Is buying a car with a warranty worth it?
Warranties are there to protect you in the event your car needs a repair. While they do add peace of mind for the driver in the event a problem unexpectedly arises, is it cheaper to pay out for repairs yourself? Find out more about car warranties in our guide to decide if they’re a good option for you.
What does a used car warranty cover?
A car warranty protects you against mechanical and electrical faults over an agreed period of time. Depending on the warranty provider you signed with, and what level of cover you’ve signed up for, what you’re eligible to have repaired will differ. However, a typical vehicle warranty covers:
Engine
Transmission system
Fuel and ignition system
Air conditioning or cooling system
Electrics
Gearbox
Steering
Suspension
Non-frictional clutch and brakes
It’s vital you read and understand the contract because not every part in your car is necessarily going to be covered.
What is excluded in a car warranty?
Similar to what’s included with a warranty, what’s excluded depends on the provider, but typically these are the most common things:
General wear and tear (you may be able to include this for an added price)
Batteries, wheels, tyres, exhausts, catalytic converters, worn-out clutches and brakes
Damage caused by oil leaks
Cars used for competitions, commercial deliveries or as taxis
Improvements to parts that are not broken
Damage caused by frost, worn friction materials, blockages, contamination or sludge
Poor workmanship or faulty components
Be aware of the terms and conditions
There are so many types of warranty packages out there, with so many different types of contracts from so many different providers. Your options are extensive, so it’s vital you read and understand the terms and conditions of the contract to know what you’re entitled to.
Age limit: Many warranties have an age limit for cars, so if your motor is approaching it, a warranty may not be worth it.
Claim limit: This is the most your insurer will pay for repairs, usually the value of the car.
Consequential damage: if something breaks and damages another part, the warranty might not cover both components.
Excess:This is a percentage you pay towards each claim on your warranty but bare in mind some policy providers increase the excess as your mileage increases.
Workshop choice: Many warranty providers have their own ‘approved’ garages your repairs have to be carried out at.
Mileage allowance: You may struggle to get a warranty on a car with a high mileage and you might have to stay within a set mileage range to keep your warranty operating.
Betterment: If a repair makes your car worth more than it was, you may be expected to put some money towards the cost of the repair.
Previous faults: A warranty may not cover damaged parts that were there before you took out the warranty.
Service book: Providers expect you to keep your car serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and genuine, standard parts must be used.
Warning lights: Ignore your cars warning lights and the warranty could become invalid.
Wear and tear: Don’t expect brake pads, tyres and clutch plates to be covered. These, and other ‘consumables’, won’t count in the cover. Any parts that fail due to standard wear and tear also aren’t covered.
Do I need a car warranty?
If you can afford the costs of repairing the car yourself, then a warranty isn’t necessary. However, if you know the parts for your particular car are few and far between or they’re very expensive, then it could save you money.
Many warranties don’t just include repairs either. Your cover may also include breakdown recovery, a complimentary car while yours is being fixed, hotel expenses for overnight stays while the repair work is being carried out, emergency travel expenses covered, and driving your car abroad. So it’s important to factor in whether these added extras are worth it too.
Where can you get car warranty cover?
We have a partnership with warranty provider RAC and can provide customers with Platinum level coverage.
Platinum Plus is the most comprehensive level of cover available today. It even includes:
All mechanical & Electrical component coverage
Pays Parts, Labour and VAT
Cover extends to Infotainment system, DPF, Catalytic convertor and diagnosis
Access to Nationwide network of RAC Approved repairers
No excess to pay
Unlimited mileage
Unlimited repairs
Complimentary RAC roadside assistance for 12 months
Choose from 12, 24 or 36 months
You can access and read more about our platinum plus coverage here, including the terms and conditions, or you can contact a member of our sales team for more information.