What is a Car Warranty?

A car warranty in the UK, often referred to as a motor warranty, acts as a protective shield for vehicle owners. Simply put, it’s like a safety net for your car. When things go wrong, you’ll have the peace of mind that unexpected repair costs for your vehicle are covered – ensuring that you don’t get caught out with a hefty bill.

Warranties can cover things like:

• Sudden mechanical or electrical failures
• Failures caused by overheating
• Air conditioning problems
• Failures identified during MOT and servicing
• Emissions failures
• In-car entertainment
• Recovery
• Sat nav

Warranties can be especially crucial when the original manufacturer’s coverage on a new car runs out. But you should remember that service, frictional, disposable or consumable parts won’t be covered, or in other words, don’t expect to get reimbursed for things like wheels, tyres, exhausts, batteries, wiper blades, clutch plates and parts routinely replaced at a service.

Even if the car warranty covers all mechanical and electrical failures, there may still be claim limitations that will stop you from getting paid for the engine or gearbox. So, knowing exactly which parts of your vehicle are covered by a car warranty is vital.

Why is a Car Warranty Beneficial?

Owning a car, particularly one that’s been on the road for several years, can sometimes come with unexpected repair needs. While insurance can cover accidents, it doesn’t always provide for sudden mechanical or electrical failures. This is where a car warranty steps in, filling the gap that insurance can’t cover.

The key benefit of such warranties is the peace of mind they offer. No one likes unexpected costs, and with a warranty, the worry of unforeseen repair bills is substantially reduced. However, it’s important to remember that the extent of coverage varies – so always be sure to thoroughly understand the terms and what specific repairs and parts are covered under your chosen plan. And if your car has done over 120,000 miles or is more than 12 years old, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to get a warranty.

Is a Car Warranty Essential?

While not compulsory, a car warranty is highly recommended, especially for cars older than 3 years. After this period, the original manufacturer’s warranty often expires, leaving you open to potentially significant repair costs. Think of your extended car warranty as a safety blanket, ensuring that, should a covered component of your car malfunction unexpectedly, you’re not left with a massive bill.

Tailoring Your Car Warranty

One of the great things about car warranties in the UK is the flexibility they offer. 12, 24 and 36-month car warranties are available – as well as pay monthly options, and you can choose the level of cover depending on the age of your car.

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