Finding the right extended warranty for your car can seem like an overwhelming task when you consider the numbers of companies offering extended warranties and the various types of coverage that are available. As a consumer you need to be educated and vigilant when choosing the extended warranty that is right for you. By evaluating your car warranty needs carefully you can choose the coverage that will meet your requirements without spending unnecessarily on products or services you don't need.
The first step is to decide if you really need the additional coverage. The age and condition of your car is a big determining factor. If you have recently purchased a new or late-model used vehicle there will probably be a manufacturer's warranty already in place. Check with your dealer or sales professional for any existing warranty information before purchasing additional coverage. If the manufacturer's warranty has expired or you have purchased a vehicle with no existing warranty then you will want to carefully research the options available to you.
Your extended warranty coverage should be based on the expected life of the car and according to how many years you plan to drive it. If you plan on owing the vehicle for several years there is a good chance you will have to pay for expensive repairs. Most of the value of an extended warranty will come near the end of your policy term, as your car gets older and common mechanical problems arise. Planning in advance can save you time and money and you will be able to avoid any high pressure sales techniques designed to coerce the consumer into purchasing coverage that isn't really needed.
It is important to read the contract and specific coverage carefully. Many extended warranties do not cover common repairs and will only cover major mechanical failure such as transmissions, power trains, or engines. Be sure you are getting the exact coverage you want. It's also important to be aware of your options as far as where you will be able to get your vehicle serviced. Some extended warranties will require you to take your car to the dealership where it was purchased while others may have a list of authorized locations to choose from. If your car breaks down while you are traveling you will want to know you can use your warranty in a variety of locations.
Take special notice of your deductible and any maintenance requirements that might be included in your contract. Some warranty companies will void an otherwise covered repair if you haven't followed a certain maintenance schedule. It's also important to know how your repairs will be paid for. Some extended warranties will pay the mechanic directly, with you only paying the amount of any deductible that is required. Others may specify in the contract that repair costs will be reimbursed to you after you submit a bill. Knowing specifically what is in your contract is imperative.
Choosing an extended warranty for your car doesn't have to be a painful process if you do your homework. Know your specific needs, read your contract, and be sure to research the financial stability and consumer ratings of the company providing your coverage.
The first step is to decide if you really need the additional coverage. The age and condition of your car is a big determining factor. If you have recently purchased a new or late-model used vehicle there will probably be a manufacturer's warranty already in place. Check with your dealer or sales professional for any existing warranty information before purchasing additional coverage. If the manufacturer's warranty has expired or you have purchased a vehicle with no existing warranty then you will want to carefully research the options available to you.
Your extended warranty coverage should be based on the expected life of the car and according to how many years you plan to drive it. If you plan on owing the vehicle for several years there is a good chance you will have to pay for expensive repairs. Most of the value of an extended warranty will come near the end of your policy term, as your car gets older and common mechanical problems arise. Planning in advance can save you time and money and you will be able to avoid any high pressure sales techniques designed to coerce the consumer into purchasing coverage that isn't really needed.
It is important to read the contract and specific coverage carefully. Many extended warranties do not cover common repairs and will only cover major mechanical failure such as transmissions, power trains, or engines. Be sure you are getting the exact coverage you want. It's also important to be aware of your options as far as where you will be able to get your vehicle serviced. Some extended warranties will require you to take your car to the dealership where it was purchased while others may have a list of authorized locations to choose from. If your car breaks down while you are traveling you will want to know you can use your warranty in a variety of locations.
Take special notice of your deductible and any maintenance requirements that might be included in your contract. Some warranty companies will void an otherwise covered repair if you haven't followed a certain maintenance schedule. It's also important to know how your repairs will be paid for. Some extended warranties will pay the mechanic directly, with you only paying the amount of any deductible that is required. Others may specify in the contract that repair costs will be reimbursed to you after you submit a bill. Knowing specifically what is in your contract is imperative.
Choosing an extended warranty for your car doesn't have to be a painful process if you do your homework. Know your specific needs, read your contract, and be sure to research the financial stability and consumer ratings of the company providing your coverage.