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Extended Automobile Warranty Types and Options
Powertrain Coverage
When you're shopping around for an extended automobile
warranty, the most basic and essential coverage plan is usually a powertrain
coverage plan. This warranty is similar to a factory warranty
(also known as a manufacturer warranty) where all powertrain
parts are covered. A factory warranty will only cover defective parts
whereas an extended automobile warranty will also cover non-defective
parts, which is a good reason to get a third party warranty even if your
factory warranty is still in effect. Parts that are considered part of
the powertrain are the major components that keep your car moving will
be covered by this warranty and should include repairs related to these
categories.
| Repair |
Information |
| Drive Axle(s) |
Axle(s) that transfer power from the transmission to the wheels and CV joints. |
| Engine |
Composed of many parts. Water pump may be included separate from cooling. |
| Steering |
Power steering parts included like the pump and rack. |
| Transfer Unit |
Constant pressure from heavy loads can cause some bearings to grind. |
| Transmission |
Internal parts, converter, and sometimes case if damaged by a covered part. |
Intermediate Coverage
Many extended automobile warranty companies offer an intermediate
coverage plan that will cover your powertrain and some repairs a bumper-to-bumper
warranty may cover. This plan is great for saving money if many repairs
covered in the bumper-to-bumper warranty don't pertain to you. If you
think an intermediate plan is right for you, make sure it covers at least
these important repairs.
| Repair |
Information |
| Air Conditioning |
Covers major parts like the compressor unless a smaller part needs to be changed with repair. |
| Brakes |
Brake pads, rotor, etc. are considered maintenance parts and are typically excluded from a traditional extended automobile warranty. |
| Electrical |
Alternator, starter and other basic (non-computerized) electrical components. |
| Front Suspension |
Similar to steering components, but take more wear-and-tear damage. |
| Rear Suspension |
Usually takes only wear-and-tear damage so you need wear-and-tear coverage. |
| Supercharger |
Backfire is a supercharger's worst nightmare. |
| Turbo |
Always exposed to a lot of heat and is expensive to fix. |
Bumper-to-Bumper/OEM Coverage
A bumper-to-bumper warranty, sometimes called an OEM warranty,
is the cream of the crop warranty. If this extended automobile warranty
doesn't have it all, you're shopping in the wrong place.
Beware of third
party warranties that advertise a bumper-to-bumper warranty without listing
what it covers. Low prices tend to correspond with low coverage. Before
you get carried away, make sure to read any fine print that may exclude
things that should really be covered by an extended automobile warranty
(other than the typical exclusions
a traditional warranty will have). Specifying ABS from standard brakes,
among other things, is important to distinguish a true bumper-to-bumper
extended automobile warranty from an imitation. Some bumper-to-bumper
extended automobile warranties cover so many items that they will list
only what they do not cover, which eliminates reading fine print exclusions.
In addition to powertrain coverage, here
are some things you should expect to be covered by your bumper-to-bumper
warranty.
| Repair |
Information |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) |
Anti-lock brakes contain many electrical (computer controlled) parts that may not be covered by a warranty that does not specify ABS from regular brakes. |
| Cooling |
It's important have coverage for cooling components since they tend to be problematic. Water pump may be considered and engine part. |
| Enhanced-Electrical |
Almost everything in the modern vehicle is controlled by some type of computer. The replacement is easy but computers are expensive. |
| Four Wheel Steering |
Very few cars have this feature so it's not detrimental if you don't have it, unless you're vehicle is one of the few. |
| Fuel Delivery |
Fuel pump, etc. and some components on the engine that may not be considered engine parts (i.e. fuel injectors). |
| Interior/Exterior Features |
Could cover a number of things. |
| SUV Features |
Parts specific to SUV's. |
Other Options to Look for in Addition to Regular Coverage
Some warranties cover things that may seem uncharacteristic
of a warranty. These additional options can make a huge difference with
everyday concerns and can make getting back on the road a whole lot easier
if your car breaks down away, especially when you're far away from home.
Make sure to find an extended automotive warranty provider that gives
you the most options with any of their plans.
| Option |
Information |
| Car Rental |
While your car is in the shop, you can still go to work and earn some money instead of breaking even. |
| Claims |
Make sure to have an unlimited number of claims! |
| Emergency Roadside Service |
Running out of gas, dead batteries, and flat tires happen to the best of us at the worst time. Be ready with 24-hour emergency roadside assistance. |
| Lost key/lockout service |
Keys always manage to end up in the wrong place at the wrong time. |
| No In-service Date |
Great for coverage as soon as you sign your contract instead of waiting for a month or two for service contract to become active. |
| Renewable |
When your extended automobile warranty expires and you enjoyed their services, make sure you can continue to receive them. |
| Repair facility |
If you have a mechanic you trust, find a warranty that will let you repair your car at your shop of choice. |
| Transferable |
If you sell your car to a private purchaser, you can get more for it by transferring your warranty to the new buyer. |
| Travel Expenses |
You'll need this if your car leaves you stranded far from home |
| Towing |
Useful for large towing bills. |
| Wear-and-tear |
Many parts gradually go bad from years of use and may not be covered unless your plan distinctly specifies wear-and-tear repairs. |
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