The best time to get a car warranty depends on whether you have a new or used vehicle and your individual circumstances. For new cars, it’s generally recommended to get an extended warranty before the manufacturer’s warranty expires. For used cars, consider purchasing a warranty shortly after purchase or when maintenance costs begin to rise. At the end of the day, it is up to you to determine whether the extra expense associated with car warranties is worth it for yourself.
How Long After Purchase Can I Buy an Extended Warranty?
An extended warranty is a service contract that offers coverage for repair costs and replacement parts after your manufacturer’s warranty has expired. It also covers extras like free rental car coverage, trip interruption reimbursement, and 24-hour roadside assistance.
- Many car buyers turn to extended warranties as a way of mitigating financial risk after the manufacturer’s warranty runs out.
- Purchasing an extended vehicle warranty can make financial sense when combined with financing.
- Third-party warranty providers allow you to compare extended coverage and prices more easily.
- Before selecting a warranty provider, carefully investigate their online reviews and reputation.
How Long is the Car Warranty for Used Cars?
Used car warranties (also called vehicle service contracts) provide essential financial protection when investing in used cars. By helping reduce repair and breakdown costs after your factory warranty has expired, they provide invaluable peace of mind.
- The cost of warranties for used cars depends on many variables, including age, mileage, make, and model of the car.
- To evaluate any warranty properly, it’s best to read its terms and conditions carefully.
- This information can usually be found online, or contact your warranty provider for additional details.
- Providers like Nova Warranty are transparent about pricing terms without hidden fees attached.
Some car shoppers choose to forego warranties in favor of purchasing a more reliable car with good reliability ratings, which can be an intelligent move when keeping their vehicle for several years or more. Though this approach requires discipline and sufficient savings for unexpected repairs, ultimately, saving money over time is often realized.
How Long is the Car Warranty for New Cars?
New car warranties come as part of purchasing a new vehicle and typically last for an agreed-upon length of time or miles. They cover everything from minor cosmetic damage to engine issues; many also provide roadside assistance services.
- Factory warranties on new cars typically last three years or 36,000 miles – whichever occurs first.
- Powertrain warranties, which cover essential components such as the engine and transmission, often last a bit longer.
- Purchasing a warranty should come with the knowledge that it will become null and void if you fail to abide by the recommended maintenance schedule.
How Long is the Car Warranty for Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles?
Many manufacturers now provide certified pre-owned (CPO) programs for used car purchases, typically including an inspection by factory-trained technicians and subsequent reconditioning of any components requiring repair or replacement.
These warranties often carry transferability as well as extra benefits like:
- Roadside assistance
- Rental car allowances
- Loaner vehicles during repairs
- Special financing option
- Mechanical breakdown coverage
CPO warranties typically kick in once the original limited bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties have expired and run for either an agreed-upon amount of time or distance, based on each manufacturer. Their length usually begins upon expiration and counts backward from zero odometer reading.
Factors to Consider Before Buying an Extended Warranty
An extended car warranty can provide peace of mind on the road. Before purchasing one, however, be sure to read carefully through its terms and conditions, coverage details, exclusions, and claims process before making your decision. Here are some other factors that you must consider:
Coverage
An extended warranty’s coverage varies based on several factors. This may include your vehicle make, model, and year, as well as where you reside and the distances traveled each month. Your deductible also has an impact on its cost – higher deductibles tend to reduce it, while lower ones increase it.
Consider your vehicle’s history for reliability and longevity before investing in a car extended warranty plan. If it has an unfortunate tendency of needing repair often, an extended warranty might not be worth your while. Here are different types of extended warranties.
Exclusion in the Warranty
Be mindful of any warranty’s exclusions and limitations. Some policies exclude certain components or forms of damage, while others have large deductibles that can significantly raise costs. It’s also wise to ensure the original manufacturer warranty doesn’t overlap, to avoid paying for unnecessary protection.
Claim limit
Claim limits for extended warranties are set by state law and can differ from what’s covered under manufacturer warranties. If repair or replacement doesn’t cover everything that was needed to repair or replace an item, the policyholder may be held accountable for paying any remaining balance owed. Some warranties also include deductible payments, which must be met before filing a claim.
Conclusion
The decision to purchase an extended warranty isn’t one-size-fits-all—it depends on your vehicle’s age, reliability, and how long you plan to keep it. Buying early can maximize your protection and savings, while waiting too long may limit your options. The important part is making an informed decision based on your driving habits, budget, and long-term goals.
Protect Your Car on Your Schedule with Nova Warranty
At Nova Warranty, we make extended coverage simple, flexible, and built around you. Whether you’re buying new, used, or certified pre-owned, our customizable plans help you avoid unexpected repair bills—and boost resale value down the road. Plus, we offer clear pricing, no hidden fees, and coverage you can count on. Get a fast, free quote today and take the worry out of car ownership with protection that starts when you’re ready.
