Basic Limited Warranty Also called bumper-to-bumper coverage, this warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship on many parts of the car. This is an exclusionary guarantee that often excludes wear and tear elements, such as brakes and tires, as well as environmental damage, such as external rust or windshields. The extended car warranty covers the cost of repairing or replacing parts of your vehicle that break down over time. A plan is useful if you're not prepared to pay for repairs, especially those that cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Your basic warranty (also known as a limited warranty or factory warranty) promises to pay for repairs to your car if the cause of the repair is due to a manufacturing defect when the car is driven normally and maintained properly. Beyond the specific limits of a factory warranty, it's important to know the details of the warranty. There are several different types of warranties for cars, and the two main categories are factory warranties and extended warranties. A VSC is a contract between you and a VSC provider or administrator that sets out what a covered repair is.
The exact parts that a car warranty covers will depend on details such as the type of warranty, the level of coverage, and the make and model of the car. With that in mind, let's dive deeper into what your basic warranty should cover and what it won't. CARCHEX plans can cover almost every component of the car, while other options only offer basic powertrain protection. These tire warranties typically last four to six years, the length of the life of the tread, or a certain number of miles.
A true bumper-to-bumper limited car warranty will cover all parts of a vehicle for a set period of time. This car warranty covers a large number of components and is offered as a factory warranty and as an extended warranty. Whether you buy a used car warranty from the car manufacturer or from an independent coverage provider such as CARCHEX, you can choose from several plans. The decision to stick with only the car manufacturer's warranty or to add additional coverage will depend on your needs and the vehicle.
The best way to determine what is covered and what is excluded by a car warranty is to read the fine print in the owner's manual or warranty brochure.
