Whether you drive a compact car, a spacious SUV, or a large truck, you should consider purchasing a vehicle warranty. Obtaining competitive terms for your extended warranty has never been easier, thanks to free car warranty quote services. All you need to do is provide some basic information about you and your vehicle, and you’ll be able to compare the coverage that’s on offer from a range of companies.
Types of Extended Warranty to Consider
An extended warranty is a vehicle protection plan designed to cover the cost of repairs after your factory warranty expires. On many vehicles, the bumper-to-bumper warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles of driving. You can continue to receive the same coverage with an extended warranty or choose a vehicle service contract with more limited protection.
Some common types of extended warranty you should consider include:
- Bumper-to-bumper warranty: This type of protection will cover the cost of repairs to almost all components in your vehicle, apart from typical exclusions such as windshield wipers. These plans are the most comprehensive warranties on offer.
- Powertrain warranty: A power train or transmission warranty protects your vehicle’s engine, transmission, driveshaft, and axles. Since repairs to these parts of a vehicle can often be very expensive, a powertrain warranty can save you money in the long run.
- Corrosion warranty: As its name suggests, corrosion warranties cover the cost of repairs resulting from the corrosion of your car’s bodywork. Many plans only cover repairs due to corrosion that causes perforation.
In addition to these standard types of vehicle warranty, you have the option of creating a custom warranty. Some service contract providers allow you to specify the parts you want covered under your plan. This type of protection is often referred to as stated or named component coverage. While named component coverage has the advantage of allowing you to tailor your plan to your specific desires, the downside is that repairs to components that are not explicitly mentioned in your warranty may not be covered.
Factors Affecting Car Warranty Quotes
Each car warranty company has its own method of calculating the cost of your warranty. However, there are several key issues that will have the most impact on the final cost you’ll pay:
- The make and model of your car: Some vehicles are more expensive to maintain and repair than others. For example, a luxury car such as a Porsche or BMW is going to cost more to cover than a Chevy Equinox or Honda Civic.
- Your driving mileage: The higher the mileage on your odometer, the more expensive it’s likely to be to secure a warranty for your car. That’s because vehicles are more prone to requiring auto repairs as they get older.
- Your driving habits: Do you drive your car or SUV for work or leisure? How many miles do you typically drive each year? These are the types of questions warranty providers will consider when determining how much to charge.
How to Compare Free Car Warranty Quotes
Carefully comparing the warranty quotes you’re offered is important to ensure that you end up with the type of coverage you want. An online comparison provides you with all the key information you need to make an informed decision, such as the price of the vehicle service contract, its length, and the extent of its coverage.
Some people feel pressured into buying an extended warranty when they purchase their vehicle at an auto dealership. Buying a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle is exciting, so it’s easy to add on a vehicle service contract without thinking too much about it. While there’s nothing wrong in principle with warranties offered at a dealership, you may find better terms by taking the time to compare your options.
Cost will be an important factor when you’re comparing your warranty quotes, but it’s not the only thing to consider. While you may be tempted to choose the cheapest warranty option to save money, you may find that you end up spending more cash in the long run if your service contract doesn’t cover the work you need done on your car. Without the necessary coverage, you’ll have to pay the cost of parts and labor out of your own pocket.
Paying for Your Warranty
Once you’ve chosen the car warranty quote that’s right for you, you have several payment options. These include:
- Monthly payments: The company providing your warranty will set a monthly rate that you pay to them for the lifetime of your vehicle’s warranty.
- Auto loan: The cost of some warranties can be added to your auto loan, which means you’ll pay interest on the overall cost. This payment option is common if your warranty is provided by the dealership where you bought your car.
- Credit card: You can use your credit card to pay for the warranty in full. This payment option will be subject to the interest rate charged by your card provider.
Benefits of an Extended Warranty
If you’re still unsure about whether to buy an extended warranty, take a look at some of the benefits it can bring you:
- Security: You won’t have to worry about how to afford an unexpected bill when you visit an auto repair shop. Instead, your warranty can take the financial hit.
- Value: When it comes time to sell your car, you can transfer the extended warranty to the new owner. This may help you obtain a better price for your vehicle than you’d get for one without a service contract.
- Reliability: Many warranty providers allow you to take your vehicle to a range of auto repair shops across the country. Others may offer you coverage at service centers certified by a specific automaker. This flexibility can ensure you get assistance when you need it most.
The process of securing free car warranty quotes, reviewing your options, and finalizing the terms of your vehicle service contract involves a few simple steps. Taking the time to decide which type of coverage meets your needs and selecting a reputable provider can make all the difference in ensuring that you get a protection plan you can depend on for years to come.
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.
