An extended warranty or another type of protection plan for your vehicle can be invaluable when preparing for unexpected or costly repairs. This is especially true as the average cost of repairs and maintenance recently rose to an average of $0.09 a mile. A warranty could help you save thousands of dollars a year, especially if you drive a high-mileage vehicle that may be more prone to repairs.

While over 60% of American drivers understand just how helpful vehicle warranties can be, only 47% have invested in one. At Endurance, we want to help you better understand how a warranty can help you. Read more on the different types of available auto protection plans below.

Understanding the Different Kinds of Extended Warranties

Every vehicle and vehicle owner is different. Similarly, vehicle protection programs offer varying levels of coverage based on your needs or your car’s make, model and/or year. However, most of these coverage options fall under one of two overall terms: exclusionary and inclusionary.

Exclusionary warranties have the most comprehensive coverage available. The term ‘exclusionary’ means that unless the warranty coverage in question explicitly excludes a component, it’s automatically included in your plan. Alternatively, inclusionary warranties only cover components that are stated explicitly in a list of inclusions. A powertrain warranty, for example, is the most common kind of inclusionary warranty.

In comparison, a bumper-to-bumper warranty is a comprehensive warranty placed on a brand-new vehicle from the manufacturer. This warranty covers all mechanical and electrical defects and/or failures on the vehicle and typically lasts only 36 months or 36,000 miles. Endurance offers extended coverage for your vehicle to protect you once your manufacturer’s Bumper-to-Bumper warranty expires in the form of auto protection plans and maintenance coverage.

What Does Bumper-to-Bumper Mean?

The key to understanding a bumper-to-bumper warranty is in its name. Simply meaning, your “bumper-to-bumper” factory warranty covers the majority of your car’s components located between your front and rear bumpers. While there are a few standard exclusions, a bumper-to-bumper warranty is the most comprehensive option available when it comes to protecting your car.

A manufacturer’s warranty on a vehicle may be grouped into several sections, such as bumper-to-bumper, powertrain, drivetrain, and corrosion. A split like this is generally because the bumper-to-bumper warranty lasts the shortest amount of time. For example, while your comprehensive bumper-to-bumper protection will expire in typically three years, your powertrain protection will continue for at least five. Once your bumper-to-bumper protection ends, those essential components are no longer protected unless you find the right vehicle service contract or protection plan to meet your needs.

What Does a Bumper-to-Bumper Factory Warranty Cover?

Ultimately, the specific components that your bumper-to-bumper warranty covers will depend on your warranty provider. However, the average contract will generally include:

Powertrain

Your warranty won’t save you much at a repair shop unless it covers the most expensive parts of your vehicle. With your vehicle’s powertrain protected, you can rest easy knowing any issues with your engine, transmission, driveshaft, or transfer case will be taken care of.

Steering

You may be surprised to hear it, but steering components aren’t usually part of a powertrain warranty. Bumper-to-bumper warranties, on the other hand, absolutely do. From your rack & pinion to power steering – you’re protected.

Electrical Components

Less comprehensive coverages usually steer clear of electrical components, but a bumper-to-bumper warranty has you covered. Your battery, alternator, power windows, door locks, and more are generally protected.

Air Conditioning

With a bumper-to-bumper warranty, there’s no need to get heated — literally. Your air conditioning system is covered, including your condenser, compressor, evaporator, and more.

Safety Features

You want to feel safe when you hit the road, and a bumper-to-bumper warranty will make sure it stays that way. Whether it’s your seat belts or airbags, they’ll be repaired or replaced if something goes wrong.

What Doesn’t a Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty Cover?

As with the covered components, there are some components a bumper-to-bumper warranty doesn’t cover and will also solely depend on your warranty provider, so it is always a good idea to read the fine print of your coverage. However, there are specific elements you can always expect to be excluded in your warranty, such as:

General Maintenance

Oil changes, tire rotations, and other routine maintenance jobs aren’t usually included in a bumper-to-bumper warranty. The only exception to this is if you have one of our Advantage vehicle protection plans, which includes up to $3,500 in general maintenance costs per year.

Tires

As a high-wear item, tires aren’t included on most bumper-to-bumper warranties either. However, with Endurance Elite Benefits that come with purchasing any Endurance vehicle protection plan, you can have four tires repaired/replaced every year.

Wiper Blades

Another item that wears quickly is windshield wiper blades, which aren’t part of most bumper-to-bumper warranties. Luckily, pricing shouldn’t be an issue as they’re cheap to replace, and you can easily do it yourself at home.

Brake Pads

While they’re a vital part of your vehicle, brake pads are considered a wear-and-tear item and are rarely covered in a bumper-to-bumper warranty.

Cosmetic Repairs

Cosmetic issues like paint scratches, dings, or dents on body panels aren’t part of a bumper-to-bumper warranty. This extends to other cosmetic repair costs like interior fabric and upholstery work too.

Repairs Due to Accidents or Inclement Weather

Accidents can often lead to some expensive repairs. Unfortunately, a bumper-to-bumper warranty or another type of extended warranty only covers the failure of components during normal usage. This means if you want additional coverage, you’ll need to speak with an insurance company.

Comprehensive Protection for Total Driving Confidence

If your factory bumper-to-bumper warranty is ending or you’re currently without a plan, selecting an extended warranty or vehicle protection plan can keep you and your car on the road. Whether you need your powertrain or any other component of your vehicle protected, our friendly team of experts at Endurance will help tailor the perfect vehicle protection plan to try to meet your specific needs and budget.

Every Endurance auto protection plan includes a year of free Endurance Elite Benefits, giving you access to 24/7 roadside assistance, tire repair/replacement, and a world of other amazing everyday driver perks.

For extra peace of mind, nothing provides superior coverage like the Advantage plan. The most comprehensive vehicle service contract on the market, it’s the only plan to include general maintenance coverage — covering up to $3,500 a year. Request a free, no-obligation quote or visit the Endurance blog for more useful articles and resources.