One of the biggest decisions that motorists face is whether or not they should purchase an extended warranty on a used vehicle. This warranty protects the investment once the initial manufacturer warranty has ended, which is typically after 3 years of 60,000 miles. If you encounter any mechanical or electrical issues, the costs will be covered by the insurer. This can be a sensible move, but some motorists are deterred as they feel that it is unnecessary and a wasted expense.
Determining How Reliable Your Car Is
The best way to decide is to look at the value of your vehicle, the age and whether or not it is an automobile that is a high risk for mechanical or electrical faults. Determining this reliability can be tricky, but fortunately, the internet is a fantastic resource for finding this information. A quick search of your car online and browsing online owner forums can indicate how reliable your car is and what the common issues are.
Comprehensive Coverage
You should make a note of the parts that are most likely to fail and then ensure that the extended warranty will cover replacing or repairing these parts. Unfortunately, you regularly hear stories of disgruntled motorists that failed to read the terms and conditions of their extended warranty and have to pay for repairs themselves.
Finding Reputable Providers
This is also why you should always use a provider that has a solid reputation and is recommended by major names in the automotive industry, such as ALA. This will ensure that you get comprehensive coverage and all claims will be handled in a fast, efficient and professional manner. In many cases, there will be different levels of cover to choose from, so you should be able to find one that is suited to your particular needs.
Is It Right for Me?
Ultimately, whether or not you should invest in an extended warranty depends on the automobile that you are driving. If you find that the vehicle is likely to break down and its manufacturer’s warranty has expired, then you should seriously consider an extended warranty as this could save you a fortune down the line.
Car issues can be incredibly frustrating and negatively impact your day to day life, plus they can also be very costly and particularly with older vehicles. Investing in an extended warranty will provide you peace of mind knowing that you are protected and that the insurer will cover the costs if any issue were to occur. However, you must always find a reputable provider and read the small print to make sure that you are getting the protection that you need.