The Chevy Extended Warranty (also known as the Chevy Protection plan) does not cover regular batteries. Electric/hybrid batteries are handled separately and are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles by the limited warranty.
Seems simple enough, right?
Not quite.
Before I make many of you confused with a lot of words, I’m going to back up and use a chart to explain this instead. You can thank me later.
Again, this is for the standard battery. You know, the one that provides the initial juice to start your gasoline powered engine.
We’ll talk about EV/Hybrid batteries in just a second, don’t you worry.
| Warranty Type | Warranty Length | Battery Covered? |
| Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles | Yes |
| “Extended” Limited Warranty* | 5 years / 60,000 miles | Yes |
| Powertrain Limited Warranty | 5 years /60,000 miles | No |
| Chevy Protection Plans (All Tiers) | Up to 150,000 miles. No year limit. | No |
So there’s your (sort of) answer. But, if you want me to actually explain this answer, let’s dig a big deeper so you can understand what this actually means.
What’s The Difference Between A Basic Warranty And An Extended Warranty?
I see a lot of confusion with these terms, so let’s get very clear about the differences!
Limited Warranties Are “Included” As Part Of Buying Your Vehicle
A limited warranty (also known as a manufacturer’s warranty) is a manufacturer’s promise to stand behind a vehicle that they make.
Manufacturer warranties are regulated by the Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act, and as such are legally required to be available for you to read before you buy, even if you’re shopping online. Coverage varies, so you can compare the extent of warranty coverage just as you compare the style, price, and other characteristics of products.
The main difference between a manufacturer warranty and an extended warranty is the cost. A manufacturer’s warranty is included in the purchase price.
If the warranty costs extra, you’re buying an “extended warranty”, which we’ll cover in just a second.
The other major difference is a manufacturer’s warranty can only come from the company that manufacturers the good that you’re buying. A 3rd party company cannot offer you a manufacturer warranty. They can only offer you an “extended warranty”.
There’s one other difference between a manufacturer warranty and an extended warranty that does come up sometimes: differences in coverage. Now, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes an extended warranty can have the same coverage as the manufacturer’s warranty.
Generally, these will be known as bumper-to-bumper extended warranties, or “comphrenensive” coverage plans.
However, in many cases, an extended warranty will cover fewer components than a limited warranty.
Extended “Warranties” Are Extra Add Ons
The main difference between an extended warranty (also known as a vehicle service contract, or vehicle protection plan) and a manufacturer warranty is that an extended warranty always costs extra.
When you’re buying a car, if the salesman offers you a chance to sign up for an additional warranty, know that you’re signing up for an extended warranty.
Another major differnece between an extended warranty and a regular warranty is what voids it.
Most manufacturer warranties cannot be discharged or canceled. In fact, the Magnusson-Moss Warranty act regulates this specifically, and puts manufacuters on a tighter leash.
Extended warranties are not actually warranties, so they aren’t regulated by this law.
Typically, this means more responsibility for you. Most extended warranty providers want to see you consistently maintaining your vehicle. Not too long ago, I actually wrote an article about the long list of what can void your extended warranty, which you can read by clicking that link.
The last major difference is who sells extended warranties. While most vehicle manufacturers offer their own extended warranty (with exceptions like Kia, which uses a 3rd party provider), most extended warranties are sold by finance and insurance companies.
Besides our own extended warranty plans, you’ll find extended warranties offered by companies like Ally Financial, Endurance, and even AAA.
In other words, you have a whole heck of a lot more selection then you would if you were just buying a manufacturer warranty.
Extended warranties also have direct and indirect providers – which is something you HAVE to know about if you plan on buying one.
What Is A Direct Warranty Provider?
A direct warranty provider is a warranty company that administrates and services its own claims, legally speaking. What that means, is when a direct warranty provider sells you an extended warranty, they are responsible for paying your claims, as well as handling any customer service issues that arise.
Direct providers can offer lower prices for their plans and better customer service because everything is handled in house.
Other extended warranty companies aren’t selling their own plans. When you buy a policy with them, they then transfer the responsibility for your future claims to a 3rd party finance company. They get paid, and then that finance company that you didn’t choose becomes the legal entity responsible for paying your claims.
A lot of non-manufacturer/non-finance companies do this.
If you’ve seen the Carshield “Ice-T” commercial recently, you’ve seen a great example of a non-direct provider. Carshield sells policies for American Auto Shield.
This can be a huge hassle. Claims take longer to get paid, and we’ve seen prices that are more expensive.
That’s not to mention that the 3rd party finance company has no connection to you as a human being and has every financial incentive to pay as little as possible on your claim.
With over 13 years in this business, everyone will tell you that choosing a direct warranty provider is the best way to go. You’ll avoid getting a run around from claims agents, and instead will get help from a real person who wants to see you off smiling.
What About The Chevrolet EV/Hybrid Battery Warranty?
I promised I would get to this, and now it’s time for me to deliver the goods.
The Chevy EV battery vehicles (Chevrolet Volt, Bolt EV, and Malibu Hybrid) have their battery covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
From the contract handbook:
For vehicles sold in the United States, in addition to the Bumper-to-Bumper Coverage described previously, Chevrolet will warrant certain components for each Chevrolet Volt, and Bolt EV, and Malibu Hybrid for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, from the original in-service date of the vehicle, against warrantable repairs to the specific electric propulsion components of the vehicle.
This warranty is for the Chevrolet Volt, Bolt EV, and Malibu Hybrid vehicles registered and normally operated in the United States. In addition to the initial owner of the vehicle, the coverage described in this Chevrolet Volt, Bolt EV, and Malibu Hybrid warranty is transferable at no cost to any subsequent person(s) who assumes ownership of the vehicle within the 8 years or 100,000 miles term.
No deductibles are associated with this warranty. This warranty is in addition to the express conditions and warranties described previously. The coverage and benefits described under “New Vehicle Limited Warranty” are not extended or altered because of this special Hybrid Component Warranty. What Is Covered
Chevy Warranty Handbook
The Chevy Hyrbid Battery Warranty also provides a bunch of other fun benefits including:
This warranty covers repairs to Hybrid specific component defect related to materials or workmanship occurring during the 8 years or 100,000 miles term for the following:
Towing: During the 8 years or 100,000 miles Hybrid warranty period, towing is covered to the nearest Chevrolet servicing dealer if your vehicle cannot be driven because of a Hybrid specific defect. Contact the GM Roadside Assistance Center for towing.
Drive Motor Battery Coverage Propulsion Battery Warranty Policy (Chevrolet Volt and Bolt EV):Like all batteries, the amount of energy that the high voltage “propulsion” battery can store will decrease with time and miles driven. Depending on use, the battery may degrade as little as 10% to as much as 40% of capacity over the warranty period. If there are questions pertaining to battery capacity, a dealer service technician could determine if the vehicle is within parameters. Hybrid Battery (Malibu Hybrid) The hybrid battery and internal components, modules, and fan are covered for the duration of the Hybrid warranty period.
Repair (If Necessary) Chevrolet has a network of certified dealers who are trained to perform repairs on Volt, Bolt EV, and Malibu Hybrid, if your vehicle needs battery service.
Replace (If Necessary) If warranty repair requires replacement, the high voltage battery may be replaced with either a new or factory refurbished high voltage battery with an energy capacity (kWh storage) level at or within approximately 10% of that of the original battery at the time of warranty repair. Your Electric Propulsion battery warranty replacement may not return your vehicle to an “as new” condition, but it will make your vehicle fully operational appropriate to its age and mileage.
Other Electric/Hybrid Components Covered: High Voltage Wiring, Hybrid Powertrain and Battery Control Modules, Air Compressor Control Module (Except Malibu Hybrid), Accessory DC Power Control Module, High Voltage Battery Disconnect Control Module, Drive Motor Generator Power Invertor Module, and Battery Charger Control Module are covered for the duration of the Hybrid warranty period.
Regenerative Braking System: The Brake Modulator Assembly, used for regenerative braking, is covered for the duration of the Hybrid warranty period.
Electric/Hybrid Drive Unit: Electric drive unit assembly electric motors, and all internal components, including the auxiliary fluid pump, auxiliary pump controller, electric motor and 3-phase cables.
All in all, it’s a pretty sweet deal for any electric driver.
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