Aftermarket Auto Warranty Guide: Are They Worth It?

Michael Collado

Michael Collado is a car buying expert and has been a professional automotive writer since 2009.  He’s written about dealership sales, vehicle reviews and comparisons, and service and maintenance for over 100 national automotive dealerships.  Previously, Collado was a copywriter at the ad agency TBWA/Chiat/Day where he worked on brand campaigns for Nissan, ABC Television, Sony PlayStation, and Energizer. His recognition in the ad industry includes awards from Communication Arts and The Clios.

Collado has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida, with a major in Psychology and a minor in Marketing.

If you plan to drive your vehicle after the original warranty has expired, you will want to make sure that you are still covered. That’s where an aftermarket warranty comes in.

Now, there are lots of options out there when it comes to aftermarket warranties, that’s why the research team at FindTheBestCarPrice.com has done the legwork for you.

Here, we will take a look at what aftermarket warranties are and if they are worth it for your vehicle.

What Is an Aftermarket Auto Warranty?

An aftermarket warranty is essentially the same as an extended warranty. This is a policy that is designed to protect you from damage or wear from various parts of your vehicles. Now, there are lots of different types of aftermarket warranties. Some powertrain-only warranties just cover the driving operation systems of your vehicle. You can also get a more comprehensive aftermarket warranty that will cover other parts and systems such as your brakes and your transmission. Finally, there is “bumper to bumper” warranties that will cover just about every part of your vehicle.

Is Aftermarket and Extended Warranty the Same?

There is no real difference between an aftermarket warranty and an extended warranty. You can find that some companies will use either term. Sometimes, these terms will be interchanged from companies that sell such coverage. If you see a company selling an aftermarket or an extended warranty, then they are essentially the same thing.

Do I Need an Aftermarket Auto Warranty?

You will want to get an aftermarket warranty if you are planning to drive a vehicle after the original warranty has expired. For instance, let’s say that you are driving a four-year-old vehicle with 40,000 miles. Now let’s say that the original warranty expires at 5 years or 60,000 miles. If you plan to drive the vehicle for four more years, then you should get an aftermarket warranty.

Now, let’s talk about vehicle models because some are more reliable than others. If you drive a Honda or a Toyota, then you have a very reliable vehicle and you may only need to get limited coverage. However, if you drive a vehicle that is known for reliability issues, such as a Land Rover or a Jaguar, then you will want to get comprehensive coverage.

Types of Aftermarket Warranty Coverage Plans

The great thing about aftermarket warranties is that you can get different levels of coverage that will cover the varying amount of parts and systems on your vehicle. Here’s a look at the three most common levels of coverage that you will find.

• Powertrain coverage - Powertrain coverage is the most basic coverage, this will cover engine parts and other systems that are involved in the direct operations of the vehicle.
• Extended coverage - Extended coverage will add several important parts and systems such as the brakes, air conditioning, exhaust, transmission, and axles.
• Bumper-to-bumper coverage - Bumper-to-bg,/bumper coverage is the most comprehensive coverage that you can get, this will cover all parts of the vehicle minus parts that commonly wear down such as the tires, windshield wipers, filters, and fluids.

Additional Benefits of Aftermarket Auto Warranties

There are several other reasons that you will want to consider getting an aftermarket auto warranty. Here are some additional benefits that aftermarket warranties can offer:

• Peace of mind - Now you don’t have to worry if your high mileage vehicle is about to blow its transmission. With the right level of coverage, you know that you have most of the costs covered.
• Parts replacement - If a part breaks on your vehicle, you can count on the fact that you won’t have to pay for the parts.
• Resale value - You will likely get more money for your vehicle since it will be properly maintained and not in need of major repairs with the right level of coverage.
• Roadside assistance - Some extended warranty programs will offer you roadside assistance. Roadside assistance can include services such as flat tire repair, battery jump, or emergency fuel. Be sure to check the contract if any of these extra benefits are available.

How Much Do Aftermarket Auto Warranties Cost?

The average aftermarket warranty will cost about $2,550 for mid-range coverage. That will usually include coverage of the powertrain, air conditioning, transmission, and other major systems. You can find aftermarket coverage anywhere from about $1,000 to $4,500. The actual cost will depend on several factors, including the make, model, mileage, and condition of your vehicle.

Best Aftermarket Car Warranty Providers

You will want to make sure that you choose the right company when it comes to extended warranties. Some aftermarket companies should be avoided. However, our team recommends the following three companies based on their overall customer reviews.

• Endurance - Endurance is one of the top extended warranty companies out there. They offer a wide range of coverage. That includes unlimited mile coverage plans. Also, the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all of its policies.
• CarEdge - CarEdge is another company that is known for its high customer ratings. They offer roadside assistance on many of its plans.
• Olive.com - Olive.com is another trust aftermarket warranty provider. This company is known for its no-haggle, price-lock guarantee.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I get an aftermarket warranty?

You should get an aftermarket warranty if you plan to drive your vehicle after its original warranty has expired. It is recommended that you get the policy around 30-days or 1,000 miles before your original policy expires.

Can I cancel my aftermarket warranty?

Yes. Most trusted companies will allow you to cancel your aftermarket warranty at any time. You will usually be refunded the unused portion of the policy.

How soon can I use my aftermarket warranty?

Many aftermarket warranty companies will have a 30-day or 1,000-mile validation period. That means that your policy will not kick in until after 30-days or after 1,000 miles from the beginning of the policy. This is to prevent policy claim fraud.

Who has the best aftermarket auto warranty?

The three best companies that offer a wide range of aftermarket warranties include Endurance, YAA, and Olive.com.