Pros And Cons Of Extended Car Warranties

The decision to purchase a car warranty is important, so it’s wise to review the pros and cons of an extended car warranty first.

When shopping for extended warranties, the best thing is to call and get quotes customized to your vehicle. That way, you can compare each company’s prices and get a feel for customer service. Get free quotes from some of the best extended warranty companies below:

Below are some benefits of getting an extended warranty.

Save A Significant Amount Of Money On Costly Repairs

While the reliability of automobiles has improved over time, they are still very expensive to maintain. According to AAA, even new vehicle owners spend about $1,186 yearly to maintain and repair their vehicles.

For example, according to Angie’s List, a common timing belt replacement can cost up to $900. In addition, a broken timing belt replacement may cost up to $2,000 or more if it causes damage to a vehicle’s pistons, water pump, or valves.

If you own an extended car warranty from a reputable provider such as CARCHEX, you will pay a relatively small deductible when your timing belt needs replacement, ranging from $0 to $100. This is the most important consideration when comparing the pros and cons of extended car warranties.

Keep Your Vehicle Instead of Feeling Pressure To Sell It

If your car needs a costly repair to be safely driven, you may feel it’s necessary to sell your vehicle, even if you would love to keep it.

According to AAA, one in three U.S. consumers cannot afford an unexpected car repair bill between $500 and $600. Suppose you would like to keep your vehicle and cannot afford a costly repair but can afford a monthly car warranty payment. In that case, buying an extended warranty is an intelligent decision.

Customize Your Protection

Car warranty providers often allow you to make a partial or fully customized plan depending on your needs. For example, modern vehicles come with complex technological systems, and it is common for these technological systems to fail or need repair.

For automobile owners who can’t live without their Bluetooth or navigation system functioning correctly, purchasing an extended warranty for their technological systems makes sense. Drivers who don’t rely on these systems can save money by choosing not to cover them.

Though extended car warranties can save you significant amounts of money for expensive repairs, they can sometimes cost you more long-term.

If you’re paying $60 monthly for an extended car warranty, that is $720 a year out of your pocket. In addition, there is often a deductible whenever you claim warranty coverage. An extended car warranty may not be worth it for someone with a very reliable vehicle who can afford a costly repair.

You May Feel Tied Down to Your Current Vehicle

Extended warranties are often cheaper the earlier in your vehicle’s lifespan that you purchase them. If you invest in an extended auto warranty for years, you may hesitate to buy a different vehicle. However, many car warranties are transferable, which may help increase resale value.

For automobile owners without an extended car warranty, purchasing a different vehicle may be easier.

Extended Warranty Plans Only Cover Some Things

Some consumers buy an extended warranty plan without reading the plan’s details and are caught off-guard when their extended car warranty does not cover a needed repair.

Reputable warranty providers will provide a transparent list of exclusions on their plans. It is wise to read that list before purchasing an extended car warranty.

Yes, an extended car warranty can be worth it for you. There are more pros than cons to buying an extended warranty if you can’t afford unexpected repair costs and you plan to keep your car for several years.

An extended car warranty, also called a vehicle service contract, is a protection plan that takes effect after your original factory warranty expires. The warranty is designed to bring peace of mind on the road. While more likely for older, used cars, unexpected breakdowns can occur anytime. Suppose you own a new car from a dealership. In that case, it may still be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, but check the fine print since the factory warranty will only cover auto repairs for a few years after purchase. Every car owner should have a plan for how they will pay for repairs. One way to plan for these costs is by purchasing an extended car warranty.

After considering the pros and cons of extended car warranties, you may decide that an extended warranty is right. The first step to finding the best warranty for your needs is researching and comparing prices. We recommend you shop for the best price and coverage for your car from top third-party warranty providers.

Our Recommendations For Extended Car Warranties

Get free quotes from our top three picks for aftermarket car warranty companies below:

Best Coverage: Endurance

Endurance offers direct-to-consumer extended warranties, which means that warranty services and claims are handled directly by Endurance.

With Endurance, you don’t have to worry about a middleman or underwritten provider, and Endurance is known for its excellent customer service during the quotes and claims processes.

Additionally, Endurance warranty plans allow car owners to choose from any repair shop certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE^®) to complete the covered repairs.

Learn more about coverage options in our complete Endurance warranty review, as we rated the company 4.6 out of 5.0 stars. You can also reach out for a free, personalized quote from Endurance below.

Best For Used Cars: CARCHEX

If, after reviewing our pros and cons, you’ve decided to purchase an extended car warranty, we recommend reaching out to CARCHEX for a custom quote.

CARCHEX maintains an A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau and has received endorsements from industry leaders like CARFAX, Kelley Blue Book, and Edmunds.com. Our CARCHEX review rated the company 4.4 out of 5.0 stars.

CARCHEX offers five extended warranty plans, each of which can be customized. All plans include 24/7 emergency roadside assistance, gas delivery, trip interruption, and lockout services.

Do you need help deciding between Endurance and CARCHEX? Read our Endurance vs. CARCHEX review, and reach out for a CARCHEX quote to see how much you would pay for coverage.

Extended Car Warranties: FAQ

Below are some frequently asked questions about the pros and cons of extended car warranties: