Purchasing a warranty for your car can help you manage unexpected repair costs and protect your vehicle from ongoing mechanical issues. Before choosing a warranty, it can be beneficial to review your options and learn about different providers to ensure you choose a plan you like with a provider you trust. Read on for a breakdown of the warranties provided by Fidelity Warranty Services so you can decide if a Fidelity car warranty is right for you.
What Is a Car Warranty?
A car warranty is a policy for your vehicle that offers financial coverage if your car breaks down unexpectedly. Most new cars come with factory warranties, which are warranties from the manufacturer that guarantee they’ll pay for repairs needed during regular use. These warranties cover most issues that occur within the duration of the warranty as long as your insurance hasn’t already paid for it and a collision or regular wear did not cause it and tear. Essentially, car warranties help automakers keep their promises about quality and reliability while protecting customers from costly repair bills.
Most factory warranties expire after three to five years of car ownership or 35,000 to 60,000 miles of use, whichever milestone comes first. However, you can purchase an extended warranty, or vehicle service contract, to extend your warranty coverage long after the initial warranty period. You can buy these warranties from car dealerships, manufacturers, or private companies. Understanding your options for auto warranties might help you pick the best policy for your vehicle.
What Is Fidelity Warranty Services?
Fidelity Warranty Services is an organization that provides auto warranties to car owners to help minimize the cost of potential repairs and roadside assistance. Their plans are available at 3,800 dealerships across the country, but they’re not available everywhere. Check with dealerships in your area to learn if you can purchase a plan with Fidelity Warranty Services. You can get an individual quote from your dealer, but the price of a Fidelity car warranty might be influenced by the following factors:
- The make and model of your car
- Your car’s age and mileage
- Your location
- The plan you select
- The deductible you select ($0, $50, $100, or $250 per repair visit)
- The dealership where you purchase your plan
Fidelity Vehicle Service Contract
Fidelity’s Vehicle Service Contract is the organization’s standard extended warranty option. There are three different levels available, and you can pick the one that aligns with your needs and budget. Here are the three plans available and a summary of the protections they offer:
- Powertrain Coverage Plan: covers qualifying repairs on the engine, transmission, transfer case, transaxle, drive axle, and a series of electric or hybrid motor parts
- Gold Coverage Plan: covers all the same parts as the Powertrain Coverage Plan and adds qualifying repairs on the transmission, cooling, steering, front and rear suspension, air conditioning, and a variety of electrical components
- Platinum Coverage Plan: covers qualifying repairs on any part of your car aside from the parts listed in the Vehicle Service Contract exclusions (like tires, wheels, and most batteries)
For a comprehensive breakdown of every plan’s terms and conditions, review the information on Fidelity Warranty Services’ website or contact a representative. You can visit any licensed repair shop in the country for your repairs, and Fidelity partners with 6,000 authorized service centers. All three plans also include the following features:
- Towing coverage: reimbursement if you have to hire a tow service to bring your vehicle to the repair facility
- Fluids coverage: assistance paying for new fluids like coolant, oil, and lubricants
- Alternative transportation coverage: $40 per day for up to 10 days for a rental car, ride shares, or public transportation services while your car’s broken down
There’s also a version of Fidelity Warranty Services’ Vehicle Service Contract that’s exclusively tailored toward vehicles with high mileage. The terms of these plans differ from the traditional Vehicle Service Contract. You can pick from the following two plans when purchasing a High Mileage Vehicle Service Contract with Fidelity:
- Drivetrain Plus Coverage: covers qualifying repairs on the engine, drive axle, transmission, transaxle, transfer case, and a series of electric or hybrid motor parts
- Owner Select Coverage: covers all the same parts as the Drivetrain Plus Coverage and adds brakes, air conditioning, steering parts, and additional hybrid and plug-in electric components
Other Fidelity Car Warranty Plans
Fidelity offers a variety of other warranties that might meet your needs, including:
- Road Hazard Tire & Wheel Protection: If your tire gets damaged due to bumps, potholes, or debris on the road, Fidelity can help you pay for a fix or a new tire altogether.
- Road Hazard Tire & Wheel Protection Bundle: You can upgrade your plan to include additional protections, like windshield replacement or dent removal.
- Term Care Select: This plan adds extra protection to an existing warranty for items factory warranties typically exclude, such as batteries or headlamps.
- Car Care Service Plan: You can purchase Fidelity’s Car Care Service Plan to get assistance with routine maintenance and inspections.
- Theft Deterrent System: Fidelity also sells a series of anti-theft technology to help reduce the chances of your car being stolen.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Fidelity Car Warranty
Here are some of the advantages of purchasing a Fidelity car warranty:
- Variety of options: With an array of plans that offer different levels of coverage and deductibles, it’s easy to customize a plan that works for you and your vehicle.
- Good reviews: Fidelity has received awards and high ratings for providing reliable service to customers.
- Available nationwide: If you have a Fidelity plan, you can access your coverage across the United States and Canada.
- Transferrable: You can easily transfer a Fidelity warranty to a new owner if you sell your car.
Here are some disadvantages to consider before committing to a Fidelity car warranty:
- Only available at dealerships: You have to purchase your Fidelity plan through a participating dealership, and it might not be available at all dealerships.
- No 24/7 claims support: Fidelity’s claims department is only available from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, so if you face a breakdown outside of these hours you may have to wait to speak with somebody.
Warranties can grant you peace of mind and help you manage unexpected repair bills. Whether you’re purchasing a car from the dealership or researching extended warranty plans to re-up your coverage, researching car warranty providers can help you pick the right plan for you. With flexible options and positive reviews, a Fidelity car warranty might be a suitable option.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
