Your car is one of your biggest investments and most valuable possessions. You pay thousands of dollars for it and rely on it to get you to work, school, daycare, and beyond. It only makes sense to want your vehicle to last as long as possible. A used car warranty can keep your car running and extra money in your pocket. However, you need to ensure you are getting the best plan for your vehicle and your budget. Start by asking the right questions as you shop.
1. What Is a Used Car Warranty?
Once the factory warranty on your car expires, you can replace it with a private warranty or vehicle protection plan. Unlike car insurance, which protects you from an accident, this coverage protects you in the case of mechanical breakdowns.
Say your transmission or engine fails. Without a vehicle protection plan, you may pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for repairs. However, a used car warranty can help cover the costs.
2. What Does a Used Car Warranty Cover?
When shopping for a vehicle protection plan, you need to know which repairs are covered under the terms of your agreement. Every provider offers different warranty plans. They can cover everything from the most basic components of your vehicle to the more complex systems.
Here at autopom!, we offer several different vehicle protection plans. Our Powertrain Plus plan covers essentials such as the engine, transmission, and drive axle systems. Meanwhile, our Mid-level plan includes those things as well as braking systems and electrical components. You can also opt for the Exclusionary plan, which assumes all parts are covered except for a specific list of exclusions. You can talk with representatives at autopom!, learn what each level of coverage includes, and request a free quote.
Please remember: an extended vehicle warranty or used car warranty does not apply in the case of a car wreck. You will need to rely on your traditional car insurance if there is a crash or accident.
3. Am I Limited to Certain Repair Shops?
When you buy a vehicle protection plan, make sure you know where you are allowed to get your car repaired for complete coverage. The best third-party warranty sellers let you pick your repair shop. With autopom!, you can continue to support local mechanics you already know and trust.
Repair-shop choice through a used car warranty is a huge advantage over getting an extended warranty from a manufacturer. They will typically require that you get all repairs done at a dealership or specific service center, which may not be convenient for you.
4. How Does Mileage Affect Eligibility?
In many cases, you may look a used car warranty for an older car with more miles. While most vehicle protection plans cover cars that have been on the road for a while, you will still want to ask if there is a limit on how many miles the car can have before you buy.
Some companies may set a cap at 200,000 or 250,000 miles and charge different premiums. autopom! does not have a maximum mileage requirement, so call the team to see how to cover most vehicles up to 14 years old, extending the life of your car.
5. Are There Maintenance Requirements?
As you get ready to buy a used car warranty, you should know your car’s current maintenance status. If you have a known problem when you buy your plan, breakdowns related to that routine issue may not be covered. Make sure your vehicle is in the best condition possible when you sign your contract.
Most vehicle protection plans do not cover routine maintenance issues, such as oil changes or regular wear and tear. Prepare to take care of these expenses yourself unless your coverage plan says otherwise.
6. Will the Used Car Warranty Transfer When I Sell?
If you need to sell your car, know whether your used car warranty will transfer to the new owner. With some companies, the vehicle warranty may only apply to the person who bought the plan.
With autopom!, you can transfer the plan to the vehicle’s new owner, making the car more attractive to buyers since they know they have extra protection against big repair bills. Our customer service team will be able to guide you through the rules of transferring the plan in your state.
If you trade your vehicle in with a dealership, you can also look into ending the used car warranty and getting a prorated refund for the remainder of your plan if applicable.
7. What Other Benefits Does autopom! Offer?
The benefits of a used car warranty do not end with payments for repairs. When your car breaks down, you have to worry about more than just getting it fixed. You need new transportation and a trusted repair professional. That is where other perks come in.
Roadside assistance is critical to help you in the immediate aftermath of your breakdown. This includes towing services to get your car to a repair shop. With some plans you can also get help paying for rental car expenses from when your vehicle was in the shop. If your breakdown happens during a vacation, there is often trip interruption reimbursement. You can get all this and more with autopom!
Taking care of your car ensures it lasts as long as possible and gives you the most value. Eventually, your vehicle will need repairs. Getting a used car warranty is a great way to fix your car without wrecking your finances. Call autopom! today for a quote on a plan that works for you!
