If you’re thinking of buying a new car, then you’ll probably be excited to get behind the wheel and take it for a spin yourself. The last thing you’ll be thinking of is where you’ll find the money to get your car repaired. However, this is actually an important thing to bear in mind. After all, nobody wants to be handed a big bill and have to find the money out of their household budget. For that reason, it’s a good idea to think about buying an extended car warranty, to ensure that if something does happen to your car, the cost will be covered for you.
What is your warranty?
If you’ve ever bought any expensive piece of technology, from a car to a cell phone, then you’ll probably already be familiar with the concept of a manufacturer’s warranty. Almost all new cars come with one of these- the only ones that don’t are those made by companies that have gone out of business. Within a certain period, if your car breaks down due to a mechanical fault, then you don’t need to worry about paying for the repairs. Since the breakdown was covered by the warranty, the manufacturer will cover the cost.
You might think that this sounds an awful lot like insurance- and you’d be right. However, the key difference is that while insurance covers accidental damage, such as if another driver crashes into your car, an extended warranty covers you in the event of parts breaking due to ordinary wear and tear. It’s basically a different type of insurance, and is no less valuable than standard insurance. In fact, it’s far more likely that you’ll claim on an extended warranty, as parts will eventually stop working and need to be replaced or repaired.
Extended car warranty
Extended car warranty refers specifically to an additional warranty period that you can pay for, so that you’re covered for longer in the event of a mechanical problem with your car. It’s usually sold by third-party insurers, but you’ll find that most extended car policies provide about the same level of coverage as the manufacturer’s warranty. Prices will vary depending on a few factors, most notably the age of your car. Since it’s more likely you’ll claim on an extended warranty for an older car, you can expect to pay a higher premium. However, so long as the cost of the extended warranty is less than the estimated cost of repair, you should certainly have a serious think about purchasing an extended warranty. It will protect you from any big unexpected bills, and means you can get your car repaired right away and get back on the road in no time at all.
Conclusion
It’s vital to note that if you do opt for an extended car warranty, then it will apply from the moment you hand over the payment. That means that if there’s any time left on the manufacturer’s warranty, you’ll essentially be paying for coverage you already have. It’s best if you look into extended car warranty while you’re still covered by this manufacturer’s warranty, but leave it as long as possible before you actually buy. That way, you’ll get the full amount of coverage that you’re paying for- and you won’t be left with any nasty surprises should your car break down and you discover the extended warranty has already expired.