A vehicle service contract, often called an extended warranty, is one of the best ways to protect yourself from unexpected repair costs after buying a used car. Unlike new vehicles, most used cars are no longer covered by a factory warranty or manufacturer’s warranty, which means any surprise breakdowns could come straight out of your pocket. That’s where a service contract comes in.

Just like a prenup, a vehicle service contract doesn’t mean you’re expecting things to go wrong—it means you’re prepared if they do. With coverage tailored to your car’s age, mileage, and reliability, a VSC offers peace of mind and helps keep your ownership costs predictable. Whether your car has 30,000 or 130,000 miles, this added layer of protection can make all the difference.

Preparation Instead of Distrust: Why an Extended Warranty is Like a Prenup Agreement

A prenuptial agreement is a contract that both parties enter into when getting married. It lays out the terms of what will happen to the belongings of each party should the marriage fall apart. An extended warranty works much in the same way. With a VSC in place, you can feel confident that no matter what happens with your vehicle, you will be able to get the help you need, paying for repairs. Whether you are purchasing a vehicle with very few miles or with over 100,000 miles on the odometer, this kind of peace of mind is essential.

While many people look down on a prenup agreement as showing a lack of trust, others simply look at it as a way for both parties to have a little peace of mind should life get in the way. There are many things that are out of your control as both a spouse and a car owner, and having these contracts in place can ensure that you will be protected no matter what. Getting extra protection does not mean you don’t trust your used vehicle; it only means that you want to do everything you can to keep yourself and your bank account safe.

Why Used Cars Need More Protection

When you buy a used car, you are taking a slight gamble in that you never quite know exactly what you are getting yourself into. Used vehicles, even if they have low mileage, can have all kinds of hidden issues that may come into play at a later date and will need to be repaired. It can be difficult to know how well the previous owners maintained the vehicle and whether or not there were any incidents that might have caused an underlying problem. Because of this uncertainty, having an extended warranty or vehicle service contract in place is essential.

Used cars also need more protection because they will most likely be out of the original factory warranty. When a car is still under the factory warranty, you can get issues repaired if they have to do with a flaw in the design or a problem that occurs due to issues in production. If your used car is out of warranty, you can end up being financially responsible for a repair that has to happen through no fault of your own. With an extended warranty, though, you may be covered for eligible repairs that arise unexpectedly, depending on the terms of your contract, and keep your car running smoothly for many years to come.

What to Look for in a Used Car

When purchasing a used car, it is a good idea to do as much research and preparation as possible. One of the best things you can do is get a vehicle history report. A vehicle history report will include any previous accidents, prominent service records, and any title issues. It will also tell you how many owners the vehicle has had in the past. Having this information is a great way to ensure that your purchase is in as good a shape as possible.

It is also a good idea to have a professional mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection on any vehicle you are thinking of buying. They will take a look at the interior and exterior and do an extensive exam of the powertrain. They may also take the vehicle for a test drive to listen for any potentially nefarious engine noises and to see how it drives. This expertise is a great way to make the right choice on your next used car purchase. A vehicle history report, a clean bill of health from a mechanic, and an extended warranty can all protect you from serious repairs down the line and ensure that your used vehicle lasts as long as possible.

How an Extended Warranty Can Protect Your Used Vehicle

A vehicle service contract from a third-party provider like Endurance can help with a wide range of auto repairs that might need to happen on your used vehicle. When you get an auto protection plan from Endurance, you can choose from a wide range of coverage tiers, all of which are designed to give you specific types of protection. If, for example, your used car is a model that is known for having transmission issues, a powertrain protection plan will ensure that you can get it fixed when the time comes.

When you get an Endurance Warranty plan, you also get access to the RepairPal network of certified shops. Finding a good mechanic is always a challenge, but RepairPal goes through extensive vetting to ensure that shops are providing excellent service for both vehicles and customers. With an Endurance protection plan in place, all you have to do is go to a certified shop near you, present your contract to the service manager, and they will take care of the rest. Not only can you have confidence that your vehicle will get the covered repairs it needs, but you can also sit back and enjoy a hassle-free claims process.

Invest in Peace of Mind With Endurance

If you want to be sure that your used or new car will give you the best service possible, Endurance is here to help. We offer a wide range of plans for everything from high-mileage older vehicles all the way up to top-of-the-line luxury cars. Endurance also 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 or delivery.

On top of excellent coverage, Endurance customers also receive a large suite of standard extra benefits. These include things like 24/7 roadside assistance, towing service, rental car reimbursement, and travel interruption protection. For a small activation fee, you can also activate Elite Benefits, which includes even more perks like tire repair or replacement, key fob replacement, and windshield protection.

If you want top-notch coverage for your used car, give us a call at (800) 253-8203 for a FREE quote. You can also see your price and plan recommendations on our online store.

For more helpful tips and tricks, be sure to check out the Endurance blog. There, you will find FAQs, mechanical breakdown insurance information, provider comparisons, and much more.