Anyone Can Get an Extended Automobile Warranty

Extended automobile warranties are not just for new cars and don't have to be purchased at a dealer. Although getting an extended automobile warranty sooner will be more cost efficient, it is not the only way to get one. Coverage usually lasts between 4 to 7 years and can be bought for new vehicles and used vehicles with up to 150,000 miles. Even commercially used vehicles, like delivery trucks, are great candidates for an extended automobile warranty.

Typical Extended Automobile Warranty Exclusions

Most traditional extended automobile warranties don't cover repair or replacement of things like paint, air bags, glass, exhaust systems, upholstery, bright metal, rust, moldings, weather-strips, etc. or maintenance parts like belts, hoses, oil, light bulbs, fluids, filters, brake pads, shoes, shock absorbers, spark plugs, etc. Tires are usually excluded from a traditional extended automobile warranty, but can sometimes be added as an option to selected coverage plans an extended automobile warranty company may provide.

Filing a Claim

Always call your extended automobile warranty provider before doing anything.

Remember to always call your extended automobile warranty provider before you repair your vehicle! This point cannot be stressed enough. Your extended automobile warranty provider cannot help you if they do not know you need help. Usually you will be provided with one or two phone numbers. One will be your extended automobile warranty provider's main customer support phone number for all services and an optional number solely intended for use of your 24-hour emergency roadside assistance coverage. Keep these numbers in your car or in your wallet for easy access when you need help concerning your vehicle.

Once your extended automobile warranty provider knows about your vehicle's problem they can instruct you further on your course of action or you can always lookup what you need to do for each repair in your service contract. Get your vehicle's problem properly diagnosed and have your extended automobile warranty provider agree to its repair and you'll be safe to give the okay for servicing to begin. After the repair is complete, make sure the required signatures are on all documents and save every one of them. Your extended automobile warranty provider will need a copy of everything if you expect to be reimbursed. If your travel expenses are covered while your vehicle is being serviced, save those documents as well.

Repairing Your Vehicle

There are still some extended automobile warranty companies that will not let you choose your own repair facility. Fortunately, you have the option to stay away from those companies. Find an extended automobile warranty company that will allow you to choose your own repair facility and reimburse you for the repair costs incurred. Mechanic shops and these extended automobile warranty providers use standard pricing manuals that show the amount of time a repair should take and how much it should cost. Make sure these numbers match up and you'll be back on the road in no time.

Having a no in-service date for your extended automobile warranty is a great option to have if you want immediate coverage. However, warranty companies will not repair any problems you may have with your vehicle due to pre-existing conditions. They are very skeptical of large claims filed within 30 days of having coverage and will go through great lengths to make sure your vehicle's damage was not due to a pre-existing condition. Damage done to your vehicle by neglect or use while in disrepair is also something that you cannot file a claim for. This includes use of your vehicle while essential fluids are low leading to mechanical failure.