Extended car warranties are designed to provide peace of mind by covering the cost of repairs and replacements for your vehicle after the manufacturer’s warranty expires. However, it’s essential to understand that not all potential issues will be covered, especially if you breach the restrictions and limitations.
This guide will explore the exclusions and limitations typically associated with extended car warranty policies, what can void these warranties, what you should check before choosing a policy, and the potential costs involved.
Extended car warranties, while comprehensive, come with their set of exclusions and limitations. Our exclusions and limitations at ALA are explained in our product information document. Here are some common areas where car warranty coverage might not apply:
Wear and Tear: Extended warranties often exclude components that wear out over time, such as brake pads, tyres, and wiper blades. These items are considered regular maintenance costs and are the owner’s responsibility.
Regular Maintenance: Services like oil changes, tune-ups, and other routine maintenance tasks are not covered under most extended warranties. These are part of the regular upkeep necessary to keep your car in good working order.
Pre-Existing Conditions: If a problem existed before the warranty was purchased, it is excluded from car warranty cover. This ensures that owners cannot buy a warranty to cover already known issues.
Accidental Damage: Damage resulting from accidents, regardless of fault, is usually not covered by an extended warranty. This type of damage is typically covered under your car insurance policy.
Modifications and Alterations: Any damage or issues arising from aftermarket modifications or alterations to the vehicle can void the warranty. This includes performance enhancements, non-standard parts, or any other changes that deviate from the manufacturer’s specifications.
Neglect and Misuse: Problems that arise from neglecting regular maintenance or improper use of the vehicle are not covered. This includes using the car in a manner not intended by the manufacturer, such as racing or off-road driving.
With some extended car warranty policy providers, diagnostic checks are not covered as part of your policy. However, with ALA, diagnostics are covered under our gold and platinum policies. You can find out more about our extended car warranty coverage options here.
Certain actions or omissions can void your extended car warranty. Here are some key factors that could lead to a voided warranty:
Neglecting Maintenance: Failing to perform regular maintenance according to the manufacturer’s schedule can void the warranty. It’s crucial to keep detailed records of all maintenance activities, such as servicing history. Failure to provide servicing history when making a claim could lead to your claim being denied.
Unauthorised Repairs: Using non-authorised repair shops or using non-approved parts can void the warranty. Always ensure that repairs are carried out by authorised professionals using manufacturer-approved parts.
Modifications: As mentioned earlier, modifications to the vehicle that are not approved by the manufacturer can void the warranty. This includes both performance and aesthetic modifications. You must mention any modifications you have had before purchasing an extended warranty policy
Commercial Use: If you use your vehicle for commercial purposes, such as a taxi or delivery service, without disclosing this to the warranty provider, it could void the warranty.
If you believe you meet all of the relevant requirements, you can start building your extended car warranty quote here.
Selecting the right extended car warranty requires careful consideration. Here are some key factors to check before making your decision:
Warranty Coverage Details: Understand exactly what is covered and what is excluded. Compare different plans to see which offers the best coverage for your needs.
Transferability: If you plan to sell your car before the warranty expires, check if the warranty is transferable to the new owner. This can add value to your vehicle when selling. Our extended car warranty policies at ALA are fully transferrable to a new owner.
Cancellation Policy: Understand the cancellation policy. Can you cancel the warranty if you’re not satisfied? Is there a grace period during which you can cancel for a full refund? Our policies have a “cooling off” period of 30 days in which you will receive a full refund; you will receive a pro-rata refund if you cancel after this date and have not made a claim.
Cost vs. Benefit: Weigh the cost of the warranty against potential savings. Consider the likelihood of needing major repairs and the cost of those repairs without a warranty.
Customer Service: Evaluate the warranty provider’s customer service. Prompt and helpful customer service is crucial, especially when dealing with repairs and claims.
The cost of an extended car warranty can vary significantly based on several factors:
Vehicle Make and Model: Some vehicles are more expensive to repair than others, which can increase the cost of the warranty.
Age and Mileage: Older vehicles or those with higher mileage are more likely to need repairs, leading to higher warranty costs.
Coverage Level: More comprehensive coverage plans will cost more. Decide on the level of coverage you need and compare costs accordingly.
Provider: Different warranty providers offer varying prices for similar coverage. Shop around and compare quotes from multiple providers. Our extended car warranty policies are competitively priced; start building your quote here.
Additional Benefits: Some warranties offer additional perks such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, or trip interruption coverage. These benefits can add to the overall cost.
Our extended car warranty policies at ALA come with no excess when making a claim and no pre-inspection of your vehicle as standard, with coverage starting at day one. You can add extra benefits such as keycare to your policy, with car hire, breakdown recovery hotel accommodation or rail fare included for extra peace of mind.
To find out more about extended car warranty cover, or to start building your quote, get in touch with us today.
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