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Buying Extended Car Warranty for Your Vehicles | Policies for New, Used and Older Cars

When it comes to extended car warranty, most cars will qualify for a policy if they meet the relevant eligibility criteria. Most car warranty policies come with mileage and age restrictions to be aware of, which can be tricky if you have an old car. Some new cars may also not qualify for a policy as their manufacturer warranty may still be in place. With this in mind, would your car qualify for an extended warranty policy?

In our comprehensive guide, we will explain the options for extended car warranty policies for new and used cars, as well as cars with high mileage and those that are much older than the average car.

Extended Car Warranty for New Cars

All brand-new cars nowadays come with a manufacturer policy that can last for between three and seven years. Therefore, purchasing extended car warranty may not be worth it if the manufacturer warranty is still in place.

Buying an extended car warranty for a car of any age gives you extra peace of mind in case you suffer a mechanical or electrical breakdown. It can also increase the resale value of your vehicle should you choose to sell, and is a convenient option if the policy comes with extra perks such as roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement. However, there may be potential overlap with your manufacturer warranty, so it always worth checking.

A new car warranty covers a wide range of components, such as basic bumper-to-bumper warranty that covers everything except for anything caused by general wear and tear. Other components include the powertrain, corrosion and emissions.

If the manufacturer warranty has run out for your car, use our extended car warranty quote builder here to see how much you could be paying. You can read our full guide on extended warranty for new cars here .

Extended Car Warranty for Used Cars

Extended car warranty policies are best suited to used cars that no longer have a manufacturer warranty in place. Extended warranty for used cars covers a range of components, such as mechanical and electrical parts, the cooling and fuel systems, air conditioning, steering, brakes and labour costs. At ALA, our coverage is split into three levels (silver, gold and platinum), which can find out more about here.

Choosing an extended car warranty policy for your vehicle can give you peace of mind and financial protection should your car suffer a mechanical or electrical breakdown. Having warranty in place can extend the longevity of your vehicle, and make it more desirable to possible future buyers. How much your warranty could cost you depends on various factors, such as the age and mileage of the vehicle, the level and length of coverage, and your warranty provider.

To find out more about choosing an extended car warranty policy for used cars, you can read our previous guide here.

Extended Car Warranty on Cars Over 100,000 Miles

Extended car warranty can be purchased for cars that have more than 100,000 miles on the clock, although some policies do have mileage restrictions. High-mileage cars are prone to breakdowns, making an extended warranty a great choice to help protect your investment. At ALA, our silver policies are suitable for cars with up to 150,000 miles on the clock, so this policy is your best choice if your car has clocked more than 100,000 miles.

High-mileage cars can be quite expensive to repair, especially if they’re older cars too. Therefore, choosing an extended warranty policy is a great choice for protecting your vehicle and your finances. However, it is important check for mileage restrictions before you buy an extended car warranty policy to ensure you are not caught out.

To keep your car warranty valid, you should keep up with regular servicing and use approved parts and services, as well as keep detailed records and timely repairs. However, you do not need to visit a dealership for your service to keep it valid.

You can find out more about extended warranty for high-mileage cars in our previous guide here.

Extended Car Warranty for Older Cars

Cars of a certain age may not qualify for particular extended warranty policies simply because they are too old; extended warranty policies have age limitations, but some policies cater to cars that are up to 16 years old, like our silver policies at ALA.

Older cars are more likely to break down than newer cars, meaning an extended warranty policy could be incredibly beneficial for you and your car. Sometimes, it may be worth getting a new car rather than replacing parts and components, but if your car is a high-end model, an extended warranty policy could save you a lot of money in the long run. Our policies at ALA cover different ages; our silver policies cover cars up to 16 years old, our gold policies cover cars up to 12 years old, and our platinum policies will protect cars up to 8 years old.

The increased risk of breakdowns means that some warranty providers may be reluctant to provide old cars with a policy. Some repairs costs for old vehicles may be quite steep, and sourcing the parts for these vehicles may be difficult or even impossible. Before purchasing an extended warranty for your older car, consider its age and mileage, as well as any coverage exclusions and the overall cost.

To find out more about extended warranty policies for older cars, read our previous guide here.

Choose your Extended Car Warranty Policy with ALA

At ALA, we have various coverage options perfect for a range of vehicles. We can cover vehicles that have done up to 150,000 miles and are up to 16 years of age, ensuring a wide variety of cars are eligible for coverage. How much your warranty policy could cost you depends on a number of factors, such as the type of cover you choose and how many years you want your policy to last.

You can start building your extended car warranty quote here today.

30 October 2024

Written by Katie Rollin

|  5 Minutes