With all of the options for extended warranty plans out there, it can be tricky to find the right warranty to cover your automobile. Not all extended car warranties provide the same coverage or options, and you will want to choose carefully. The following are the main criteria we used to evaluate the best extended car warranty services.
Coverage You should ask yourself what parts on your car you need covered. Many warranties let you customize what you want covered to an extent. For example, you might just want to cover the powertrain, which consists of the engine, transmission, drive shaft, suspension and wheels, or you might want additional coverage for the electrical systems of the car. You can also opt to for a bumper-to-bumper warranty that covers almost all of the car's systems. Most companies have various packages to choose from that will cover cars of different ages with odometer readings of up to around 150,000 miles. Generally, the more comprehensive the plan, the more restrictions imposed on the car’s age and mileage.
Whatever you are looking for, be sure to pay special attention to what your contract will and won't cover. For example, often a warranty will cover a certain type of damage like mechanical failure but not incidental damage caused by overheating....
Coverage
You should ask yourself what parts on your car you need covered. Many warranties let you customize what you want covered to an extent. For example, you might just want to cover the powertrain, which consists of the engine, transmission, drive shaft, suspension and wheels, or you might want additional coverage for the electrical systems of the car. You can also opt to for a bumper-to-bumper warranty that covers almost all of the car's systems. Most companies have various packages to choose from that will cover cars of different ages with odometer readings of up to around 150,000 miles. Generally, the more comprehensive the plan, the more restrictions imposed on the car’s age and mileage.
Whatever you are looking for, be sure to pay special attention to what your contract will and won't cover. For example, often a warranty will cover a certain type of damage like mechanical failure but not incidental damage caused by overheating. It is also important to consider how long the policy will last, if it is available in every state and if the warranty will cover roadside assistance or rental car reimbursement. You will also want to watch for mileage limitations and if the warranty will cover a towing service if you end up stranded somewhere.
Claim Services
Providing great service is what really sets an auto warranty company apart from the competition. Look for a warranty provider that gives you online and phone quotes on your vehicle. The best extended warranty companies let you spread out the cost of the payment plan instead of demanding the whole sum all at once. They also offer a variety of packages ranging in coverage and affordability. Many companies will also offer a money-back guarantee in case you decide a plan you choose isn’t right for you.
Some of the best companies are direct providers, so that you can deal directly with that company when you make a claim, as opposed to dealing with an outsourced company. While an outsourced company can still provide good service, dealing directly with the company is an advantage because the same company will handle your claim every step of the way.
You will want to make sure that your warranty is transferrable as well. This can be a big perk if you sell your car since many buyers look for a warranty to give them confidence in their purchase. The best warranties allow you to choose your own repair shop and do not require you to pay upfront. This is handy, especially if you have problems while you are away from home.
Help & Support
The best extended car warranties come with excellent service and support. Most companies can be reached during normal business hours, but not all can be reached in the middle of the night. You'll want to look for warranties that include 24/7 service by telephone, live chat or email. Also, you will want to be sure the company provides adequate information about its warranties and policies upfront on its website. It is especially important to see the contract documentation beforehand and receive answers to your questions before you sign for an extended car warranty to help you make the choice that benefits you the most.
Not knowing when you will have to pay for a major car repair can be nerve-wracking, but finding the right extended car warranty can help give you peace of mind. It doesn't have to be a hassle to find the right company, especially if you use our matrix and extended car warranty reviews to find the policy that gives you the best coverage, claim services and support.