How to Protect Your Older Vehicle with a Warranty

Posted by Rob A on August 21st, 2019

A car warranty is a great way to protect a new car against manufacturer defects and unusual problems that may arise, but many vehicles outlive the original warranty, leaving car owners with the uncertainty that often accompanies an aging vehicle. Fortunately, an extended vehicle warranty can provide the protection and peace of mind you want. Here are some things to consider about a new extended vehicle warranty.

How Extended Warranties Work

An extended warranty is basically any warranty you purchase for your car once the original manufacturer's warranty has expired. These warranties can be purchased for many vehicles, depending on the age and mileage of the vehicle. Most warranty companies have different levels of coverage depending on these factors. When you contact a warranty company they'll get the information about your vehicle and then help you choose a coverage plan. You'll be given a contract that spells out the details of the coverage so that you'll know exactly what is or isn't covered.

Basic Coverage to Look For

Most significant repairs happen outside of the manufacturer coverage period, so it's important to look at the cost of certain repairs when choosing your extended coverage. The most expensive repairs like engine and transmission should definitely be included in your warranty, but there are other things to consider as well like the cooling system, drive axle, and transfer case. It's usually more difficult to find coverage for systems that are more likely to break down in an older vehicle like the AC or electrical system. However, these systems are often covered in vehicles that have less than 150,000 miles or less than 15 years in age. If your car isn't old or high in mileage but has passed the manufacturer warranty time limit, you may want to consider a warranty that's basically like an extended manufacturer's warranty to cover most things on the vehicle.

Additional Benefits

The most obvious benefit of an extended vehicle warranty is that you stand to save thousands of dollars, regardless of how old your vehicle is. There are other perks to consider as well. Warranty plans usually include additional benefits that make your life easier in a breakdown or when you need to repair your car. These include roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and a 24-hour helpline. You may even be able to choose your repair facility and transfer the warranty if you sell the vehicle while the warranty is still valid.