Paying out-of-pocket for high auto repair bills is challenging for many consumers. Purchasing an extended car warranty helps keep more money in your pocket and protect you from unexpected expenses. Different types of car warranties are available to choose from, but what is the best extended car warranty for your needs?
Understanding advantages and limitations for various types of car warranties helps you make an educated, money-saving decision. Do bumper to bumper warranty plans cover everything? What is the best used car warranty for my car and budget? Read ahead for an informative guide on how to keep more money in your pocket with auto warranties.
Purchasing an extended auto warranty beyond the reach of your original manufacturer’s warranty requires careful consideration of various factors. You want the best, most comprehensive coverage available.
You also want to avoid overpaying for unneeded coverage options. A bumper to bumper warranty is the most comprehensive option, but does it actually cover repair costs and services for all parts on your vehicle?
The concept of bumper to bumper coverage is often misleading for drivers purchasing an extended warranty. The issue is similar to the confusion created by certain auto insurance terms.
For example, comprehensive auto insurance is not comprehensive to the point it covers everything, but due to its name is frequently confused with full-coverage policies. These specific types of warranty for cars protect you against manufacturer-based defects but not necessarily everything between your bumpers.
Still, comprehensive auto insurances are the most comprehensive warranties available today. What types of costs and expenses are covered and not covered by bumper to bumper warranties?
Most warranties have expiration dates. Bumper to bumper coverage typically lasts for three years or 36,000 miles, depending on what comes first. This type of warranty for cars protects you against manufacturer-based defects in original materials or workmanship related generally to parts/systems fitted at manufacturing plants.
For example, steering, electrical, suspension and braking systems are commonly included in bumper to bumper warranties. Heating, cooling and fuel delivery systems are also commonly included as are engine control modules, engine, transmission, safety and certain emissions systems.
Parts commonly not covered in a bumper to bumper warranty include tires, brake/turn signal lights, wiper blades and glass. Essentially, all parts subjected to typical wear-and-tear damage such as brake pads/rotors, body panels, paint and interior trim are not covered.
Regular maintenance services such as oil changes and damage caused by you during an accident are also not usually covered. Damage sustained during racing or other competitions, during routine maintenance and all vehicles declared as totaled by an insurance company are further not protected by most bumper to bumper coverage. Each warranty provider has proprietary company policies, however.
For example, the Honda Care Sentinel warranty includes oil changes. Certain Mitsubishi and Hyundai bumper to bumper warranties last for five years or 50,000 miles, depending on which comes first.
