Is it worth getting the extended warranty on a new car?
However, extended car warranties are often not worth it due to their high upfront price and coverage restrictions. The terms and conditions of coverage often make it more cost-effective for car buyers to cover the costs of repairs themselves rather than cover the warranty cost. While extended car warranties typically cover many issues that may require parts of your car to be repaired or replaced, they don’t cover everything. For example, many extended warranties don’t cover things like accidents, theft, natural disasters, or normal wear and tear.Approximately 37 percent of car owners have an active extended warranty and only one in ten have actually used it. The two top reasons why people say they do not have an extended warranty is that they think the coverage is too expensive and that they will never use it.An extended warranty won’t cover wear and tear or car accident repairs. Extended warranties are a gamble. You pay the full fee up front without knowing whether you’ll use the coverage, and you may need to purchase separate extended warranties for your car’s different systems.Extended auto warranties cost an average of $1,297 per year across providers, plans, coverage options and vehicles, based on our February 2025 secret shopping. Below, we provide estimates for bumper-to-bumper, mid-level and powertrain warranty coverage based on quotes we received during our secret shopping experience.
Is extended warranty a rip-off?
You’re effectively paying upfront for protection you may never use. Extended dealer warranties also come with plenty of fine print. They often exclude everyday wear and tear, common modifications and key parts or systems. This means you should expect to pay between $1,000 and $4,200 on a 36-month coverage term (paying for 18 months) for an extended warranty on a vehicle with more than 100,000 miles. As you put more mileage on your vehicle, the likelihood of needing a repair goes up, increasing the price you’ll pay for your warranty.It should be covered as it’s an integral part of the car but that doesn’t mean it will be, often extended warranty’s sold by dealers aren’t worth the paper they are written on. They are completely different from manufacturers warranty’s which usually cover most things.Ask for a Discount. Just like when you negotiate when buying a car, don’t be afraid to negotiate the price of an extended warranty. At dealerships, salespeople or finance managers may inflate the cost of the extended car warranty. Inform them the price is too high, and if they can lower it, you may reconsider.Some auto service contracts will extend the length or coverage of the warranty that came with your vehicle, and others will cover some maintenance tasks like scheduled oil changes. They typically don’t cover damage that may occur in an accident or normal wear and tear to the vehicle.While circumstances vary, in most cases, extended warranties are not worth the cost. Extended warranties will add $1,000-$3,000 to the total cost of your car. In most cases, you’ll never see that money again.
How much should you spend on an extended warranty?
An extended warranty typically costs an average of $600 to $2,000 per year, but that varies widely based on where you buy the warranty, the reliability of the vehicle the warranty covers, and other factors. The price of an extended warranty also is negotiable. Whether a warranty is worthwhile depends largely on your individual circumstances, including your finances, what type of car you drive, how you use the vehicle and how long you plan to keep it. If you have a newer model car that you plan to keep for a long time, an extended warranty may be a good idea.Cons of an Extended Warranty Extended warranties require an upfront payment or are added to your financing, increasing your total cost. If you don’t end up using it, you may feel like you paid for something you didn’t need. Depending on the warranty plan, some repairs may not be included.Upfront Cost: Extended warranties can be expensive, and you might never use them. Weighing the cost of the warranty against the potential repair bills is crucial. Limited Coverage: Many warranties have exclusions and may not cover all types of repairs.The benefits of an extended warranty The advantages of this are that you gain the peace of mind of being able to cover the cost of certain repairs to your vehicle for the period of the warranty. Your used car could prove to be troublesome, and a warranty is a way to avoid risk.Negotiating a Better Deal Speak with the finance and insurance managers, explain that you want to buy a new car and need to talk to them about the factory extended warranty on the vehicle. You may find that three different dealerships will give you three different prices on the same coverage.
When should you consider an extended warranty?
Extended Warranties for New & Used Vehicles If you’re planning on keeping your vehicle for more than 10 years then an extended warranty can be worth the investment. It’s also worth checking to see what insurance coverage is included with your new vehicle purchase. An extended bumper-to-bumper warranty, which can cost between $500 and $1,500 per year of coverage, is an option when your manufacturer warranty ends.Extended warranty plans typically cover your vehicle anywhere from 2 to 7 years. If you expect to keep your car for several years, a longer plan may make sense for you. Even if you do sell your car before the warranty runs out, your extended protection plan may be transferable.An extended warranty typically costs an average of $600 to $2,000 per year, but that varies widely based on where you buy the warranty, the reliability of the vehicle the warranty covers, and other factors. The price of an extended warranty also is negotiable.Average prices range from $600 to $1,000 per year Extended car warranties typically cost between $600 and $1,000 per year, depending on your vehicle, coverage level and other factors. On the high end, comprehensive protection plans can cost up to $8,000 or more in total.
What does Dave Ramsey say about extended warranty?
Instead of buying a bunch of extended warranties that you’ll probably never use, you’re better off self-insuring by paying yourself the warranty payments. That way, if your TV does break after the normal warranty, you have the money saved to fix it. If not, it’s your money to keep. It’s a win-win! Like most insurance policies, an extended warranty is something you pay for in the hope that you’ll never need to use it. For many owners, it’s worth paying the price for peace of mind; even if your car is built by a brand renowned for its reliability, there’s always a risk that something could go wrong.
What are red flags in extended warranties?
What are red flags in extended warranties? Common red flags of car warranty scams include unsolicited communications claiming your warranty is expiring, scare tactics, ambiguous coverage details, and pressure to pay upfront or divulge personal information. Generally, these warranties come with a higher profit margin, giving you the chance to negotiate as much as you can. Just like the price of the car, dealerships may increase the cost of the extended warranty coverage plan for their profit.