Nearly every new car sold today comes standard with a warranty, and since many factory warranties can last upwards of ten years or up to 100,000 miles, buying a used car coupled with a factory warranty is a common occurrence as well.
No factory warranty lasts forever, of course. So, how long does a car warranty last?
Although many manufacturers offer extended warranties, even lengthened factory coverage will typically only last between 120,000 and 125,000 miles. Only the rare car warranty expires after 150,000 miles.
Given how durable modern cars are, though, and how expensive new cars have become, it makes sense to keep your current car running well beyond the end of the longest-lasting factory extended warranty, and thankfully, you have options when your car warranty expires or the manufacturer won’t offer one anymore.
When Does a Car Warranty Expire?
The answer depends on your manufacturer’s terms. Most warranties are written as a combination of years and mileage. For example, 5 years/60,000 miles or 10 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
It’s essential to check your owner’s manual or contact the dealership to know the exact date and mileage limit. Knowing this helps you decide whether to extend your coverage and avoid being stuck with an expired car warranty.
Costs that Are Not Covered After Your Warranty Expires
When your car warranty expires, the manufacturer will no longer pay for repairs or replacements for a failing part, even if it is a known weak point.
If, for example, your A/C compressor dies while under warranty, you can likely take your car to an authorized shop or dealer and have it fixed at no cost to you. After your car warranty expires, those repairs would come out of pocket, ranging anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on your type of car.
It’s important to point out that warranties are not car insurance, and as such, before your car warranty expires, it will not pay for accident repairs as your insurance does. Instead, warranties cover premature part failures. Before your car warranty expires, it may also provide services such as free oil changes, roadside assistance, or free inspections.
Can You Buy a Car Warranty at Any Time?
Has your car warranty expired? Now's the time to explore extended warranties or vehicle service contracts, and if you’re buying a new car, you might already be throwing questions like, “Can you get an extended warranty after the warranty expires?” into Google.
When it comes to extended warranties, you can buy one at any time. So long as you purchase one before your current car warranty is about to expire, that’s all that matters. However, if you’re considering purchasing a vehicle service contract, things change a bit.
Vehicle service contracts are sometimes referred to as “extended warranties,” but only manufacturers legitimately offer (extended) warranties. Third parties only ever offer vehicle service contracts.
The reason “extended warranties” is used as a catch-all term is that they effectively operate the same way, but you’ll want to wait until your car warranty is about to expire to purchase a service contract. Otherwise, it can overlap with your factory warranty and leave you with double coverage for the same parts or services, which only wastes your money.
What to Do Before Your Car Warranty Expires
If your car is approaching the end of its factory coverage, knowing what to do before your car warranty expires can save you money and headaches down the road. Here are some key steps:
- Schedule a final inspection: Have the dealer or a trusted mechanic perform a thorough checkup before your warranty runs out. This way, any repairs can be completed under coverage instead of after you’re left with an expired car warranty.
- Take advantage of complimentary services: If your plan includes perks like free oil changes or inspections, use them before the clock runs out.
- Research your options: Start comparing plans early so you’re never unprotected.
- Gather maintenance records: Having a well-documented history can help when purchasing a vehicle service contract or transferring coverage to a new owner.
Taking these steps ensures you’re prepared before your warranty officially ends, reducing the risks of costly out-of-pocket repairs once you have an expired car warranty.
Tips for Finding Coverage that Works for You
When you’re shopping for coverage before your car warranty is about to expire and deciding between buying an extended manufacturer’s warranty or a vehicle service contract, you’ll, of course, want to end up with the best protection possible. If you plan on driving your car for decades or hundreds of thousands of miles, the right plan can make ownership far less troublesome and expensive.
Below are some tips to help you find the best coverage option:
- Research Various Companies and Validate Their Expertise and Reputation
- Compare Plans, Pricing, and Coverage Options
- Read the Fine Print
- Ask Questions
- Determine What Is Right for Your Car
- Find Out if Plans Can Roll Over to New Owners
Doing your due diligence is especially important when purchasing a vehicle service contract from a third party. If the prices or plans seem too good to be true, they probably are.
Check ratings and reviews to ensure real customers have had a positive experience. Depending on what type of vehicle you want to cover, whether it’s a vintage car, a sports car, or some other enthusiast vehicle, you will want to research companies that may have packages and plans that cater to your needs.
You should be comfortable with what you’re spending. A vehicle service contract can cost anywhere from 60 to hundreds of dollars per month, but generally speaking, the more you spend, the more protection you’ll get.
You don’t want a surprise when you’ve settled on a replacement for your expired car warranty. Most service contract plans will disqualify cars that have extensive modifications or receive out-of-spec parts or repairs, so make sure you read the contract thoroughly before you sign.
Find out what parts are protected under the plan you want and whether you can use your favorite mechanic or if you need to use a specific dealer or shop. Ask what modifications might be allowed as well: Not asking can get you into trouble when you have a car warranty expiring soon.
Your car might only need powertrain protection. Perhaps its engine is known to blow head gaskets or experience other failures, while the rest of the car could go 250,000 miles without major service. In other cases, you might need more extensive protection, corrosion prevention, or a safeguard for the electrical system.
Selling a used car with a valid warranty or service agreement can add value to it. When selecting a plan, you may want to keep in mind the desires and needs of the next owner, too.
Whether You Choose an Extended Warranty or a Service Contract, Protect Your Car
If your car warranty has already expired, it’s wise to find new coverage as soon as you can, as having a warranty or service plan can ensure you have major repairs taken care of.
For the longest-lasting and most extensive coverage, a third-party vehicle service contract through CarShield is the way to go if your car warranty has expired. With plans that can last as long as you have your vehicle, you can double the protection available from even the most extended of extended factory warranties.
Don’t be left with huge bills from the shop if your car warranty has expired: contact CarShield and get a free quote today!
