As a car owner, you want to ensure that your vehicle is safe and reliable. One way to show this is by taking care of it with regular maintenance and repairs.
But what happens when something goes wrong? You need a warranty!
Choosing a warranty for your car can seem like an overwhelming and confusing task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are 5 tips to help you make your decision.
1. Determine the right warranty
There are a lot of details to consider when choosing a warranty for your car. First, you have to determine what type of coverage you need. There are three primary types of car warranties: bumper-to-bumper, powertrain, and emission control system (ECS).
Furthermore, they vary in terms of length and cost. A bumper-to-bumper warranty compensates you for parts damaged due to wear and tear, whereas a powertrain warranty covers the parts of your car-related to its engine, transmission, drive axles, and more.
An Emission Control System warranty generally lasts longer than other types because it requires you to repair or replace a few specific parts.
2. Know your car’s value and the cost of repairs
This is a major factor in determining which warranty to get for your car, affecting how long you plan to keep the vehicle. If you plan on switching cars or selling your current one, then an extended bumper-to-bumper warranty may not be worth it.
Conversely, if you know your BMW needs a lot of expensive repairs, then a BMW extended warranty could be your best resort.
3. Consider your driving habits
Your driving habits are another thing to consider when choosing a car warranty. If you’re the type of driver who takes their car on long road trips, then you’ll need a warranty that covers more than just regular wear and tear.
Equally, if you only use your car for short trips, this type of warranty might be adequate. To determine your annual mileage, you need to consult your vehicle’s registration documents under the heading “Miles Driven.”
4. Know what you’re expected to pay for repairs beforehand
What kind of coverage does your car warranty include? Some car warranties only cover specific parts or systems in your car. For example, a bumper-to-bumper warranty might not cover certain parts such as the transmission or an engine’s valves and seals. Be sure to ask the warranty company what you’re responsible for paying before choosing a plan.
5. Read your contract carefully
As with any large purchase, make sure you read your contract carefully before signing. Different warranties have different requirements and limitations, so you must understand the warranty before committing. The following are a few terms you should be familiar with:
• Coverage period – This is the length of time that the warranty lasts. It starts when your vehicle was first used as intended and ends at a certain date.
• Consequential damages – This refers to damage that occurs due to something that’s not typically damaged in your vehicle. For example, you might need consequential damages if your car battery dies and stops the engine from running properly. Depending on which warranty you get, consequential damages might be covered or not. You might need to purchase this type of coverage with the warranty.
• Transferability – This is whether or not you can pass on your warranty when you sell your vehicle. If it’s transferable, the new owner will be covered under your warranty for its remaining period. Some warranties are also transferable to future owners should you choose to trade your vehicle in at a dealership.
• Deductible – This is the amount of money you need to pay before your warranty takes effect and covers the repair costs. If you take advantage of a bumper-to-bumper warranty, expect to pay a deductible before getting it fixed. However, some warranties don’t require you to pay a deductible, which can be a great advantage.
Conclusion
When choosing a car warranty, it’s important to consider various factors such as your car’s value, the cost of repairs, and your driving habits. Be sure to read your contract carefully before signing and ask the warranty company any questions you may have.
Doing your research can help you select the best warranty for your needs.
