When you’re buying a used car or even a new car, it is important to plan ahead for how to budget for routine vehicle maintenance and car repairs. Having an extended car warranty is one of the best ways to prepare in advance for unexpected vehicle repair bills.

However, not all extended car warranties are the same, each with its own terms and conditions. Depending on your auto protection plan policy, this could mean that not every repair is covered. It is important to understand car warranty repair limits before agreeing to any vehicle service contract (VSC) to avoid any surprises at the car repair shop.

Types of Repairs Covered Under Extended Warranties

Factory Warranty vs. Extended Car Warranty

First, it’s important to understand that an extended auto warranty is not the same as the factory warranty that comes from the manufacturer when you buy a brand-new car. The manufacturer’s warranty is sometimes referred to as a bumper-to-bumper warranty because it covers everything between the bumpers, basically guaranteeing the vehicle against any unforeseen mechanical breakdowns or defects that happen with normal wear and tear.

Unfortunately, the original factory warranty expires eventually, usually after three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. After its expiration, car owners are responsible for paying for car repairs out of pocket.

When the original warranty expires, an extended vehicle warranty becomes a beacon of hope. With an active plan de protección automática, whether from your car dealership, automaker, or a third-party provider, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that your provider will cover the repair bill for the parts you want covered.

However, the flexibility of an extended car warranty from a third-party provider allows you to build a vehicle service plan that includes the components you want covered, providing a sense of security.

What’s Covered by Extended Warranties

It is important to note that there are different types of extended warranties. Vehicle repairs that are covered under your extended car warranty are dependent on the details of your vehicle service contract. Auto protection plans range from comprehensive plans that are reminiscent of your original bumper-to-bumper warranty to basic plans, like a powertrain warranty, which covers just the basics but often the most expensive vehicle repairs, like the engine, transmission, and drivetrain.

Some common repairs that are included with an extended car warranty are:

• Car engine failure
• Transmission breakdown
• Electrical system malfunctions
• Air conditioning (A/C) or heating malfunctions
• Brake system failure
• Exhaust system issues
• Fuel system complications

Plus, there are different levels of coverage between these, making it easier for you to choose something that fits your needs and lifestyle. You can choose between an inclusionary warranty, meaning one that includes just the parts that are listed, or an exclusionary warranty, one that includes everything except the parts that are listed.

Regardless of the auto protection plan you choose, the power is in your hands. It’s crucial to read the fine print and review sample vehicle service contracts. This is where you’ll find what is (or isn’t) included, as well as term lengths, limitations, terms and conditions. Understanding these details can empower you in the claims process, ensuring you get the most out of your coverage.

Understanding Warranty Repair Limits and Exclusions

When you read the fine print of the extended warranty, take the time to look specifically for any car repair limits or exclusions. Here, you’ll find all of the important details of your contract, which can save you stress at the local car repair shop by explaining exactly what you’re paying for.

For example, most extended car warranties cover the repair or replacement of components damaged from a mechanical breakdown, meaning the part unexpectedly failed. However, wear and tear is often excluded from most vehicle extended warranties. Wear and tear are the parts that continually deteriorate over time and are expected to be regularly replaced, such as tires, windshield wipers, and brake pads.

Examples of vehicle repairs that are typically not covered in extended warranties include:

• Cosmetic issues, like scratches, dents, or paint fading
• Routine vehicle maintenance, including oil changes and tire rotations
• Wear and tear, such as brake pads, headlights, or windshield wipers
• Collision damage from motor vehicle accidents, vandalism, or theft
• Using a vehicle for unintended usage, like racing, offroading, or even neglecting the routine car maintenance schedule
• Vehicle modifications, such as using aftermarket parts or custom installations

Not only will some of these vehicle claims be denied, but they can also void your extended car warranty.

Strategies to Maximize Coverage and Avoid Gaps

There is a short list of things in life that are worse than the gut-wrenching feeling you get when you expect your expensive car repair to be covered, only to find that the part you thought was covered — isn’t.

Understanding your coverage limits can help you avoid unpleasant surprises and minimize gaps at the auto repair shop while also maximizing your benefits. When you’re looking through your vehicle service contract, look closely at these details to ensure they match your needs before signing:

• Coverage Overview: This section should tell you more about what vehicle components and systems are covered in the contract.
• Exclusions: In this section, it will outline exactly what is not included in your vehicle service contract. We recommend not skimming over this section to avoid surprises at checkout.
• Claims: Use this section to learn about how to file your extended warranty claim. Your auto protection plan may require specific documentation or any deadlines you may need to be aware of between the date of the breakdown and filing the claim.
• Limitations: In addition to exclusions, you should also be aware of any limitations or caps in your coverage amounts.
• Duration: How long will your vehicle protection plan coverage last? Check to see how long your contract is good for or for how many miles.
• Transferability: Do you plan to keep your car until the wheels fall off or sell it in a few years? If you plan to sell it within a few years, having a transferable extended car warranty can help increase the saleability of your vehicle or even improve the likelihood of getting your full asking price since it can help potential used car buyers feel confident that the vehicle was well taken care of, and they are protected if it should suddenly breakdown.
• Cancellation: If you change your mind or the vehicle is totaled, can you cancel your auto protection policy? A reliable cancellation policy can give you peace of mind that you aren’t trapped in an unusable contract should your circumstances change.

The Role of Vehicle Service Providers and Certified Repair Shops

Once you’ve determined the right auto protection plan and car warranty provider, choosing a trustworthy local car mechanic or repair shop is the next important step. The best time to find a reliable vehicle service provider is before a stressful situation happens. When you’re panicking, and your brain is in survival mode, it’s often easier to either attempt to make the car repair yourself or call the first number that comes up on an internet search.

Why It’s Not a Good Idea to Do-It-Yourself

When you have an extended car warranty, the last thing you want to do is attempt to repair the vehicle yourself, no matter how mechanically inclined or how much experience you have working under the hood. This is especially true when the repair is covered by the vehicle service contract. In many cases, doing your own repairs can actually void your warranty, rendering it useless when a repair is necessary on a more complicated issue.

The Importance of a Reliable Car Mechanic

Having a good rapport with a trustworthy certified repair shop can help put your mind at ease when your vehicle breaks. You can rest easy knowing that your vehicle will be taken care of in a timely manner, at a fair price, and with quality parts. If you have an ASE-certified mechanic to call, Endurance will work with them. With Endurance Warranty, you have the freedom to choose any certified mechanic, repair shop, or dealership you feel comfortable with.

Finding a Local Warranty-Approved Car Repair Shop

It’s important to find a certified mechanic approved by your provider. Depending on your vehicle warranty provider, you may be required to go to the car dealership for authorized repairs, such as with most factory warranties. If your mechanic isn’t approved, then you will be obligated to pay for the car repair bill yourself.

If you don’t already have a warranty-approved vehicle repair shop, you may be able to find one through your warranty provider. Endurance Warranty has partnered with RepairPal to help you connect with reliable repair shops near you. Before recommending any repair shop, RepairPal does extensive research on the facility, including researching:

• Depth of experience
• Years of training
• Tool quality
• Replacement part quality
• Customer satisfaction
• Available warranties
• Pricing

How Endurance Auto Protection Plans Help Cover Mechanical Issues

Endurance Warranty plans can help you cover the cost of mechanical issues. Like auto insurance, auto protection plans will cover the cost of covered repairs in return for a low monthly payment. Unlike car insurance, which only helps with car repair bills after motor vehicle accidents, theft, or environmental damage, extended car warranties can help with repair costs when there is a mechanical failure without an outside cause.

Comprehensive Coverage Options

Endurance offers a variety of coverage options to serve more drivers, even those that may have been denied by other warranty providers. If you have an older car, a high mileage vehicle, or even a high-end luxury vehicle, Endurance Warranty has plans that may suit your needs. We also offer plans for:

• Hybrid and electric vehicles, such as Teslas
• Rideshare or delivery service cars
• Canadian grey market vehicles
• Cars with salvage or rebuilt titles

You can also choose your level of coverage, choosing which parts you want included and which don’t matter as much. We have vehicle service contracts ranging from comprehensive warranty coverage similar to that of the original factory car warranty, covering everything from the bumpers to basic powertrain warranties, which cover just the most important parts and several options in between. Our customizable vehicle protection plans allow you to choose only what you want to pay for.

Additional Perks and Benefits

Not only can Endurance help by covering the cost of car repairs in the event that your vehicle breaks down, but every Endurance Warranty plan includes additional benefits, como:

• Asistencia en carretera 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana, including towing, gas, battery, and lockout services
• Trip interruption coverage
• Rental car reimbursement
• Access to the Aplicación móvil Endurance

You also have the option to maximize your savings power by activating a full year of Beneficios de Endurance Élite. These optional additional perks include:*

• Four tire replacements or tire repairs per year
• Key fob replacement
• Up to $500 in collision discounts
• Up to $1,000 in total loss replacement

Tranquilidad de espíritu

Studies show that on any given day, most people cannot afford to pay for an unexpected major car repair. Without a reliable vehicle, most daily activities wouldn’t be possible, such as getting to work, taking the kids to school, going to doctor appointments and even getting groceries.

Although you may be able to go car-free for a day or two, it wouldn’t take long before you’re likely to miss the independence and convenience of having your own working vehicle. Having an extended car warranty or auto protection plan from Endurance Warranty can give you peace of mind that you’ll be back to your regular routine sooner rather than later.

Protect Your Car with Endurance Warranty

Not all car repairs are created equal, nor are all extended car warranty companies. Find out for yourself what makes Endurance Warranty different by calling one of our plan advisors. You can call directly at (800) 253-8203 o Solicite una cotización GRATIS en línea.

Our eStore is another great tool to help you conveniently see your plan recommendations and pricing now. The Endurance Learning Center is another helpful resource for answering any questions you might have. Get quick answers to frequently asked questions or find other informational automotive blogs. Our auto warranty glossary can help you better understand the sample vehicle service contracts, too, so you can make the best decision for your budget and lifestyle.