How to Find the Best Auto Warranty Quote

Obtaining a new or used car warranty quote after purchasing a vehicle from a dealership or private party provides you with greater peace of mind, as warranties can help to offset the unexpected costs of repairing an automobile in the future.

While specific coverages vary by warranty type, several popular options include bumper-to-bumper, powertrain and drivetrain warranties. Some warranties only cover newer makes and models, while others will also pay for the repairs of used or high-mileage vehicles.

Moreover, comparing multiple extended car warranty quotes, shopping around for the best deal and selecting a service contract that best suits your needs and budget will all help to save you money in the future, especially if your vehicle’s air conditioning system breaks or its electrical components stop working.

Repairs such as these can be costly, but a warranty may offset these expenses. To learn more about getting an extended car warranty quote for your new or used motor vehicle, review the sections below.

What is an extended auto warranty?

The best extended auto warranty for you will depend on your specific needs, budget and the make, model and year of the motor vehicle you own. Different types of auto extended warranty plans include:

• Bumper-to-bumper warranties. These types of warranties for newer vehicles typically cover a vehicle’s major electrical components, air conditioning system, vehicle sensors and audio systems. These contracts typically exclude routine maintenance services.
• Powertrain warranties. These warranties typically cover the repairs or replacement of a vehicle’s engine, transmission and drivetrain for about 60,000 miles.
• Drivetrain warranties. These are excellent auto warranties for older cars, as they extend beyond a vehicle manufacturer’s warranty. This type of warranty typically covers a vehicle’s driveshaft, transmission, wheels and axles.
• Car maintenance warranties. These warranties typically cover oil changes, replacement air filters and other basic maintenance services. You may choose to purchase this policy in addition to other types of service contracts.
• Wear-and-tear service contracts. This type of warranty typically covers damages that most other contracts do not. For instance, a wear-and-tear plan may include paint coverage and damages to a vehicle’s upholstery.
• Performance contracts. If your vehicle fails an emissions inspection, purchasing a performance warranty may be a good choice for you. This type of contract typically covers repairs or adjusts a vehicle’s emissions controls for a certain number of miles.
• Factory accessory contracts. While this type of extended auto warranty coverage typically pays for the repairs or replacements of a vehicle’s factory accessories, specific inclusions will vary by manufacturer. Rules also vary widely by policy and your plan may not cover you if you modify the vehicle’s original accessories at any time.

When comparing auto extended warranty quotes, find out if there are any rules or restrictions you need to follow in order to receive coverage under your contract.

In some cases, your warranty will only cover you if you perform regular maintenance on the vehicle, such as inspecting the car, truck or minivan for potential issues and changing its oil and filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Some warranties may even restrict you from performing basic maintenance services on your own.

Additionally, auto warranties for used cars or newer makes and models may exclude certain types of repairs. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with the specific types of services that each plan covers.

How much do extended auto warranties cost?

When you get an extended car warranty online quote, you will find that fees for newer vehicles typically range from $1,800 to $4,000 throughout the duration of the service contract.

Depending on the warranty type and level of coverage you choose, your monthly payments could be as low as $80 or you could pay several hundred dollars per month. Your plan deductible will affect the amount of your monthly payment.

Moreover, older vehicle auto warranties compared to service contracts for newer vehicles are usually cheaper. While fees vary, you can expect to pay between $350- to- $700 per year. However, some service contracts do not cover older vehicles, especially if your car, truck or minivan has more than 100,000 miles on it.

Where to Get an Auto Extended Warranty Quote Online

Three popular auto extended warranty companies include CARCHEX, Endurance and Protect My Car (PMC). CARCHEX, for instance, offers several different coverage levels to meet the specific needs of vehicle owners. Through CARCHEX, you can choose from the following coverage levels:

• Titanium
• Platinum
• Gold
• Silver
• Bronze

While Titanium Level contracts provide you with the greatest amount of protection (known as bumper-to-bumper coverage), Bronze Level plans only cover repairs to a vehicle’s major systems, such as the transmission and engine.

In comparison, Endurance sells Premier, Secure, Superior and Supreme plans. Supreme plans are like bumper-to-bumper contracts, while Premier policies protect high-mileage cars, trucks and minivans. When you get car warranty quotes online, you can compare plan prices and the different types of coverages they provide.

Moreover, remember to read auto extended warranty reviews, compare policy prices and included coverages, and familiarize yourself with any important service plan restrictions before purchasing a policy. Additionally, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of purchasing a warranty, as these types of service contracts are not ideal for everyone.

How to Get a Car Warranty Quote

Obtaining extended auto warranty quotes online from top-rated companies such as CARCHEX, Endurance and PMC can provide you with peace of mind after you purchase a new or used motor vehicle. To get an accurate online auto warranty quote from CARCHEX, Endurance or PMC, however, you must be able to provide the following information:

• Your vehicle’s make, model and year
• Your vehicle’s current mileage reading
• Your first and last name
• Your zip code, email address and telephone number

After receiving your vehicle extended warranty quote, take the time to review the terms of each policy. With many types of warranties, you will only receive compensation for a covered service if you perform routine maintenance on the vehicle and continue to meet the terms of the plan throughout the duration of the contract.

Additionally, you may only receive compensation through your plan if you repair the vehicle at an approved repair shop. However, restrictions vary by warranty provider.