When purchasing a used car, ensuring its reliability over time is crucial. While a manufacturer’s warranty may no longer be available, extended warranties offer valuable protection against unexpected repair costs and provide peace of mind. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about extended car warranty options, helping you make informed decisions every step of the way through your purchase journey.
Buying a used car is a fantastic way to save a significant amount of money. However, consider the possible repair costs if something goes wrong. Often, used cars no longer have a manufacturer’s warranty in place, or there’s not much time left on it for maximum benefit. You also may have a higher possibility of something malfunctioning in an older vehicle and the average repair bill could be considerable. An extended car warranty can help you avoid expensive repair costs, providing peace of mind and covering a wide range of components and labour costs.
Differences Between Standard and Extended Warranties
A new car comes with a manufacturer warranty covering the costs of repair if a key component fails unexpectedly. This cover usually lasts three to five years, but some generous options last longer. Once your original warranty expires, you can extend your vehicle warranty cover by purchasing a used car warranty. This acts similarly to your original warranty but may include extra cover options. There may also be differences in the number of claims allowed or the listed garages you can use.
When Can You Get an Extended Warranty for a Used Car?
An extended warranty is usually available for cars without one already in place (provided the car is eligible). Unlike gadget warranties, you can get one at almost any time, and you don’t have to get it directly from the manufacturer or seller. There are trusted independent providers who can offer a good deal. Don’t hesitate to get cover, now is the perfect time.
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After Purchasing the Car
Whether you’ve recently purchased a used car or you’ve had one for a while, you can still get a used car warranty, even after driving away from the dealership. ALA Warranty policies are available for cars up to 16 years and 150,000 miles. If you want the most comprehensive level of cover, you have up to 8 years and 80,000 miles (from new) to purchase a Platinum Car Warranty. This product ensures peace of mind over a significant period of time, protecting you from costly breakdowns.
After Your Manufacturer’s Warranty Expires
Once the manufacturer’s warranty on your used car ends, it can leave you vulnerable to an expensive repair if something goes wrong. However, if you know your cover is about to end, you can buy an extended warranty policy in time for when your exisiting warranty expires.
PLEASE NOTE: We cannot start your cover within the first 28 days of purchase, so be proactive about getting a new policy as soon as the existing one exppires reduces coverage gaps.
Can You Extend an Existing Warranty for a Used Car?
It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to extend your existing warranty. However, most providers, including manufacturers, allow you to buy a new warranty policy once the original one expires. The cover may not be exactly the same as the initial policy, especially if you are no longer eligible for the same one.
It can be tempting to use an extended warranty from your car’s manufacturer to get the same cover as before, but often, these are more expensive, and there are better coverage options elsewhere. Third-party options, like a MotorEasy warranty or ALA insurance, can provide comprehensive protection for less. We recommend that you compare options from different providers to ensure you get the highest quality insurance policy.
Shop online for the best used car warranty deal before sticking with your original provider.
You’ll likely have heard of manufacturer warranties and maintenance packages available from a dealership when buying a used car. However, shopping around is the best way to find a great-value deal.
Did you know about independent warranty providers like ALA Insurance?
Independent warranty providers help cover the costs of repairs after a sudden mechanical or electrical failure, and they can be much more affordable than the options from a dealership. What’s more, with ALA, your policy is fully insured, which means consumer rights first are a top priority.
Dealership vs Manufacturer vs Third-Party Warranties
When you buy a maintenance package from your dealership or manufacturer, it can cover a wide range of essential car parts but comes at a significant cost. Secondly, many providers don’t offer an insured product, which leaves customers helpless if the company can’t pay their claim or unfairly decides not to pay.
Third-party warranties offer a flexible and generous solution. ALA Warranty is fully insured, and your right to dispute is completely protected. Generous policies are available for old cars or vehicles over 100,000 miles. No other provider offers cover up to 16 years or 150,000 miles.
Explore the features of different extended warranties below:
Manufacturer Warranty
Dealership Extended Warranty
ALA Extended Warranty
✅Included for 3-5 years
✅Convenient option
✅Competitive price
✅Comprehensive component cover
✅ Available for used cars
✅Generous coverage
❌ Not guaranteed for used cars
❌Post-purchase service is not a priority
✅Zero excess
❌Higher cost
✅Award-winning customer service
❌Less flexible policy options
✅No pre-inspection
✅Insured policy
❌28-day waiting period
How to Add Extended Warranty to a Pre-Owned Car
Give yourself the peace of mind that you’re covered if a mechanical or electronic component fails suddenly. We’ll cover the cost of repairs, and your finances can remain in good order. Explore our step-by-step guide to getting extra coverage.
Simply enter your registration into our online calculator to see if your car is eligible for one of our policies. Make sure all your information is correct before proceeding to the quote calculator.
Select the policy level that’s right for you. Explore our levels of cover for each policy.
Select how long you’d like the policy to last (1-3 years).
Select the hourly rate of either £60 or £100. The maximum labour rate helps cover all regions of the UK, including London.
Select the claim limit from the options given; this may be £2,000, £5,000, or your vehicle’s market value.
Can I Get an Extended Warranty for a Car Bought from a Private Seller?
Yes, you can get an extended warranty for a car bought from a private seller, but eligibility may depend on the vehicle’s age and mileage. Be sure to choose a provider that offers flexible coverage for privately purchased vehicles.
For How Many Years Can You Purchase Extended Warranty?
Extended warranties can typically be purchased for 1 to 5 years, though some providers offer coverage for longer. Consider the duration of your policy so that you get the cover you need for as long as possible.
What Are the Limits to Extended Warranties?
Limits to extended warranties include covered part exclusions such as clutch plates and wiper blades. Maximum claim limits and mileage restrictions can apply. Always review the terms to understand what is covered and what isn’t covered. Ensuring you understand the legal requirements and any potential exclusions is essential before committing to a policy.