Should I Buy An Extended Vehicle Warranty?

Whether you are purchasing a new or used car, breakdowns can occur. It's always a worry that you could have major problems such as engine trouble or a transmission that stops shifting, and you suddenly are digging deep into your pockets for the cash to repair it. So the question that arises often is "Should I Buy An Extended Vehicle Warranty?"

There are always pros and cons. An extended vehicle warranty adds to your total cost, but over the long run it can also be very beneficial especially if a big breakdown occurs.

A vehicle extended warranty is a contract between a vehicle warranty company and you. It isn't an insurance policy even though most people think of it as one. It is actually the most profitable service a car dealer sells, but it can also be very beneficial to the consumer.

When you buy a new car you get the manufacturers warranty. Then, for a specific fee, you can extend that warranty. If you tend to keep your vehicles longer than the period of the original warranty purchasing the extended warranty can make good sense. If however you tend to trade your vehicles in every few years, the purchase of the extended warranty would probably not be beneficial.

When it comes to used vehicles, some dealers will offer a 30 day warranty and then offer to sell you an extended warranty. There are many companies that are now offering extended warranty coverage on used vehicles.

Purchasing an extended warranty is a great way to give you peace of mind. You can protect your investment and your pocket book from unexpected costs.

Extended warranties usually offer the same benefits as your new car warranty. This means that no matter where you travel within North America your warranty will cover you. Some extended warranties cover just the powertrain, while others cover bumper to bumper. Be sure to check with your dealer or read your policy.

As an added bonus, almost all extended warranties offer 24 hour roadside assistance. Roadside assistance includes gas drops, flat tire changes, locksmith, and towing benefits. You may also get benefits such as vehicle replacement in the event of a breakdown along with accommodation expenses.

Filing claims is a simple process. Many dealers simply require you to provide proof of coverage. Normally you are issued a coverage card. If you are dealing with your local dealership, chances are you are in their computer system. On used vehicles you usually are required to pay the costs and then submit the bill for reimbursement. Different plans have different deductibles.

Don't buy your extended warranty coverage by price alone. More doesn't mean better; but then again cheap can mean that many repairs are exempt so read the fine print and read the entire policy carefully before signing on the dotted line.

With so many companies offering extended warranty coverage online and through dealers, it's important you are sure that the company is reputable. If your extended warranty comes from Ford or GM it's pretty straightforward; but otherwise you'll want to make sure you are dealing with a well funded company.

Whether you should buy extended vehicle warranty coverage is really a personal choice, but good coverage can be beneficial. If there's one thing for certain, vehicles will break down. It's just a matter of when.