details you need.

Step 4: Contact the manufacturer or extended warranty provider directly to check their records to see if you have coverage with them.

Step 5: To check if you have an active coverage in place, look up your vehicle’s identification number (VIN) and call your dealership to verify its status. Check your odometer to see if you’ve exceeded your mileage limit.

Step 6: Lastly, read the contract carefully and check you’ve kept up with the maintenance schedule and have the relevant paperwork, if applicable, and you haven’t voided any of the other terms.

Step 2: Check for expiry and mileage

How do you check for expiry and mileage on an extended warranty? [Step-by-step instructions]:

1. Check the paperwork that came with the purchase of your vehicle. It will say either VSC or Vehicle Service Contract. If you do not see any paperwork, you can also call the dealership where you purchased the vehicle and ask them if you have one.
2. Look for the expiration of the policy. The expiration of the policy will be listed as years OR mileage on the odometer whichever comes FIRST.
3. Check the odometer on your car to see how many miles your car has. If you are beyond the expiration date OR mileage your warranty is expired.
4. Check your car’s VIN number and call your dealership to verify its status.
5. Check the car’s odometer to see if it has exceeded the mileage limit.
6. Check your car’s owner’s manual for details on the warranty coverage.
7. Check the original purchase date and make sure the warranty was transferred to you when you bought the car.
8. Make sure to understand your contract thoroughly, get routine maintenance, and pay any necessary deductibles.
9. Hold on to any receipts or invoices related to the service you get for your vehicle.
10. If you want to make sure your Endurance protection plan stays active, be sure to follow these steps.

Step 3: Check your coverage is still valid

After completing Step 1 and Step 2, you can view your vehicle’s limited warranty status to see if its warranty coverage is still valid. To do this, contact the dealership where you bought the car, the financing company, or the manufacturer/extended warranty provider to get the details of the provider and the covered period and mileage. Then, read the contract carefully and check that you have kept up with the maintenance schedule, have the relevant paperwork, and have not voided the other terms. Finally, check the expiration date and mileage limit and note whichever one comes first. This way, you can know if your coverage is still valid.

Step 4: Choose a warranty plan

Choosing the right extended auto warranty can be a difficult decision, especially when you have similar plans to compare. To make the decision easier, compare and contrast the different warranty plans by looking at the type of coverage, the issues it covers, the limitations, and the inclusions and exclusions. When it comes to the type of warranty, consider if you need a basic warranty that mimics something that comes from the factory, or if a customized plan for high-mileage vehicles, classic cars, or other specialty uses is more suitable. Make sure to check the list of issues covered, the limitations in terms of age and mileage, and the inclusions and exclusions. Lastly, prioritize the inclusions and exclusions to determine which parts are the most important to keep your vehicle running. By following these steps, you can easily compare and contrast the different warranty plans available and choose the best one for your needs.

Step 5: Understand the costs associated with each type of coverage

When comparing different plans, it is important to consider the costs associated with each type of coverage. Prices can vary greatly between different plans, so make sure to research the cost of each plan before making a decision. You should also look at the deductible associated with each plan, as this can make a difference in overall cost. Additionally, consider the coverage and limitations of each plan, as some plans may provide more coverage for a higher price, while other plans may offer lower premiums with fewer benefits. Finally, make sure to look into the company behind the plan to assess the level of customer service and coverage they provide.

Step 6: Read reviews for each company’s customer service experience

Step 1: Use a search engine to locate extended warranty providers in your area.

Step 2: Visit third-party review sites such as ConsumerAdvocate, ConsumerAffairs, Retirement Living and Best Company to read reviews of each company’s customer service experience and assess the quality of the extended warranty coverage.

Step 3: Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for ratings of each warranty provider. This will give you an individual assessment and help you determine which companies have good customer service and provide reliable extended warranty coverage.

Step 4: Compare the reviews and ratings across all the third-party sites and the BBB to get a better understanding of the company’s customer service and the quality of their extended warranty coverage.

Step 5: Make your decision based on the reviews and ratings you have gathered. Choose the company that has good customer service and offers reliable extended warranty coverage.

Step 7: Check if there are any redemption or limit restrictions

The redemption or limit restrictions for an extended warranty depend on the contract that was originally agreed upon when the warranty was purchased. Consumers should check the expiration date and mileage limit noted in the contract, and compare how long it’s been since they purchased the cover and the current mileage on their car. They should also ensure they have kept up with the maintenance schedule and have the relevant paperwork, if applicable. To verify the status of their car’s manufacturer’s warranty, they should look up their vehicle’s identification number (VIN) and call the dealership. Finally, they can use a Carfax report to check their vehicle’s history.

Step 8: Look for recommendations from friends or family members

Step 1: Research Companies and Coverage Options: Investigate different extended warranty providers and their plans. Use third-party review sites such as ConsumerAdvocate, ConsumerAffairs, Retirement Living, Best Company, and the Better Business Bureau to evaluate each provider’s offerings and customer service ratings.

Step 2: Check Your Warranty Status: Verify that your existing warranty is still active and determine when it will expire. Many companies offer an extended warranty option, so if you’re nearing the expiration date, you can take advantage of the additional coverage.

Step 3: Compare Plans and Costs: Compare the various plans and costs offered by the different extended warranty providers you researched. Take into consideration any additional benefits, such as roadside assistance, that the provider offers.

Step 4: Choose a Provider: Once you’ve selected the best coverage plan for your needs, you should contact the provider you’ve chosen and complete the paperwork. Make sure to ask questions if you have any and confirm the terms before signing any documents.

Step 5: Pay and Activate Coverage: Once you’ve finished the paperwork, you’ll need to pay the necessary fees and activate your coverage. You should also schedule regular maintenance visits to ensure that your warranty remains valid.

What Companies Offer Vehicle Extended Warranties and What are Their Coverage Limits?

1. Manufacturer Warranties

Manufacturer warranties are guarantees provided by the vehicle’s manufacturer, typically when purchasing a new car or a manufacturer-certified pre-owned vehicle. They are generally “bumper to bumper” warranties, meaning they have very few exclusions and cover any unforeseen breakdowns within a specified period of time or mileage count. These warranties often transfer with the vehicle if the ownership is transferred.

Extended warranties are provided by third-party providers and often have more limited coverage than manufacturer warranties. They are typically personalized plans that cover repairs not covered by a factory warranty, such as oil changes and regular maintenance, but may also cover parts or components that a factory warranty does not. It is important to research a third-party extended warranty provider before signing a contract to ensure they are reputable and have good customer service.

2. Extended Warranties

An extended warranty is a type of insurance policy that provides coverage for repairs and maintenance of a car beyond the manufacturer’s warranty. Factory extended warranties typically cover major parts and systems that break down due to flaws or defects in factory-installed parts, while aftermarket warranties, also known as vehicle service contracts, cover the cost of repairs due to mechanical issues and premature breakdowns of a car’s vital components. Aftermarket extended warranties are sold by third-party vendors, dealerships, and car manufacturers, and typically range across types such as bumper-to-bumper warranties, powertrain warranties, and “secret” car warranties.

3. Powertrain Warranties

Powertrain warranties come in two varieties: factory and extended. A factory powertrain warranty typically lasts five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. It covers the parts of the vehicle that transmit and moderate power from the engine to the wheels, including the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. Specific internal parts within these systems will vary depending on the make and model of the car.

An extended powertrain warranty extends the coverage provided by a manufacturer’s powertrain warranty. It covers the same systems (engine, transmission, and drivetrain) but with more comprehensive coverage for specific parts. The specific components covered, as well as the length of the warranty, will vary depending on the provider.

4. Bumper Warranties

Bumper warranty coverage limits are the maximum amount of protection offered by a car’s comprehensive or bumper-to-bumper warranty. This type of warranty typically covers the majority of a vehicle’s components, including major parts under the hood, navigation systems, power seats, onboard computers, and various other electronics. Bumper warranties are offered by the vehicle’s original manufacturer (OEM) and may be extended for an additional fee.

The coverage limits of a bumper warranty will vary depending on the OEM and the type of vehicle. For example, a brand new 2022 Toyota C-HR comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile comprehensive warranty. Other vehicle coverage includes restraint system, corrosion, emissions, hybrid component, and electric vehicle component warranties.

Extended warranties from an OEM may include additional benefits, such as roadside assistance, but will usually mimic the coverage limits of the original warranty. In addition, some extended warranties may offer customers the option of purchasing a policy with or without a deductible.

There are a variety of companies that offer bumper warranty coverage options. These include major automotive manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda, Ford, and GM, as well as third-party companies such as CarShield, Endurance, and Warranty Direct. Many of these companies offer different levels of coverage, so it is important to do your research before purchasing a policy to ensure you are getting the coverage that is right for you.

5. Mechanical Breakdown Insurance

Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) is a type of vehicle protection insurance policy that is designed to cover unexpected repairs of major vehicle systems and components, such as the engine, drive train, transmission, brakes, exhaust, and power system. It is typically more comprehensive than a manufacturer’s warranty and is usually cheaper than an extended warranty. MBI policies usually have a deductible, and the premiums are paid monthly. Most MBI providers favor newer vehicles that are under 15 months old and have under 15,000 miles on the engine, but there are some providers that offer plans for older or classic vehicles.

Many insurance companies let you add MBI to your existing car insurance policy for about $100 a year. Alternatively, you can also open a dedicated savings account and set aside money to cover repairs if they arise. It is important to note that many warranties require a maintenance schedule to be kept up to date in order to remain valid, so regular DIY maintenance can help save money in the long run.

6. Restraint System Warranties

Restraint system warranties vary from one manufacturer to the other, but in general, they cover damage to seat belts and airbags. The C-HR, for example, carries a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty on its restraints, while Subaru models come with a seat belt warranty that covers the entire life of the car.

Additionally, some manufacturers offer corrosion, emissions, hybrid component, and electric vehicle component warranties. These warranties provide coverage for the parts and systems that are otherwise not covered by the comprehensive or bumper-to-bumper warranty and the powertrain warranty.

However, it is important to note that most warranties do not cover damage due to accident, misuse or alteration, environment, chemical treatments or aftermarket products, insufficient or improper maintenance, contaminated, improper or poor-quality fuel, and impact (e.g., flying debris). Furthermore, powertrain warranties exclude systems beyond the engine, transmission, and drivetrain, oil changes, tire rotations, engine control module sensors and connectors, secondary hosing and secondary hydraulic lines, regular wear and tear, and damage due to storms, fire, flooding, vandalism, or theft.

7. Home Warranty

A vehicle home warranty typically provides coverage for major mechanical parts such as the engine and transmission, as well as any add-ons like roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, trip interruption service, and tire protection. These extended warranties are an insurance-like policy that covers repairs or replacements of parts that fail due to normal wear and tear. Coverage also typically includes parts such as brakes, alternators, starters, and suspension. In most cases, routine maintenance is excluded from the coverage. It is important to read the contract carefully to ensure that it covers everything you need and does not exclude any important items.

8. Peripheral Warranties

Peripheral warranties are additional warranties that are sold by third party vendors and are not automatically provided by car manufacturers. These warranties provide coverage for items that may not be included in the standard manufacturer’s warranties, such as wear and tear, routine maintenance, and certain aftermarket parts and accessories. Peripheral warranties can offer various types of coverage, including powertrain warranties, which cover the engine, transmission, and other related components; roadside assistance coverage; rental car coverage; and trip interruption coverage. Some peripheral warranties may also offer additional coverage for specific parts, such as sound systems or navigation systems.

9. Roadside Assistance

An extended auto warranty, such as Endurance, offers a variety of roadside assistance services such as towing, trip interruption reimbursement and rental car coverage. These services are only applicable if a part covered by the warranty has failed, and any other limitations will depend on the particular plan. To make sure that you are not duplicating coverage, such as being a AAA member, you should also inquire about this. The Endurance Advantage plan also provides up to $3,500 for maintenance, such as oil and filter changes, alignment checks, and more, for rideshare and delivery drivers. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, 24/7 roadside assistance, and one year of Elite Benefits, including tire replacements or repairs and collision discounts.

10. Mechanical Breakdown Insurance

Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) is a type of vehicle protection insurance policy that provides coverage for unexpected mechanical issues or failures. The policy can cover major components of the vehicle such as the engine, drive train, transmission, brakes, exhaust, and power system. It is not the same as normal auto insurance which covers medical, legal, or incident-related repairs.

MBI policies usually have a certain deductible that the policyholder must pay in order to access the coverage. The amount varies from plan to plan, but can range from $0 to $500. Monthly insurance premiums are usually paid instead of yearly or upfront payments.

Companies offering mechanical breakdown insurance include Allstate, GEICO, Progressive, State Farm, and USAA.