What Does an Extended Car Warranty Cover?

An extended car warranty provides coverage for major mechanical repairs such as engine, transmission & electrical system. Learn what an extended car warranty covers & how much it costs.

What Does an Extended Car Warranty Cover?

The primary purpose of an extended warranty is to provide coverage for major mechanical repairs. This can include the engine, transmission, electrical system, and more. An extended car warranty is a protection against unexpected maintenance costs once the manufacturer's standard warranty has expired. It can be a little risky depending on whether you end up needing coverage.

You pay more up front or in your monthly payments to get that extra coverage in case something goes wrong. A comprehensive extended car warranty can cover more systems, including heating and air conditioning, steering and safety technology, and more. Some extended car warranties may also cover repairs for typical car wear and tear. On the other hand, the extended vehicle warranty is a totally optional purchase (but highly recommended).

So while insurance covers damage caused by accidents, extreme weather conditions, or even if your car is stolen, extended warranties specifically help cover the costs of covered repairs caused by normal wear and tear, in addition to applicable deductibles. What exactly an extended warranty covers depends on the type of warranty you choose. However, in general, extended warranties cover critical mechanical parts of the vehicle, including the engine, transmission, axles, and gaskets. Cheap extended warranties usually cover a list of transmission components.

The most expensive plans usually cover everything EXCEPT for a select list of exclusions, most of which aren't related to streaming. Endurance covers vehicles up to 20 years old, and all plans include roadside assistance and key fob replacement. Before you sign anything, you'll want to be clear about exactly what invoices the warranty will cover. The cost of extended warranties can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars a year, but you'll likely pay thousands.

Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) is similar to an extended car warranty in that it pays for repairs and replacements of defective car parts. Second, for most car manufacturers, you should buy any extended warranty coverage for cars while the factory warranty is still active. A comprehensive warranty is often the most comprehensive extended warranty you can purchase. Extended warranties are a great way to protect yourself from unexpected repair costs due to normal wear and tear on your vehicle.

They provide peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong with your car after the manufacturer's warranty has expired, you will be covered for repairs or replacements. The exact cost of an extended car warranty depends on several factors such as the condition of the car, the mileage of the car, and the amount of coverage included in the warranty. It may make more sense to save money each month so that you can cover the cost of repairs yourself in case something breaks. If the factory warranty doesn't meet your needs, you can purchase an extended warranty for longer or more complete coverage for mechanical or electrical faults.

The specific details may vary depending on the CarShield plan that drivers purchase but this list provides a good example of CarShield coverage. Extended warranties cover general wear and tear issues but the specific components that are covered will ultimately depend on the chosen protection plan and your supplier.

Célia Peals
Célia Peals

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