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Should I Cancel an Extended Warranty on My Car?

BY: Michael O'Connor
Senior woman looking at a paper contract in her home

If you want to make the most of your vehicle, keeping it in good shape should be a top priority. When small issues come up, it can be tempting to ignore them until they become bigger problems, but this will almost always end up being more expensive and can drastically reduce the longevity of your vehicle.

That is why it is so important to have a plan in place to pay for vehicle repairs as soon as they arise. Not everyone can have a massive emergency fund ready to go, though, which is why an extended warranty can be such a great option.

When you buy a new vehicle at the car dealership, it will come with a manufacturer’s warranty or factory warranty. This is there to protect you from repairs that need to happen due to design flaws or problems in production, but it will only last between three years or 36,000 miles and five years or 60,000 miles.

Once this warranty is up, you will be responsible for any repairs that have to happen to your vehicle. If you want to continue having coverage, an extended car warranty, more accurately referred to as a vehicle service contract (VSC), can be a great choice. There are all kinds of third-party providers or warranty companies out there, so you can find one with a plan that covers what you need.

If you’ve had an extended warranty or VSC for a long time and haven’t used it, you might also think that this is a sign that you don’t need coverage for your used car anymore. However, there are many good reasons to hang onto your VSC coverage and make sure your vehicle is protected. Knowing the true value of your extended auto warranty will help you make an informed decision about whether or not you should cancel your coverage.

Understanding the Value of Your Extended Warranty

When you have a vehicle service contract in place for your car, you can get the help you need paying for repairs as soon as they come up. Oftentimes, drivers will put off repairs if they don’t have the funds to get them done right away, which can ultimately end up being more expensive if the problem gets worse over time.

With an extended warranty, though, you don’t have to wait to get the service your car needs. Depending on the type of coverage you have, issues with your engine, transmission, steering, suspension, brakes, or other important components can be fixed right away so you can get back on the road.

Many car repairs are relatively small, especially if you manage to get them taken care of early and are proactive about taking your vehicle to the shop. Sometimes, though, an incredibly expensive problem can come up. Issues like a blown head gasket or a transmission failure can cost thousands of dollars, and if you don’t have that kind of money to spend on a repair at a moment’s notice, you could find yourself without a vehicle. With a vehicle service contract, if the repair is covered, you can get it paid for, so you don’t end up worrying about an unexpected repair bill.

As your vehicle ages, the likelihood of needing a large, expensive repair will almost certainly go up. Vehicles with more miles on the odometer are much more susceptible to powertrain issues, which are some of the most costly repairs you can find yourself facing. Because of this, it is important to make sure that you have coverage for your vehicle as it gets older. While you may not have needed many repairs when the car was newer, you never know what kinds of issues could be right around the corner.

Can I Cancel My Extended Warranty?: Factors to Consider

There are several different factors that you should consider before you cancel your extended warranty coverage. Everyone’s situation is different, and depending on your vehicle and your driving habits, canceling may or may not be the best decision for you.

Perhaps the most important consideration is the age and condition of your vehicle and its likelihood of suffering a mechanical breakdown. If you have a newer vehicle that has under 100,000 miles on it, the chances of it needing a large repair in the near future are lower. However, the 100,000-mile mark is generally where vehicles start to show serious signs of wear and tear. You should be thinking about what your plans are for hanging onto your vehicle and how likely it will be to start deteriorating in the coming years.

You should also think about the remaining coverage you have with your protection plan. If your vehicle is getting close to the mileage cap on your specific plan, it could be worth it to simply hold onto your coverage and make the most of it while you still have it. Think about whether or not any small issues are starting to arise and if you should use your protection plan to get them fixed before your coverage runs out.

Your financial situation is another important factor that will determine whether or not you should cancel your car’s coverage. If you are not sure what kind of financial situation you will be dealing with in the coming years, it may be a good idea to keep your coverage in place. Income can change for a variety of reasons, and if you find yourself having less money than you planned, you will be glad to have coverage when a problem arises with your vehicle. This is especially true if you depend on your vehicle to commute to work and put a lot of miles on the odometer doing so. The more you drive, the more likely your car is to develop problems, so having a plan in place could be the smart choice.

Financial Implications of Canceling Your Extended Warranty

Before deciding to cancel your extended vehicle coverage, it is essential that you understand the financial implications of doing so. Understanding some of the repair costs you might encounter without coverage can be a great way to make the right decision.

According to Repair Pal, a transmission replacement can cost between $5,514 and $5,719. A head gasket replacement, which requires a lot of labor, can cost between $1,949 and $2,259. If you are not in a position to front these costs yourself, it might be a good idea to keep your coverage.

Canceling your warranty contract could have a major effect on your long-term budget. If you have big purchases that you are planning for, such as a home or business, an unexpected car repair can be devastating to your plans. Part of smart financial planning is preparing for potential costs and a high-quality VSC is the best way to cover yourself in the event of a large car repair.

There may also be some fees that are associated with canceling your vehicle service contract before it is over. Depending on your warranty provider, ending your coverage early could end up costing you some money. However, you may also be entitled to a prorated refund if you end your coverage early and have paid in advance. This will all vary from provider to provider, which is why it is so important to read the fine print of your contract before you sign up.

Pros and Cons of Keeping Your Extended Warranty

As with anything, there are going to be pros and cons of keeping your coverage. One of the benefits of having protection is the peace of mind you get from knowing that you will be covered in the event of an unexpected repair.

Many people don’t have a sufficient emergency fund for expensive car repairs and knowing that you have protection in place can be a huge weight off your shoulders. Should you cancel your coverage, you will be fully financially responsible for a repair that could potentially cost you thousands of dollars. If you don’t have that kind of money saved, this could be a serious financial issue, so it is best to have coverage.

While there are many advantages to having a vehicle service contract, there may also be downsides to keeping it. One of the big ones is the monthly payment you have to make. If money is tight, making the payment on your protection plan could be a financial burden. This is especially true if your car doesn’t have many miles on it and is not likely to need a major repair any time soon. You may not know what the future holds for the condition of your vehicle, but if you are willing to take that risk to save some money in the short term, canceling might be the right move for you.

Whether canceling or keeping your extended warranty coverage is a good choice or not will depend solely on your specific situation. If you have a car with a lot of miles on it and you can afford the monthly payments for the coverage, it will almost certainly be a better choice to hang onto it instead of going through with the cancellation process. If, however, your vehicle is relatively new and is not likely to need any big repairs in the near future, it could be safe for you to cancel your coverage. Knowing your particular situation and needs is the best way to make the right decision.

How Endurance Auto Protection Plans Can Help You Avoid Expensive Repairs

No matter what your situation is, Endurance has vehicle protection plans available that will suit your needs and help you keep your car in great shape. With coverage for everything from high-mileage vehicles all the way up to top-of-the-line luxury and exotic cars, Endurance has customizable coverage available that will give you the best possible protection.

Endurance even covers vehicles that other providers won’t, such as Canadian Gray Market cars, vehicles with a rebuilt or salvage title, and cars used for commercial purposes like rideshare and delivery. This means that even if other providers aren’t a good choice for your current needs, Endurance could be.

In addition to top-notch coverage, Endurance plans also come with a wide range of standard benefits to help keep you safe on the road. These include things like 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, rental car coverage, and trip interruption protection. We also offer varying deductible ranges from $0 to $200. In addition, you get access to Endurance’s Elite Benefits, which include extra perks such as tire repairs, key fob replacement, and up to $1,000 in total loss coverage. Even if you aren’t currently in need of mechanical repairs, these benefits could end up being a big help when you are behind the wheel.

If you are considering canceling your coverage with another provider, an Endurance plan could still be a great choice for you. Endurance’s plans are fully customizable and will be tailored to meet your specific needs and those of your vehicle. This means that you can get rid of your old coverage and get an Endurance plan that only includes the things you need. If you are looking to make smarter financial decisions, this is a fantastic way to start.

Make an Informed Decision About Your Extended Warranty

Making the most of your vehicle and keeping it safe on the road is essential. If you are thinking about canceling your vehicle service contract, you need to know how this might affect your financial situation in the future and how it may impact your vehicle. Factoring in all the pros and cons of canceling or keeping coverage can help you make the right decision.

Even if you are thinking about canceling your plan elsewhere, Endurance has customized coverage that will keep you and your car safe on the road. To find out how you can save money while still covering your vehicle and take advantage of our 30-day money-back guarantee, call (800) 253-8203 or request a FREE quote. You can also shop online to get an instant price preview and make an educated decision about the future of your vehicle coverage.

If you want more auto expert resources, be sure to check out the Endurance Warranty blog. There, you can explore frequently asked questions, provider comparisons, DIY tips, and much, much more.

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