What is Covered By your Car Warranty?

A car warranty is an important part of owning a vehicle. It provides coverage for repairs and other services in case of a malfunction or breakdown. It is essential to understand the terms and conditions of your car warranty, so you can make sure that you are getting the most out of it.

This article will provide information about extended auto warranties and vehicle service contracts. By understanding what is covered by your car warranty, you can make sure that you are prepared for any unexpected repairs or services that may arise in the future.

What is an Extended Car Warranty?

An extended warranty is offered by the vehicle manufacturer. They extend the factory warranty on the vehicle received upon original purchase. Mostly the powertrain or bumper-to-bumper warranty plans are extended and not any optional coverage items from the original purchase. 

Some manufacturers offer certified pre-owned vehicle warranties for vehicles with a full history. Extended car warranties, depending on the manufacturer, come with roadside assistance and are often quite limited. They also typically need to be bought at the original purchase of the vehicle and are known to cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000 in total price. 

What is a Vehicle Service Contract?

A vehicle service contract, or VSC, is often referred to as an extended car warranty colloquially due to the fact that the contracts offer coverage for certain mechanical parts. A VSC is mechanical breakdown coverage for vehicles that are out of their warranty period. 

Third-party providers offer the VSC and often comes with great roadside assistance services such as towing, jumpstart services, and fuel delivery services. The plans are also available in a number of coverage levels, unlike standard extended warranties. A vehicle service contract is a great choice for older vehicles or pre-owned vehicles that do not already have mechanical coverage.

What Components are Covered By a Standard Vehicle Service Contract?

Powertrain

• Engine (power source)
• Transmission
• Transfer case
• Driveshafts
• Axles
• Differentials
• Drive box
• CV Joint
• U Joint

Powertrain Plus

• Engine (power source)
• Transmission
• Transfer case
• Driveshafts
• Axles
• Differentials
• Drive box
• CV Joint
• U Joint
• Electric system
• Steering
• A/C

Most Comprehensive

If you are in the market for coverage that offers complete protection then this will likely be the option for you. As the name suggests, most components between your front and rear bumpers will be covered, just not everything. Your drivetrain, power source, steering components, AC, safety features, tech systems, electrical parts, and in some cases certain emissions elements are all covered under a most comprehensive plan. Sometimes these types of warranties are also referred to as exclusionary plans since they exclude very few items in general. In fact here is a list of what is NOT covered in these plans:

• Windshield
• Wiper Blades
• Brake Pads
• Tires
• Body Panels
• Interior Trims
• Turn Signals
• Brake Lights
• Paint
• Regular Maintenance
• Accidental Damage

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