Is Your Car’s Manufacturer Warranty Expiring?
No car can last forever, but almost every vehicle will continue running long after its factory warranty has expired. While a manufacturer’s warranty is certainly nice to have, everyone who purchase’s a car knows that it’ll end. This can be stressful, since it saddles you with any unexpected repairs or surprise bills. Even small repairs can easily cost hundreds of dollars, so it’s understandable that owners aren’t looking forward to such an occasion. Luckily, the best vehicle extended warranty might not be a warranty at all. An extended service contract could deliver more than you ever expected and at a remarkably reasonable price. Before your warranty expires, you should consider an aftermarket service contract. The right protection plan could be incredibly helpful and put your mind at ease.
Warranties
Warranties go by a variety of names. In most instances, a manufacturer’s warranty, factory warranty, limited warranty and bumper-to-bumper warranty are all effectively interchangeable. The only real difference is how they market or promote the coverage. Generally, these warranties cover repairs for a limited amount of mileage or fixed duration, whichever comes first. Normal maintenance isn’t covered. Basically, this means that a defective transmission would be covered for both parts and labor, but a standard oil change wouldn’t be.
Having an initial warranty is certainly beneficial, especially since they usually require no additional expense. The warranty is simply included when you purchase the car. Unfortunately, there could be unforeseen limitations, and your vehicle is practically guaranteed to outlive the warranty.
Mileage
This is perhaps the biggest hindrance when it comes to a car’s initial warranty. All these warranties expire after a specified mileage. This could be 36,000 miles or more. While this might sound significant, the mileage can easily be exceeded within a few years. You may still be making payments on the car long after the warranty has expired. If you drive a lot for work or in your personal life, you could exceed the mileage in a matter of months.
Age
The factory warranty will also have a duration listed. Often, this is 3 years, but it’s longer in some cases. People are keeping their cars for longer periods of time, so many owners will still be driving the same vehicle for 10 years or more. Again, it’s easy to see that the warranty won’t last anywhere close to the life of the car. This is why extended service contracts are offered. They can provide protection for your vehicle many years and miles beyond what a typical warranty will allow.
Protection
Before your warranty expires, you should do at least two things. First and foremost, you should bring your vehicle into the shop and get an inspection. This will allow you to receive the benefit of your warranty before it’s gone. Next, you can shop around for a protection plan that meets your needs.
Some protection plans are more comprehensive than others. Be sure that you know what is and isn’t covered. Like a warranty, service contracts don’t cover normal maintenance. Your oil change still won’t fall under the protection plan, but the engine, electrical system, transmission, and other key components will be covered. As with a warranty, this could translate into hundreds or thousands of dollars in savings if you need an unexpected or emergency repair.
As you can see, the best vehicle extended warranty probably isn’t a warranty. Service contracts allow for higher mileage, and they can cover older vehicles as well. Contact Freedom Warranty LLC at (877) 249-4186 if you have any questions or would like to learn more.
