Can You Add an Extended Warranty to a Car After Purchase?

Learn how and when you can purchase an extended car warranty after buying your vehicle.

Can You Add an Extended Warranty to a Car After Purchase?

Yes, you can always purchase an extended warranty after the manufacturer's warranty ends. However, most modern car manufacturers have a clause requiring car owners to enroll in an extended warranty program before the manufacturer's warranty program ends. If you didn't buy an extended warranty when you bought your car, you may be wondering if it's possible to buy one later on. The good news is that it is possible to purchase an extended warranty after you have purchased the car.

Most extended dealer warranties usually allow you to include the cost of coverage in the price of the vehicle. While this may seem smart in theory, it will increase the total cost of the vehicle, causing you to pay interest on the policy and therefore increasing your monthly payment and the total cost of the vehicle. You don't need or should buy an extended warranty when you buy the car from a dealer. Instead, you can look for third-party warranty providers to find more cost-effective coverage that better protects your car.

Almost every new car will come with a factory warranty from the manufacturer. Many times, this manufacturer's warranty has small print and limitations. While a new car is less likely to need repairs, it may be worthwhile for a new car owner to purchase an extended warranty once the manufacturer's warranty expires. Warranty companies base the cost of an extended car warranty on the age, mileage, make, and model of the vehicle.

An extended warranty for a new car with fewer miles may cost less than a warranty for an older vehicle with more mileage. You don't need to buy an extended car warranty at the same time as your used car. You can always buy an extended car warranty after you've researched your options to find warranty coverage that fits your budget and that's right for your vehicle. In addition, once a car manufacturer's warranty expires, average repair costs can skyrocket. While it's rare for a car not to need at least SOMETHING repaired while this coverage is in effect, drivers can be sure that the car manufacturer will cover the repair as long as the manufacturer's warranty is in effect.

However, this coverage, while often referred to as an extended warranty, is a “vehicle service contract” when provided by a person other than the car manufacturer, since only they can extend the original warranty. While buying a used car can be a money-saving measure, potentially high repair costs are a valid concern. Purchasing an extended car warranty is a great way to save money on expensive repairs and could help you keep your car running smoothly in the long run. If you buy your car from a dealer, you may have to decide if you should add the cost of the extended car warranty to the full amount of your loan. Finding the extended car warranty that best fits your needs can be a challenge due to the large selection of third-party suppliers, which probably won't fit your requirements from a quality assurance provider. Another thing to keep in mind is that you might be able to get a better deal on an extended warranty if you buy it through your dealer or third-party retailer, rather than directly from the manufacturer.

An extended car warranty from a third-party company also gives you the option to customize your coverage. Even other types of vehicles that most suppliers don't cover can get help with Endurance, such as recovered or rebuilt title vehicles, Canadian gray market vehicles, and used cars in the commercial market, such as those used by rideshare drivers or delivery people. Since the cost of owning a car has only increased, these additional protection plans are invaluable in helping. The best time to buy an extended warranty is usually when the original manufacturer's warranty is about to expire. Whether or not it's wise to buy an extended car warranty, you may undoubtedly have more than one correct answer, depending on your specific circumstances.

Célia Peals
Célia Peals

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