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Protect your vehicle by taking out warranty insurance
What is an extended car warranty?
When you buy a new car it comes with a standard manufacturer’s warranty. These typically last until you hit a certain mileage, say 60,000 miles, or for three years, with some offering five or seven years.
When the manufacturer’s warranty expires, any costs incurred for car repairs caused by wear and tear come out of your own pocket. That is unless you have an extended car warranty, which lengthens the period of protection for your car against fatigue.
The period covered is typically for from one to three years, with the option to extend by further 12 to 36 months up to a specified mileage. This feature makes an extended warranty a good bed-fellow for breakdown cover.
You can get an extended car warranty from the manufacturer when you buy a new car.”
Types of warranty insurance
There are many different types of extended car warranties. It’s important to find a policy that fulfils your needs.
You could look at:
Car warranty insurance
Van warranty insurance
Warranty insurance for cars with high mileage
Warranty insurance for parts and labour
Used car warranty insurance
Classic car warranty
What does warranty insurance cover?
Covered
Not covered
Do I need car warranty insurance?
If your manufacturer’s warranty is coming to an end, you can save money and reduce worry with an extended car warranty. This type of warranty insurance probably worth considering if you cover a lot of miles a year or drive regularly in congested areas.
But it’s important to check exactly what’s covered. You might think it’s not worth it if certain things are excluded, or you’re a very low-mileage driver.
How to find the best car warranty insurance
It’s a good idea to shop around for extended warranty cover, as there are lots of policies out there. When doing so consider the following:
What type of car you want to cover
What kind of maintenance it needs
How often you use it
Whether wear and tear cover might be helpful on a used car – not all warranty providers offer this
The labour rate - this is the maximum amount the extended warranty provider pays towards labour costs if your car ends up in a garage.
Age and mileage limits on the insurance policies you’re considering.
Compare policies which offer the level of cover you need, then select the package with the best price.
FAQs
Can I get my car repaired at any garage?
Not always. Some warranties only cover repairs at authorised garages.
Do I have to pay an excess if I claim?
Yes, most warranties have an excess of up to around £250. You may need to pay the excess to your garage if your insurer pays it directly for work on your vehicle.
Will modifications to my car affect my warranty?
If your modification leads to a claim, it might not be covered by the warranty. Although always check your policy document.
Do I need a full service history to get a car warranty?
Most insurance providers will ask to see your car’s full-service history. You may also need to provide proof of MOT if you claim.
Can I claim on my warranty if I have a car accident?
No, your warranty only covers parts that break down. If your car’s damaged following a collision you’ll need to report this to your car insurance company.
Can I claim for wear and tear?
Some policies include wear and tear, but this may not cover wheels,brakes and other heavy duty components. Check your policy documents for details.
Will I be covered for roadside assistance if my car breaks down?
Not unless breakdown recovery is included in your warranty cover.
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