It’s only natural to want to drive a car that’s safe and secure on the road. While no one can promise that there won’t be unexpected problems, extended car warranties give you the peace of mind that, if a breakdown occurs, repairs won’t cost an arm and a leg.
Whether you’ve bought a new or used car, extended car warranties can cover eligible repairs. What’s more, independent companies offer both with better benefits than the ones offered by auto manufacturers.
What Is an Extended Car Warranty, Anyway?
The first time people get hit with a big car repair bill, they often wonder, “Can I submit this charge to my auto insurance company?” Unfortunately, that’s not possible. But with extended car warranties, a major repair bill can be eligible.
New car warranties provided by the manufacturer often start at three years and 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. These cover repairs on major components and are offered by manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda, Chrysler, Ford, and Chevrolet. If you drive more than 12,000 miles a year, these warranties won’t last the full three-year period. While some other manufacturers offer excellent warranties, none of them last forever.
Extended car warranties and used car warranties are like insurance policies for your car’s mechanical systems. In the event of unexpected breakdowns and repair bills, they’ll cover the cost of the repairs, minus a deductible.
Don’t just accept the warranty offered by a manufacturer. Many of them are extremely complex, with exclusions that could rule out the very repair your car may eventually require. Before you buy, always check the fine print and see if a repair may be excluded or if there are other restrictions hidden in the policy.
Independent Car Warranties Offer Flexible Options
Most, if not all, manufacturer warranties require you to go to select dealerships to have your car repaired — potentially a different dealership than where you bought your car. Extended car warranties offered by independent companies provide more flexibility with regard to where and when you get your car repaired.
An extended car warranty offered by a manufacturer is also unlikely to offer a money-back guarantee, something that independent car warranty companies frequently offer.
You can also get flexible payment options and terms from an independent car warranty company that manufacturer extended warranties don’t offer. Finally, you may be able to get 24/7 roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement as part of an independent extended car warranty plan.
Why Should You Get an Extended or Used Car Warranty Plan?
A 2017 survey by AAA found that over 60 million Americans didn’t have enough money saved to cover a major car repair bill averaging $600 or more. Another AAA survey discovered that over 30 million people postponed or ignored regular car maintenance, which could lead to expensive breakdowns and repairs.
While the average car repair bill averages about $600, a fuel pump repair could cost anywhere between $900 and $2,000, and transmission repairs could cost between $3,000 and $5,000. Repairs involving the engine control unit can also run in the thousands of dollars.
Many manufacturers offer warranty plans that cover some parts for limited periods of time and mileage. If you drive more than the miles the manufacturer’s warranty specifies, you will run out of warranty coverage quicker than you think.
Keep Your Car Safe With Protect My Car
Whether you need a used car extended warranty or want to extend your new car’s warranty coverage from the manufacturer, extended warranties from independent companies can provide the flexibility you need in benefits, costs, and coverage.
Protect My Car offers flexible plans that can meet your needs and fit your budget, along with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Request a free quote on an extended car warranty plan from Protect My Car today!
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.