How to Purchase Extended Warranty Auto Insurance

Extended warranties are available at several levels. There is the bumper-to-bumper limited warranty that covers specific repairs on your car for the first three years or 36,000 miles that you own the car. You can also get a corrosion or power train warranty that covers the first five years or 60,000 miles that you own the car. Many new car dealers and automobile organizations also offer extended warranty auto insurance so that you can avoid costly repair expenses further into the life of your car.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Discuss the details of available extended warranty packages with the sales representative at the dealership where you purchase your automobile. Ask for a written brochure that clearly lists coverage types such as power train, drive train, electronics or heating and cooling. Review available plans before you sign the contract to purchase your vehicle. For example, Honda offers extended warranty plans under their Honda Care Plan. With the plan, you can get an extended warranty for up to seven years or 100,000 miles. Twenty-four-hour roadside assistance, emergency cash advance, claim processing assistance and rental car reimbursement can be included with the warranty. Cost of the plan can range from $500 to over $1,000 depending on the make and model of the car you purchase. The warranty can be transferred to non-Honda vehicles as well. Whichever plan you decide on, make sure that the cost of the plan is included in the overall cost of your auto loan.

2. Contact auto clubs you have an existing membership with. AAA provides extended warranty auto insurance at the Platinum, Gold and Silver levels (see Resources). Your car does not have to be inspected by AAA to be covered in the plan. Sign up for the Platinum plan if you want to cover all the original factory equipment on your vehicle. Purchase the Gold plan to have your car's engine, transmission, steering, brakes, wiring, front and rear suspension and air conditioning systems covered. Get the Silver plan if you want to cover only transmission, engine, axles, seals and gaskets. You can call an AAA agent at 800-323-4300 to request a quote on how much it will cost to cover your automobile. Ask if you can set up a payment plan when you activate the extended warranty.

3. Check with a warranty service provider. Contact companies like Warranty Direct, Auto Warranties and Warranty Warehouse (see Resources). Review the firm's different types of warranty plans including Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. Price-compare the various plans and coverage levels before you sign a contract. Ask the firm representative that you speak with about price guarantees or service warranties. Sign up to receive zero-interest financing if you are unable to pay the total cost of the extended warranty upfront. Ask if the company will assist you with processing claims forms and allow you to use the repair garage of your choice should your vehicle break down.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Automotive Warranty and Service Contract Association (see Resources) to learn of vehicles and warranty providers that have a history of defects, recalls or complaints. Some providers like Warranty Warehouse provide coverage on vehicles throughout the United States as well as financing to cover the cost of the extended warranty plan installments.

Resources

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Automotive Warranty and Service Contract Association
• Warranty Direct
• Warranty Warehouse
• AAA Auto Club

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