Buying Extended Warranty for a Used Car | Buying Extended Car Warranty

Once your manufacturer warranty has run out on your car, it is recommended that you acquire extended car warranty to protect your vehicle from unexpected mechanical and electrical failures. Parts and labour costs can be expensive, so having a warranty in place gives you that all-important peace of mind should your car suffer a fault. Car warranty is a great option for all types of cars, but what can it mean for your used car?

In this guide, we will explore the coverage options for used car warranty, as well as the reasons for choosing a warranty policy and the costs involved. We will also discuss the benefits of a used car warranty policy over a newer option, and how our extended car warranty policies at ALA can help.

What Does Car Warranty for Used Cars Cover?

An extended car warranty provides coverage for repairs and replacements of certain parts and systems in your used car. At ALA, our coverage is split into three options (Silver, Gold and Platinum), allowing you to choose the best coverage type for you and your vehicle. Components coverage in extended car warranty policies include:

Mechanical and Electrical Components

Most extended warranties cover a wide range of mechanical and electrical components, including the engine, transmission, drivetrain, and electrical systems. This means if your engine or transmission fails, the warranty can cover the cost of repairs or replacements, which can be substantial. All of the aforementioned components are covered in all three of our coverage options.

Cooling and Fuel Systems

The cooling system, including the radiator and water pump, and the fuel system, including fuel injectors and pumps, are covered under our extended warranties. These components are crucial for the proper functioning of your vehicle and can be expensive to repair if they fail.

Air Conditioning and Heating

Comfort systems like air conditioning and heating are sometimes included in extended warranties. If your car’s air conditioning unit breaks down, an extended warranty can cover the costs to fix or replace it. Air conditioning is covered in our gold and platinum policies.

Steering and Suspension

Our extended warranties at ALA cover the steering and suspension systems, including power steering components and shocks or struts. These systems are vital for safe driving and can incur high repair costs.

Braking System

The braking system, including anti-lock brake system (ABS) components, is covered. This ensures that you’re protected from high costs associated with brake repairs, which are essential for vehicle safety.

Labour Costs

Many extended warranties also cover labour costs associated with repairing or replacing covered parts. This can significantly reduce the overall expense of getting your car fixed.

It’s important to note that coverage can vary depending on the provider and the specific warranty plan you choose. Always read the fine print to understand what is and isn’t covered under your warranty. You can discover more about the coverage included in our three options here.

Why Should You Choose an Extended Car Warranty for a Used Car?

Extended car warranty coverage has many benefits for used cars following the expiration of the manufacturer warranty. These include:

• Peace of Mind: Owning a used car can be unpredictable. Even if the vehicle is well-maintained, parts can wear out and fail unexpectedly. An extended warranty provides peace of mind by covering many potential repair costs, ensuring you’re not left with a large parts and labour bill.
• Financial Protection: Unexpected repairs can be financially draining. With an extended warranty, you don’t have to worry about the costs.
• Increased Resale Value: A used car with an extended warranty can be more attractive to potential buyers. It provides them with the assurance that they won’t have to worry about major repair costs for a specified period, potentially increasing the car’s resale value. At ALA, you can transfer your policy to another driver if you sell your car.
• Longevity of Your Vehicle: With an extended warranty, you’re more likely to address issues promptly rather than delay repairs due to cost concerns. This can help keep your vehicle in better condition for longer, ultimately extending its lifespan.

You can find out more about the benefits of extended car warranties for used cars on our insights page.

How Much Does Used Car Warranty Cost?

The cost of an extended car warranty for a used car can vary based on several factors:

• Age and Mileage of the Vehicle: Older cars with higher mileage are generally more expensive to cover because they’re more likely to need repairs. Newer used cars with lower mileage will typically cost less to insure.
• Level of Coverage: Basic plans that cover major components, such as our silver policies, will cost less than gold and platinum plans that cover a wider range of parts and systems. The more extensive the coverage, the higher the price.
• Length of Coverage: The duration of the warranty also affects the cost. Longer warranties will generally cost more, but they provide extended protection, which can be worth the investment.
• Warranty Provider: Different providers offer different pricing structures based on their own risk assessments and business models. You can start building your extended warranty policy to see how much you could be spending on our free quote builder here.

Is Extended Car Warranty Better for Used Cars Than New Cars?

While extended warranties are available for both new and used cars, they can be particularly beneficial for used cars for several reasons. New cars come with a manufacturer’s warranty that typically covers the first few years of ownership. Once this warranty expires, owners of new cars may still be covered by the extended warranty they purchased. For used cars, the manufacturer’s warranty may have already expired, making an extended warranty even more valuable. You can find out more about extended car warranty policies for new cars in our previous guide here.

Used cars are more likely to need repairs due to age and mileage. An extended warranty can provide protection against the costs of these repairs, which are more frequent than those needed for new cars. If you have a new car, it is worth checking to see if a manufacturer warranty is still in place.

Extended Car Warranty with ALA

Our extended warranty policies are perfect for used cars, with zero excess and no pre inspection for your peace of mind. With competitive prices and transferability, our policies can provide you with an important safety net and attractive attribute for any future buyers of your car.

To find out more, or to start building your quote, please get in contact with us today.