When shopping for a used vehicle, many people fail to realize that these vehicles often come with no level of protection. A new vehicle coming off the lot typically has a factory warranty, which can be used to cover repair costs stemming from mechanical breakdowns. However, used vehicles, and even some new vehicles, generally don’t have a factory warranty.

To ensure your vehicle stays protected and your wallet isn’t drained of cash, consider investing in an extended warranty for your vehicle. This type of warranty can offer continued protection against a slew of issues, but it also offers a number of benefits that many people are unaware of.

Learn everything you need to know about extended warranties, including the lesser-known items roped into the coverage.

Introduction to Extended Warranty Coverage

For those who have never heard of extended warranty coverage before, the idea of it is not too dissimilar to any other type of warranty. Essentially, a warranty protects your vehicle by contributing to repair costs when mechanical breakdowns have occurred so long as the terms of the warranty cover those breakdowns.

This is distinctly different from car insurance, commonly confused with a car warranty. An insurance company only covers damage from natural disasters, car accidents, collisions with objects, and other similar situations, not mechanical breakdowns.

Extended warranties, in particular, are offered by third-party retailers and are typically purchased when a person buys a car with no protection on it. Some drivers combine an extended warranty with a factory warranty to fill in any gaps in their protection, often opting for a year warranty, though this may not be necessary.

Beyond the Basics: Uncommon Coverage Items

Something that makes extended warranties different from factory warranties is the fact that they go beyond the basics. Extended warranties are not blanket contracts, as there are a number of different types of extended warranties.

For example, powertrain extended warranty and comprehensive extended warranty are two different types. The former only offers protection against powertrain components, whereas comprehensive coverage may cover nearly everything except the bumpers.

In the modern day, new coverage is being added to extended warranties for parts with greater technology that car dealers do not cover, taking away the hassle of expensive payments. Whether this means the digital console in your vehicle or some more complex parts under the hood, extended warranties may offer coverage for items that even factory warranties do not cover.

Advanced Technology Components Under Warranty

As alluded to, today’s vehicles boast sophisticated technology, including intricate electronic systems, safety features, and hybrid or electric components. These advancements enhance the driving experience but also introduce potential repair complexities. Unfortunately, the cost associated with repairing these components is also far higher due to their complexity and integration with other parts in the vehicle.

Extended warranties tailored for these advanced components are becoming more and more crucial. Such warranties offer financial protection against costly repairs or replacements for these high-tech features, easing the burden on vehicle owners. However, it’s essential to scrutinize the warranty terms.

It’s not uncommon for these service contracts to have exclusions or limitations, specifically only for covered components. A dealership often won’t offer a manufacturer’s warranty with this type of coverage, so seeking it out in an extended warranty contract can be beneficial.

Wear-and-Tear Items: A Closer Look

When it comes to vehicles, several components experience gradual degradation over time due to regular use. These components, often referred to as wear-and-tear items, play a crucial role in the functioning of a vehicle but are prone to deterioration, requiring periodic replacement or maintenance. Depending on the part in question, the cost to repair can be quite high.

Common wear-and-tear items include brake pads, tires, belts, hoses, wiper blades, and batteries. These parts are integral to the vehicle’s performance but are subject to constant friction, stress, and exposure to various elements.

For example, the brake pads on your vehicle experience friction every time it decelerates, which wears them down over time. On a similar line of thinking, the tires on your vehicle slowly wear down over time due to their constant contact against the ground, which reduces tread depth and can impact traction.

Belts and hoses within the engine compartment endure heat, pressure, and movement, causing them to deteriorate over time. While not all extended warranty contracts offer maintenance coverage, such as repairing tires or ensuring the belts and hoses in a vehicle are in working order, the breakdown of these parts can lead to larger breakdowns that may fall under your coverage.

It’s crucial to review the terms and conditions of an extended warranty contract you’re considering to understand the specific coverage provided for wear-and-tear items. As mentioned, some warranties might have limitations, exclusions, or specific conditions for coverage, emphasizing the importance of comprehending the contract details before relying on it for repairs.

Ultimately, while wear-and-tear items are an inevitable part of vehicle ownership, extended warranties can serve as a safety net, offering financial protection against unexpected expenses from breakdowns stemming from compounded issues and ensuring that the vehicle remains in optimal condition for an extended period.

The Added Value of Comprehensive Protection

Extended warranties for cars offer a comprehensive layer of protection beyond the standard coverage provided by manufacturer warranties, which makes them valuable. They provide a safety net for unexpected repairs and maintenance costs, adding value to vehicle owners.

One significant advantage of these warranties is their ability to cover a wide range of components and systems that might not be included in the initial manufacturer’s warranty for a new car or used car. Extended warranties can encompass parts prone to wear and tear or potential malfunction over time, from engine and transmission to advanced electronics and even luxury features on some contracts.

Many extended warranties, such as those issued by Endurance auto warranty, offer additional perks such as roadside assistance, reimbursements for collision coverage, and more, enhancing the overall ownership experience. These added services can be invaluable during emergencies or breakdowns, offering you convenience and financial relief.

Another overlooked benefit of extended warranties is that they can contribute to a vehicle’s resale value. When it comes time to sell or trade in a car still within its warranty period, an extended warranty can be an attractive selling point.

The comprehensive protection offered by extended warranties goes beyond financial coverage for repairs. It adds value to the ownership experience by safeguarding against unforeseen expenses, offering additional perks, and potentially enhancing the vehicle’s resale value. This helps to provide a sense of security to vehicle owners, allowing a warranty company to have many repeat customers over the year.

Maximizing Peace of Mind with Extended Warranties

As alluded to above, one of the biggest benefits of extended warranties is the peace of mind you can get as a driver. While the cost of the warranty may seem like a bad deal at first, considering you may never have an auto breakdown on the road, it is undoubtedly the best buy a driver can make.

After all, while warranty and insurance are different, they both offer protection against something that may not occur. That peace of mind should make any deductible or annual payment worth the cost – just make sure you read the fine print to understand everything that is and is not covered.

Using Endurance to Protect Your Vehicle

Finding the right extended warranty for your used car is crucial to maximize the protection your vehicle has. Endurance Warranty offers customizable vehicle service contracts with varying levels of protection, meaning you can find the exact right amount for your needs.

The basic coverage offered by the Superior plan covers crucial components such as the engine, transmission, air conditioning, and more. For those seeking additional protection, the Supreme plan offers near manufacturer-level coverage, whereas those with older vehicles can opt for the Secure Plus plan, which covers only the most vital components. If those don’t work, customize the perfect plan for you and your vehicle.

In addition to the above plans, regardless of your choice, Endurance customers enjoy standard perks like 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, rental car reimbursement, and more. You can also activate the Elite Benefits package for a nominal fee, which offers additional perks. From tire coverage to key fob replacement, there are many useful extras.

To learn more about how Endurance can help your vehicle, contact our customer service team at (800) 253-8203 to request a FREE quote. Alternatively, you can also shop online to see your price today!

Read about provider comparisons, warranty claim tips, oil change instructions, FAQs, and more on the Endurance blog.