1. The first this you should ask yourself is whether or not you need an extended warranty.
On average, most automobile manufacturers offer a 3 year or 36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. However, if your drive more the 12,000 mile per year and plan to keep your vehicle for a long time, then an extended warranty may be what you are looking for to get that peace of mind.
2. How reliable is your car?
You should take a look at the reliability history of your automobile. Even though this not fail-safe, it will give you an idea of how much service you can expect. This information should be kept in mind when looking at an extended warranty.
3. What is the track record and history of the company?
Here are some question to ask yourself about the company:
- How long have they been in business?
- How quickly do they payout to get a repair?
- Do they offer roadside assistance?
- Are there testimonials from other consumers you can read?
- What is they standing with Better Business Bureau and other consumer watchdogs?
4. What about the repairs, can they be done at any repair shop?
It's best to choose an extended warranty that, at the very least, gives you more than one service facility to choose from. You'll most certainly appreciate this if your vehicle ever need service while you're on a road trip, miles away from home.
5. How do you know which plan is right for you?
If you want bumper-to-bumper coverage the up front cost will be higher, but this offers the most coverage. If you select a higher deduction per repair and you automobile is trouble prone, you may end up spending more money in the long run. Read the fine print!
Here are some questions to ask when selecting a plan:
- Is the plan transferable or renewable?
- Where can you have the repairs done?
- Do you have to outlay cash up front for the repairs and wait for a reimbursement?
- Does the plan offer any roadside assistance? If you travel a lot or have long commutes, this type of plan may be just right for you. With travel assistance you can get:
- car rental reimbursement
- food and lodging
- flat tires repaired
- gas if you run on empty
- a tow
- and etc.
6. If you make the decision to get an extended warranty, there are three type to choose from:
- Manufacturer: typically, no problems about the cost of a repair but this has the highest up front costs and repair shop might be limited in your area.
- Dealer: has a lower up front cost and you get the plan at the same place you bought the vehicle, but there is usually only one point of service for repairs.
- Independent: has the lowest up front costs, typically 30% to 50% lower than manufacturers and dealers, however, coverage may not be as expected.
