Understanding Your Auto Warranty Options
12.09.09
Protecting your vehicle is of the utmost interest and importance to you. Therefore, it is vital that you know your options in this area. What is a vehicle warranty? How do they work? What’s the difference between a manufacturer’s warranty and an extended car warranty? These are all important questions that must be answered. The level of protection afforded your vehicle encompasses much more than regular maintenance. While oil changes and tire rotations are undeniably important, your car warranties will protect you in case of serious failure.
Manufacturer’s Warranty
This is the traditional image of an auto warranty. It is a “bumper-to-bumper” warranty, covering almost everything conceivable. Whether you have a transmission failure, your rear glass begins leaking, your bumper paint begins to flake off for no discernable reason or your engine slings a rod, this warranty provides you with vital protection and enormous savings.
There is no deductible with your manufacturer’s warranty, giving you even more monetary savings. However, the problem with these warranties is that they tend to be short lived. Most warranties are good for three years or 36,000 miles, though some are longer. Some vehicles provide bumper-to-bumper protection for 36,000 miles, but provide power train coverage up to 80 or 100,000 miles. These are somewhat rare, though.
Your manufacturer’s warranty is an important item and should be used to cover anything possible that goes wrong. You will find there are very few things (other than general maintenance) that are not covered here.
Extended Warranty
An extended warranty takes the place of the manufacturer’s warranty after it expires. These are a bit different from what you might picture as “warranty coverage.” In fact, they act more like an insurance plan than a warranty. For instance, you must purchase this coverage, above the cost of the vehicle. Second, you must meet a deductible to use this warranty.
However, the worth of an extended warranty program should not be discounted. These programs can be undeniably beneficial, particularly for those with older vehicles, whose manufacturer’s warranty has expired. When considering an extended warranty, there are quite a few things that should be investigated, prior to signing on the dotted line.
For instance, you must first determine how much coverage you want. This level of coverage will dictate how much the warranty costs you. You must also determine how much deductible you want. This will play a role in the cost, as well. Of course, you should also ensure that you know what items are covered and under what conditions this coverage is supplied.
Warranties are vitally important and should be one of the first investments you make for your vehicle. If you decide to purchase a used vehicle, you should opt for an extended warranty to help protect you.
Tags: auto warranty, car warranty, extended car warranty, vihicle warranty