Are Extended Warranties Worth the Investment?

Extended warranties can be beneficial in some cases but should be carefully considered before investing in one. Learn more about how long you plan to keep your car and compare prices and research repair costs.

Are Extended Warranties Worth the Investment?

Extended warranties are often seen as a waste of money, but they can be a great investment for those who want to keep their car for a long time. Products don't usually break on their own, and when they do, the cost of repairs is often lower than what you would spend on an extended warranty. These policies are big business for those who offer them, but they're not always the best choice for the consumer. When considering whether or not to invest in an extended car warranty, it's important to think about how long you plan to keep your car.

Costly repairs can be a major deterrent to driving a car you love, especially if those repairs interfere with the car's safety. However, it's almost always more cost-effective to repair your car than to buy a new one. Vehicle longevity is an important factor when analyzing the pros and cons of extended car warranties.An extended warranty provides coverage once the factory warranty has expired. It's important to note that extended warranties are not considered guarantees under federal regulations and lack the legal protection of true warranties.

Technically, they are vehicle service contracts that cover repairs for a certain period of time. First of all, the warranty usually costs more than it is worth, especially on low-end electronic devices, where it would be cheaper to replace them in a few years than to repair them. The extended warranty covers the costs of repairing or replacing an eligible appliance when something goes wrong. Extended warranties offer peace of mind, customizable coverage and professional repair. Because extended warranties don't cover pre-existing problems, waiting periods are set up to ensure that the vehicle is operating properly before coverage begins. Here are some tips that will help you decide if the extended warranty offered is good value for money: compare the cost of the extended warranty with the cost of the appliance and the average repair costs for that appliance; consider all the pros and cons of extended car warranties before committing to a dealer or warranty company; and it's generally best not to buy an extended warranty when buying a car, since you won't be using it for several years. If you want to budget for a small monthly fee instead of having to pay a huge and unexpected repair bill when a breakdown occurs, extending your warranty can be a good investment.

And it's important to remember that selling extended warranties can offer retailers a substantial increase in profits, so there's an enormous incentive to sell them. However, they do cover many parts that propulsion system warranties don't cover, such as electronics, air conditioning, suspension and sound system. It is estimated that two out of five people opt for an extended warranty, which can add up to 24 percent to the final purchase price. Most extended warranties require the purchase while the original appliance warranty is still in effect. If you're afraid of having to pay for repairs, deposit half the cost of an extended warranty into your savings account.

Extended warranty coverage can vary a lot, so be sure to carefully review the details of the specific warranty before you buy. All Hyundai, Kia and Mitsubishi vehicles come with full five-year or 60,000 mile warranties and 10-year or 100,000 mile powertrain warranties, whichever comes first. In conclusion, extended warranties can be beneficial in some cases but should be carefully considered before investing in one. It's important to compare prices and research repair costs before making any decisions.

Célia Peals
Célia Peals

General twitter advocate. Extreme tv enthusiast. Certified web buff. Certified bacon fanatic. Infuriatingly humble coffee fanatic. Hardcore zombie enthusiast.