Selecting An Extended Car Warranty

By Author: Steve Khzakia
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People hear so much about bumper-to-bumper, cradle-to-grave coverage in new car commercials that they can be forgiven for thinking it means eternal coverage with no exceptions, exclusions or fine print. As some felonious businessmen discovered, it is possible to write third-party extended car warranties for used and new vehicles in such a way as to cover just about nothing. Reputable carmakers, dealers and third-party warranty firms, of course, are numerous, and have various kinds of plans to fit most every car owner's situation. Your primary activity should be investigating all the factors that affect your decision, and before you begin the process of selecting an extended car warranty.

Whether you are going to buy your extended coverage from the dealer or a third-party firm, you being by researching the car(s) you are interested in purchasing (or the one you own already). This means finding out about its specific repair history, the most vulnerable parts, the most common problems and so forth. Then, too, you need to take into consideration your driving habits, the weather where you live and/or drive, the length of time ...
... you expect to own the car, the size and reach of the dealer network, and so on. You also need to familiarize yourself with the language and meaning of car warranties in general, which you can do on the Internet - or your garage, reading the paperwork you stuck in the glove box when you got your current car.

What to look for
Remember, you must prepare beforehand and be ready when you start sitting down with salesmen and finance managers at dealerships. Even if you are buying an extended warranty for a car you already own, and from a third-party firm, you still need to do your homework and show up properly prepared. Selecting a warranty means you will have to read several of them, and you need to do so carefully, not under pressure. If necessary, take the contracts home, but if you can, go over them thoroughly at the dealerships or warranty company offices to speed the process somewhat.

You are mainly looking for two general categories of things - what IS covered, and what IS NOT covered. Even bumper-to-bumper plans can have serious and unexpected exclusions and procedures full of red tape. You want a contract that is straightforward, easy to understand and simple to use. Even then, you will need to be familiar with the terminology and the tactics, which is why you are reading this article (and should plan on getting much more information). There are certain specific areas that have been problematic for some people, and need special attention.

Special attention needed
There is normally a "wear and tear" clause, sometimes an entire section. You need to know how this is determined, and it may be a problem if this definition is not part of the contract document. For limited engine/powertrain coverage, this may not be a big problem, since these systems are the most long lasting and robust on the great majority of cars on American roads. On the other hand, if the transmission is excluded, that should be a big red flag, since when they do fail they are costly to replace.

You must continue to pay attention to your "ownership profile," too, particularly the length of time you own cars. If you only have cars for a few years, it may not be necessary to get complete, and more costly, coverage. On the other hand, if the history of your car model indicates that it may need frequent repairs, and you plan on keeping it, that bumper-to-bumper coverage starts looking better and better. Again, this decision has a number of factors to it, and you have to weigh them against each other and arrive at the best decision for your particular circumstances.

Other considerations
Your primary goal is selecting an extended car warranty that best fits you and your car, in all the different ways discussed in this article. This means you have to invest some time and effort if you want to get the best deal - but that's always the case, no matter what it is you are buying. You should be done, or nearly so, with all your research before you start car shopping. Keep your options open, too, by narrowing down the list of third-party firms before you show up at the car lots. There's no law that says you have to buy your extended warranty from the dealer, and if the salesmen know you're an informed consumer with options in hand, it strengthens your bargaining position.

Don't forget that what you do after you buy the extended warranty also matters a great deal. Proper vehicle maintenance will help you avoid many expensive repairs, and the simplest things imaginable - keeping your tires inflated correctly, changing the oil and other fluids, having clean filters (air, fuel, oil), using the right grade of fuel - can have a profound effect on the health and longevity of your vehicle. Follow the service schedule for your model, and make sure to do whatever the warranty requires to keep it in force. When you take this evidence-based approach to extended warranties, you will more than likely end up with the right one, and with it comes the cool, calm, collected feeling that "you're covered." It's a good feeling!
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Endurance Warranty.com has been helping car owners save money and gain peace of mind for almost twenty years. You won't find a more affordable or more comprehensive group of extended exteneded auto warranties plans anywhere. Nor will you find more knowledgeable or friendly staff to help you find the warranty for you. Visit online today.