Speed Reads:
- Bumper-to-bumper warranties cover most mechanical breakdowns caused by defects in materials and workmanship, and they come with new cars purchased from a dealership.
- Bumper-to-bumper warranties don’t cover wear and tear parts, routine maintenance services, automotive glass, or damage caused by car accidents.
- Extended bumper-to-bumper warranties continue protection once factory coverage expires and often include perks like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement.
When you purchase a new car from the dealer, the sales representative will likely explain your bumper-to-bumper warranty. While bumper-to-bumper warranties are usually included for free with new vehicles, you can purchase extended coverage through your dealership or a third-party provider. However, is extended bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage worth it?
In this review, we’ll take a closer look at bumper-to-bumper limited warranties before mentioning extended warranty costs. We’ll also run through the best extended car warranty companies on the market so that you can decide if buying one is right for you.
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What Is A Bumper-To-Bumper Warranty?
A bumper-to-bumper warranty is the highest level of coverage available for a new vehicle, and it comes with factory warranty packages. Your plan will take care of almost any mechanical breakdown caused by defects in materials or workmanship. All brands offer bumper-to-bumper coverage on new vehicles, though plans are often called new vehicle limited warranties or comprehensive warranties.
Other pieces that are included under the factory warranty for a new vehicle are the powertrain warranty, drivetrain warranty, and the corrosion and rust warranty.
The bumper-to-bumper warranty is the most significant piece of a new car’s warranty package since it includes coverage for nearly all parts and systems. Most bumper-to-bumper warranties offered by automakers cover a new vehicle for around 3 years or 36,000 miles, though Genesis, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, and Kia offer terms of five years.
Drivers can purchase a bumper-to-bumper extended auto warranty from a third-party company when their factory warranty expires. Details vary by provider, but most plans cover the vehicle’s major mechanical and electrical systems except for wear items such as tires, brake pads, and windshield wipers, along with routine maintenance needs like oil changes and tire rotations.
What Does A Bumper-To-Bumper Warranty Cover?
Bumper-to-bumper extended warranty coverage plans generally take care of the following vehicle components:
- Audio, communication, and entertainment systems
- Heating and air conditioning
- Electrical (power seats, sunroofs, heated seats)
- Powertrain components (engine, transmission, certain driveline parts)
- Engine cooling system
- Steering system
- Suspension
- Fuel injection system
Despite the name, bumper-to-bumper coverage doesn’t cover every car repair cost or part between your front and rear bumper. Exact coverage details differ based on the provider, but every bumper-to-bumper warranty comes with a brief list of car parts excluded from coverage. That’s why bumper-to-bumper extended protection plans are more accurately referred to as “exclusionary warranties.”
What Does A Bumper-To-Bumper Warranty Not Cover?
The term “bumper-to-bumper” indicates full coverage, but not all of the car’s parts are protected. When shopping around, it’s essential to take a look at the specifics of the manufacturer’s warranty. Examine term lengths, the contract’s fine print, and details about deductibles.
It’s important to note that several areas aren’t protected by most factory bumper-to-bumper warranties, which means you’ll have to pay out of pocket for these repairs. See the table below for components and services that are standard exclusions from bumper-to-bumper extended warranties:
| Standard Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Normal wear and tear items | Brake pads, tires, wiper blades, rotors, drums, upholstery, seat belts, and paint |
| Regular routine maintenance | Oil changes, tire rotations, wheel alignment, and other scheduled services |
| Automotive glass parts | Headlights, brake lights, windows, turn signals, and windshields |
| Damages | Abuse, misuse, neglect, accident or collision damage, use of improper fluids, fuels, or lubricants, acts of nature, and damages to body panels and interior trims |
Many of the items not included in bumper-to-bumper extended warranty coverage can be covered by prepaid maintenance plans or by coverage provided through your car insurance company.
Bumper-To-Bumper Vs. Powertrain Warranty
In a new car’s factory warranty coverage, the powertrain and bumper-to-bumper warranties work together to protect the vehicle. While these plans go hand in hand, they cover different parts, creating confusion around their key differences. These plans also often differ in term lengths and the level of coverage provided.
A bumper-to-bumper warranty is usually an exclusionary warranty, meaning that excluded components are listed out rather than the covered parts.
A powertrain warranty covers the most vital parts of your vehicle like its engine, transmission, drivetrain, drive axle, and suspension. See the infographic below for a more thorough comparison between bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage.
How Long Does A Bumper-To-Bumper Warranty Last?
The shortest bumper-to-bumper warranties typically last for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Many automakers offer this length, including Nissan, Ford, Chevrolet, and Buick. The longest usually last for 5 years or 60,000 miles, with companies like Hyundai, Genesis, Mitsubishi, and Kia offering this length.
Here are the new car bumper-to-bumper warranty term lengths for some of the most popular manufacturers:
| Brand | Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty |
|---|---|
| Honda | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Dodge | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Jeep | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Mazda | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Subaru | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Ford | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Toyota | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Nissan | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Chevrolet | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Acura | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Lexus | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| BMW | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Audi | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Land Rover | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Volvo | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Cadillac | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Volkswagen | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Infiniti | 4 years / 60,000 miles |
| Mitsubishi | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Genesis | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Hyundai | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Kia | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Why Purchase A Bumper-To-Bumper Extended Warranty?
In the long run, an extended warranty can cover expensive car repairs that would be hard to pay for on your own. Many drivers can’t cover $1,000 or more for an unexpected repair, and that’s when an extended warranty could be helpful.
Many extended warranties also include additional coverage perks such as 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and towing discounts. If your vehicle’s make and model has been known to require costly fixes as it ages, an extended car warranty could lessen the financial blow of hefty repairs.
Where To Buy An Extended Bumper-To-Bumper Warranty
There are pros and cons of every extended warranty provider, but when it comes down to it, third-party extended warranty companies can be more affordable and flexible than manufacturer or dealer options.
Third-party extended warranties rarely have the marked-up prices of dealership options, and you may have more room to negotiate. Also, extended warranties from the dealership have the potential to be wrapped into the auto loan on your new car, meaning that you’ll pay interest on them.
Look For Flexibility
When we say that third-party extended warranties are more flexible, we mean in both coverage and eligibility. Endurance, for example, has six tiers of coverage ranging from bumper-to-bumper warranties to powertrain protection. Within each tier, there are several contract options that are customizable to your vehicle. While most independent extended warranty providers have similar options, that’s not true of plans from most dealerships.
Most cars are eligible for an extended warranty through a third-party provider. In general, these companies protect new and used cars, even if your car is well past 100,000 miles. Oftentimes at the dealership, you can only purchase an extended warranty at the time of a new car purchase or if the car is still under its bumper-to-bumper warranty.
High Industry Reputation And Warranty Benefits
When considering an extended warranty plan, it’s a good idea to research a company’s industry standing. Reputable websites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can aid you in research. You should also check that the plan is transferable and look out for the following benefits:
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Rental car reimbursement
- Towing coverage
- Trip interruption service or reimbursement
- Choice of deductible
- Monthly payment plan
Bumper-To-Bumper Extended Warranty Cost
Typically, bumper-to-bumper extended warranty plans cost more than powertrain warranties because of their extra coverage. However, this will vary depending on several factors. The cost of a bumper-to-bumper warranty will be determined by:
- The extended warranty provider you select
- Your chosen level of coverage
- Your vehicle’s mileage, year, make, and model
Bumper-To-Bumper Warranty Cost Analysis
Our team asked for instant quotes for various levels of warranty coverage and car models. Through this research, we found that the average cost of an exclusionary extended warranty was $3,124 in total. This number was found using quotes from our top eight providers.
See the table below for a detailed breakdown of quotes for exclusionary or bumper-to-bumper warranty plans. Quotes are from top-rated companies such as Endurance, ForeverCar, and CARCHEX.
| Warranty Provider | Vehicle | Mileage | Term Length | Total Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endurance | 2017 Honda CR-V | 45,000 miles | 5 years/ 100,000 miles | $3,420 |
| Endurance | 2017 Chevrolet Silverado | 50,000 miles | 6 years/ 100,000 miles | $3,600 |
| ForeverCar | 2017 Honda CR-V | 45,000 miles | 3 years/ unlimited miles | $1,890 |
| ForeverCar | 2017 Chevrolet Silverado | 50,000 miles | 3 years/ unlimited miles | $2,262 |
| CARCHEX | 2017 Honda CR-V | 45,000 miles | 6 years/ 125,000 miles | $3,281 |
| CARCHEX | 2017 Chevrolet Silverado | 50,000 miles | 6 years/ 125,000 miles | $3,924 |
Bumper-To-Bumper Warranty: Conclusion
Most new vehicles come with a bumper-to-bumper warranty that lasts for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, drivers also have the option to purchase a bumper-to-bumper extended warranty from a third-party manufacturer. These are typically more costly than powertrain warranties as they cover almost all vehicle parts, but could be worth the cost if you’re looking for peace of mind and greater accessibility of repairs.
To determine your best option, look at each provider’s sample contracts and compare quotes. We’ve already done some of the work for you in our best extended car warranty company review, comparing providers’ coverage, costs, and customer service.
Best Bumper-To-Bumper Warranties
While auto brands tend to offer extended warranties with one or two levels of comprehensive coverage, third-party warranty providers usually offer variations that let you tailor the level of coverage to your particular needs. Examine all the plans offered by a provider, and then check which level and length of coverage makes the most sense.
Endurance: Best Coverage
Endurance offers a top-level exclusionary plan called Supreme. All Endurance plans come with Endurance Elite Benefits, which include perks like 24/7 roadside assistance and one year of key fob replacement coverage. In addition, the membership covers up to two tire repairs or replacements per year.
Read more: Endurance warranty review
ForeverCar: Best Value
ForeverCar’s top levels of coverage are its Platinum and Platinum Plus plans. They both offer bumper-to-bumper protection, with Platinum Plus providing additional coverage for wear and tear parts. Benefits include 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage.
Read more: ForeverCar review
CARCHEX: Best For Used Cars
CARCHEX offers several comprehensive plans, including top-of-the-line Titanium coverage. The Titanium plan is a true exclusionary extended warranty, similar to a bumper-to-bumper plan. This means that it covers everything on the vehicle minus a short list of excluded parts. You also get benefits like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement.
Read more: CARCHEX review
Bumper-To-Bumper Warranty: FAQ
Below are frequently asked questions about bumper-to-bumper warranties.