Are you thinking about getting an extended car warranty for your car? But you’re not even sure how one can help you, what is covered, and if you can afford one? We’re here to help answer all of those questions.
But first, let’s clarify the term extended car warranty. Although commonly referred to as an “extended car warranty,” only the manufacturer can offer a warranty or officially extend the warranty. These are sometimes sold by dealerships. autopom! offers an alternative in most states that is referred to as a vehicle service contract or vehicle protection plan. In California, autopom!’s agents are licensed to offer mechanical breakdown insurance. Whether it’s an extended car warranty, a vehicle protection plan, or mechanical breakdown insurance, these plans help you by covering most of the costs of covered repairs to your vehicle (after a deductible), and many of the best plans offer additional features and benefits.
So, what is covered by one of these plans from autopom!? Coverage falls into one of two types, “Exclusionary” or “Stated Component.”
Exclusionary Plan
An Exclusionary plan is the most comprehensive option and is as close as you can get to the manufacturer’s original factory warranty. Some people incorrectly refer to this plan as a bumper-to-bumper warranty. However, it is not truly bumper-to-bumper, as there are exclusions. These exclusions are primarily maintenance and wearable items such as brake pads, rotors, shocks, belts, hoses, light bulbs, batteries, glass, chrome, body panels, paint, upholstery, seat belt restraints, airbags, catalytic converter, etc. Although this list seems long, consider that there are thousands of parts on a typical vehicle that are likely covered under an Exclusionary plan if the component that fails is not listed as excluded. Major component categories covered under a typical Exclusionary plan include:
- The drive train (engine, transmission, transfer case, drive axles)
- Suspension system
- Braking system
- Fuel system
- Cooling system
- Steering system
- Electrical system
- Some offer the navigation system coverage as an option and others include it.
Stated Component Plan
Stated Component plans are available in a few different coverage levels. “High Level,” “Mid-Level,” and “Powertrain.” These plans work exactly the opposite of an Exclusionary plan. They list (state) the components that are covered per the terms of the contract. To be covered, the part that fails MUST be listed for coverage.
A Stated Component plan will list the parts that are covered in each component group mentioned above; however, not necessarily every component group or every part will be listed for coverage. The High-Level Stated Component plan will list the most components for coverage and is a cost-effective option instead of the Exclusionary plan. The Powertrain Stated Component plan will list the fewest covered parts, may be the only option available for older or high mileage vehicles, and will generally be the most affordable option A Mid-Level Stated Component plan falls somewhere in-between these two and is more affordable option than a High Level or Exclusionary plan while still providing good coverage.
Discover autopom!
Is it time to shop for an extended car warranty or vehicle protection plan? Please reach out to us by phone, email, or text to get a quote! We’ll gladly answer any questions you have about extended vehicle protection and ask you questions to help you find the best plan for you. autopom! has built a solid reputation in this industry and has terrific reviews on many sites like Trustpilot, BestCompany, and TopTenReviews. autopom! has even earned an A+ from the Better Business Bureau! Plus, all of our plans are backed by A-rated insurance companies and our competitive pricing makes it possible for our plans to pay for themselves with one, expensive repair bill. Contact us today to see what autopom! offers!
