Get a free quote from CARCHEX, Kelley Blue Book’s trusted extended auto warranty partner, in minutes.
Why Purchase a Car Warranty with CARCHEX?
- Variety of coverage options to fit your specific vehicle and needs
- Choose from 30,000+ repair facilities
- Simple claims process
- Cost of repair paid directly to repair facility
- No-Haggle, Low-Price, Everyday Guarantee™
- Affordable, low monthly payments
- 24/7 roadside assistance included
- A+ Better Business Bureau rating and trusted industry reputation
- Customer Experience Above All
- 30-Day Money Back Guarantee
How Does an Extended Warranty Work?
An extended car warranty, or a vehicle service contract, covers the costs of certain repairs and part replacements once the manufacturer’s warranty expires. Its terms last up to a specified number of years or miles.
Here’s how it works: When your car experiences a mechanical breakdown, you start the process by calling the claims center and speaking to a representative to report your claim. Then, pick an approved repair facility near your location. The claims representative will contact the repair facility to manage the payment and approve the repair. Meanwhile, you will only pay the agreed-upon deductible.
How Much Can You Save?
| Repair | Cost without CARCHEX | Cost with CARCHEX |
| Ignition coil | $200 | $0 |
| Alternator replacement | $700 | $0 |
| AC condenser replacement | $700 | $0 |
| Oil pump replacement | $820 | $0 |
| Catalytic converter | $900 | $0 |
| Radiator replacement | $1,300 | $0 |
Sources: Cheatsheet.com and YourMechanic.com
What Does an Auto Warranty Cover?
An extended auto warranty protects you from costs associated with a mechanical breakdown. It covers unforeseen repairs on various systems and components, from the engine to the suspension, depending on the level of coverage you choose. An extended warranty should also come with peace of mind coverage for items like roadside assistance, trip interruption or towing services.
Types of Car Warranty Plans
Extended car warranty plans typically range between basic powertrain warranties and comprehensive bumper-to-bumper warranties. What’s the difference?
- Powertrain warranties, or drivetrain warranties, cover the internal components of your vehicle’s engine, transmission and drivetrain (drive axle), which all make your car run.
- Bumper-to-bumper warranties cover internal components within all systems, including the powertrain, heating/cooling, braking, suspension, steering, electrical and more. These warranties are sometimes called exclusionary warranties, because the contract only lists the short number of items that are excluded from coverage.
CARCHEX offers five levels of coverage for new and pre-owned vehicles. Coverage starts at the Bronze level, which is a basic powertrain warranty, and ends at Titanium, which is a bumper-to-bumper warranty and provides coverage closest to the manufacturer’s warranty. Plan terms range from five to 10 years.
Are Extended Warranties Worth It?
Manufacturer warranties sometimes last only three years or 36,000 miles. But most people expect to put over 100,000 miles on their vehicle, and the longer you drive your car, the more likely you are to need a repair. With an extended warranty, you can save thousands on repairs by purchasing an affordable coverage plan and paying only a small deductible (as low as $0 for some plans). Your coverage provider will also communicate with the repair facility on your behalf, so you know you’re getting the right price from the mechanic.
When you have an extended warranty, you have greater peace of mind. CARCHEX takes care of the repair details, so you only have to show up at the shop. And, if your vehicle breaks down unexpectedly, CARCHEX provides towing and rental car reimbursement, trip interruption coverage and emergency fuel delivery.
The Bottom Line
CARCHEX works with you to find a personalized plan that matches your vehicle and your budget. With CARCHEX coverage, you don’t have to worry about costly surprises.