An extended car warranty can let you sleep easier at night, but it’s important that you select the right policy. So what are the best extended warranty plans?
Most reputable companies have a selection of policies to choose from. How to choose an extended warranty plan comes down to several factors, but essentially, you want to make sure you’re not spending too much and you have an appropriate policy for the age and model of car.
Newer Cars Require OEM Level Coverage
If your car is coming to the end of its manufacturer warranty, you’re right to be concerned about expensive failures. Due to the complex technology of modern cars, even basic failures can prove costly. For example, replacing a windshield in a car with high-tech sensors can cost as much as $1,650, which is far higher than a typical windshield replacement, around $210 to $230.
Luckily, Protect My Car’s Supreme Policy basically takes over where your OEM warranty runs out. A simple, fixed monthly fee means you enjoy the same level of protection, and all your costs are covered in the event of a breakdown.
Buying Used? Select Your Warranty Carefully
Extended warranties aren’t limited to newer cars, and you might be surprised at the level of coverage you can put in place over the phone for a much older car that is statistically twice as likely to break down. Always look for a policy tailored to older cars, though, as there are very specific things that can go wrong.
Check the small print on the cover for the engine, transmission, suspension, cooling system, and troublesome electronics. These are areas that can cost you serious money, and you need to know you’re actually covered with your monthly payment.
When looking to buy an extended auto warranty, make sure you don’t force a policy for newer cars on an older machine. You might find there are hidden costs, and your policy simply isn’t effective when you really need it.
What’s Likely To Break on Older Cars?
Engine failures, transmission lock-ups, and major oil leaks are all on the radar for a 10-year-old car, and a bill like that can often spell the end for an older car. With an extended warranty in place, you know your car will get back on the road.
Protect My Car’s Driveline Policy is available specifically for cars up to 10 years old with more than 80,000 miles on the clock. Most of the major mechanical components are covered, and you can enjoy the same 24/7 roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement program as the premium members.
If you don’t entirely trust your aging car, an extended warranty is a great way to save that particular relationship.
Is Your Car a Money-Pit? Or a Durable Old Workhorse?
Your monthly budget will obviously affect the coverage you’re looking for. But also take into account your car’s history. Is this a car that regularly has fits of histrionics and threatens to break down at every intersection? Or is it a car that starts on the first turn of the key and goes with you everywhere like a faithful dog?
If there’s no sign of your car breaking down, you might want to start with limited coverage. If not, you can protect yourself from that imminent bill by getting a solid policy in place.
Who Is Driving Your Car?
Do you have other people driving the car that would be vulnerable and basically lost if the car broke down? If your children drive the car or you want to know you have a safety net, then an extended warranty with roadside assistance can be a lifesaver.
Even if you run out of fuel, lock yourself out of the car, or the battery dies, you know someone is there with the answer.
What About Splitting The Bill?
If you don’t want to go to the extent of full health insurance for your car, you can opt for halfway house policies with some companies. Essentially, it’s a co-pay system, where you pay a much lower monthly premium and you get a portion of the costs of repairs and labor covered in the event of a failure.
It’s an increasingly popular option for customers that don’t feel they need full coverage but want to limit their exposure to an expensive failure.
Protect My Car Has the Warranty Plan for You
No matter what car you drive or how old it is, there’s a policy that could save you money and get you back on the road without a surprise bill. Get in touch today and find out how Protect My Car can take the pain out of auto repairs.
Protect My Car is a vehicle service contract provider, also referred to as extended car warranty provider, with multiple coverage plans for new and used vehicles with low to higher mileage to help meet your needs and budget. Protect My Car customers work directly with the company for customer service, claims administration and contract financing. No middleman or the need for third-party approval. All Protect My Car Plans include best-in-class claims and customer support, 24/7 roadside assistance, free oil changes and tire rotations and the exclusive PMC Rewards Plan, providing daily deals, giveaways, coupons, and thousands of ways to save money every day. Protect My Car has a 30-day money-back guarantee.