A new car warranty is one advantage of buying a factory-fresh automobile over a used car. However, the cost of a new vehicle, which averages over $47,000, makes these purchases unrealistic for many consumers. Yet, keeping a high-mileage vehicle that may be more prone to repairs comes with its own financial risks.

Getting an extended warranty or another type of protection plan for a car that no longer qualifies for factory protection can help save thousands of dollars a year if unexpected and costly repairs arise. This is especially true as the average cost of repairs and maintenance recently rose to an average of almost $0.10 a mile.

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 aftermarket 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 stated explicitly in a list of inclusions. A powertrain warranty, for example, is the most common kind of inclusionary warranty. As the name implies, a powertrain warranty covers specified components of the engine, transmission, and drive axles (more on this later).

In comparison, a bumper-to-bumper warranty is a comprehensive warranty placed on a brand-new vehicle from the manufacturer. Buy a new car from Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, or any of the other dozens of automakers, and you drive away with coverage for all mechanical and electrical defects and/or failures on the vehicle. However, this protection 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 coverage 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 likely 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 is a Bumper-to-Bumper Extended Warranty?

You may come across the term ‘bumper-to-bumper extended warranty,’ which is essentially the exclusionary coverage offered by warranty companies like Endurance or CarShield. For many consumers, ‘bumper-to-bumper’ is easier to understand than ‘exclusionary.’

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 systems, 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.

How Long is New Car Bumper-to-Bumper Coverage?

While three years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first) is the standard term for most new car bumper-to-bumper warranties from mainstream brands, some automakers go further. Hyundai and its sister company, Kia, notably stretch this protection to five years or 60,000 miles.

Volkswagen sits between this Hyundai/Kia coverage and what most other manufacturers offer with a four-year or 50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. In addition, some automakers add extra protections for select trucks or batteries for hybrid or electric vehicles.

Before considering any new car, it’s wise to review the bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties for any fine print details and exclusions. For instance, the seemingly generous Hyundai/Kia powertrain warranty only applies to the original owner. Meanwhile, Volkswagen’s powertrain coverage stops when the bumper-to-bumper warranty ends. Don’t assume all new car warranties are the same.

Brand	Bumper-to-Bumper	Powertrain
Hyundai/Kia	5 Years/60,000 miles	10 years/100,000 miles
Mitsubishi	5 Years/60,000 miles	10 years/100,000 miles
Volkswagen	4 years/50,000 miles	4 years/50,000 miles
Buick/Chevrolet/GMC	3 years/36,000 miles	5 years/60,000 miles
Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram	3 years/36,000 miles	5 years/60,000 miles
Ford	3 years/36,000 miles	5 years/60,000 miles
Toyota	3 years/36,000 miles	5 years/60,000 miles
Honda	3 years/36,000 miles	5 years/60,000 miles
Nissan	3 years/36,000 miles	5 years/60,000 miles

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 from your warranty. Most third-party providers don’t cover::

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 about car insurance.

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty FAQs

How does an extended car warranty differ from a factory warranty?

An extended car warranty provides coverage after your factory warranty expires. It can be purchased from a dealership or third-party provider like Endurance. It often offers similar covered repair options as a bumper-to-bumper warranty but for a longer period.

Will Endurance cover my vehicle once my factory bumper-to-bumper warranty expires?

Definitely! Endurance offers extended car warranty options that can provide coverage for your vehicle after your factory bumper-to-bumper warranty expires. These warranty plans are designed to protect you against unexpected covered repair costs, offering various levels of coverage to suit different needs and budgets. Endurance’s plans can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for repairs and provide additional benefits like roadside assistance and rental car coverage.

Are there different types of warranty plans available?

Yes, various warranty plans are available, including bumper-to-bumper, powertrain, and extended auto warranty options. Each plan offers different levels of coverage, from comprehensive protection to more limited warranty options that cover only specific components. In addition, Endurance provides numerous customization options that can deliver protection similar to a new car bumper-to-bumper warranty.

How do deductibles work with car warranties?

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket for each covered repair before the extended warranty coverage kicks in. Some warranties have zero-dollar deductibles, while others may require you to pay $100 or more per repair visit. The higher the deductible amount, the lower the cost of an extended car warranty.

Can I get an extended warranty for the best car brands known for reliability?

Yes, even the best car brands can benefit from extended warranty coverage, as it provides peace of mind and protection against unexpected repairs. Endurance offers plans tailored to specific makes and models, including those from reliable manufacturers.

What additional benefits might be included in comprehensive warranty plans?

Comprehensive warranty plans often include benefits beyond covered repair services, such as 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption protection. Some plans, like Endurance’s Advantage plan, even cover routine maintenance costs. This comprehensive vehicle service contract includes up to $3,500 in allowances for upkeep essentials like tune-ups, diagnostic services, and more.

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 Elite Benefits, giving you access to key fob replacement, tire repair/replacement, and other essential driver perks.

Discover all the advantages of an Endurance Warranty plan. Request a free, no-obligation quote, or check out our online store for immediate plan and pricing information. Personalized help is just a phone call away at (800) 253-8203. Endurance plan advisors can answer your questions and find an extended warranty solution for your budget and needs.

Additional resources are available on the Endurance blog. This extensive library of expert-written articles explores vital topics like warranty insights, maintenance advice, DIY tips, car reviews, and more.