Can You Buy an Extended Warranty for Your Car at Any Time?

Learn about purchasing an extended car warranty at any time and how it can benefit you.

Can You Buy an Extended Warranty for Your Car at Any Time?

Technically, they are vehicle service contracts to repair a vehicle for a certain period of time. You can purchase extended warranties at car dealerships, vehicle manufacturers, and independent companies. Dealers often suggest buying an extended warranty when buying a car, but you can buy one at any time. 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. Yes, AAA offers an extended warranty type. The AAA Extended Warranty Program is called the AAA Vehicle Protection Plan and covers the cost of engine, transmission, suspension, steering, and brake repairs, among other things. If you plan to keep your car until its wheels fall off, you might consider buying an extended warranty to cover repairs in the fifth and sixth year or more.

It's also worth noting that the AAA Vehicle Protection Plan is technically a service plan for vehicles, offering the same coverage as an extended warranty. This is because, as CR says, extended warranties can have a lot of drawbacks, since they rely on the small print of the contract to deny coverage for almost any reason. In addition, many third-party warranties offer coverage for used and high-mileage vehicles, which is often excluded from factory coverage. Going back to the original question, the short answer is yes - getting an extended warranty is a smart choice for car owners.

For more information, see the WalletHub guides on insurance against mechanical breakdowns and extended warranties. Used car warranties from outside companies are one way to get coverage if your vehicle's original factory warranty has expired. Olive is one of the newest players in the business and, in addition to extended warranty plans, it also offers insurance against mechanical breakdowns in California. A vehicle service contract (VSC) is often referred to as a “car warranty” or “extended car warranty”, but it is not a warranty.

Buying a used vehicle is a smart investment that allows many drivers to get more bang for their buck. An extended warranty program is a service contract offered by the manufacturer or a third-party vendor that extends the coverage of the manufacturer's warranty for the repair or replacement of parts that may break during the warranty period. CarShield is one of the leading warranty providers in the industry, offering some of the most affordable packages and, most importantly, covers all vehicles with less than 300,000 miles on the odometer - which is a big advantage for anyone who wants to buy an extended warranty at a later stage of their ownership. The answer to our original question is yes - you can purchase an extended warranty for cars at any time.

However, waiting until after your original factory coverage has expired will usually mean paying a higher premium.

Célia Peals
Célia Peals

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