Buying a new car is an exhilarating experience. But before you get behind the wheel, you must navigate the seemingly complicated world of auto protection and warranties. We’ll guide you through what factory warranties offer, what extended service plans offer, and how to decide what coverage is best for you.
What Does My Factory Warranty Cover?
A factory warranty is included in the purchase of a new car. It is factored into the price of your car and is provided by the vehicle manufacturer.
What exactly a factory warranty covers varies by carmaker and model. Generally, the scope of warranty coverage is relatively narrow. Most warranties cover major malfunctions on mechanical and electrical breakdowns like power steering failure. Basically, if your car has an issue that is not due to the wear and tear of driving, it is likely covered by your warranty. Warranties do not cover regular maintenance costs, damage done by improper care, or events like accidents or natural disasters.
In addition to the bumper-to-bumper warranty that covers the entire car, It is also common for a car to have several additional warranties covering different parts of the car, such as a powertrain warranty to cover the engine and transmission and corrosion coverage to protect the exterior of the vehicle. Typically, the bumper-to-bumper warranty expires the fastest, and other warranty lengths vary by manufacturer.
The length of a manufacturer’s bumper-to-bumper warranty is measured in years or miles accumulated on the vehicle. Warranty length also varies greatly. Coverage can often be as little as three years or 36,000 miles or as much as ten years or 100,000 miles.
It is always best to contact your dealer to be crystal clear on what your factory warranty covers and how long the warranty lasts.
What Does My Extended Service Plan Cover?
Extended Service Plans (ESPs) are different from factory warranties in that they are additional coverage purchased by the car owner. ESPs offer protection that falls outside the scope of factory warranties, such as smaller parts of the vehicle. You can also get comprehensive coverage from an ESP after the factory warranty expires.
You can customize your ESP plan with a provider like Discount ESP. The amount of coverage you’d like as well as the length of the plan is up to you. As opposed to factory warranty, ESP coverage falls much more under the car owner’s control.
Discount ESP automotive protection plans can cover:
- Engine
- Transmission
- Transfer Case
- Drive Train Components
- Cooling System Components
- Electrical Components
- Air Conditioning Components
- Fuel System Components
- Navigational System Components
- Steering Components
- Suspension Components
- Brake System Components
- High Tech Components
- Electrical Plus Components
How Do I Select the Right Coverage?
A factory warranty provides protection for your vehicle, but the warranty will expire in a relatively short amount of time compared to the lifecycle of your car. It’s important to have a plan to make sure your car is covered for all of the years you will be driving it.
ESP coverage is a good idea for drivers who want protection past factory warranty expiration, as well as for drivers who plan to put a lot of miles on their vehicle. An ESP is also useful to cover parts that are not under the umbrella of your warranty. An ESP is an investment in the long-term wellbeing of your car.
Discount ESP offers a wide range of coverage options, while ensuring that whatever plan you choose, the most important parts of your vehicle are covered. Since you pick the plan (not your manufacturer), you have the freedom to choose the best plan for you. We welcome you to work side-by-side with one of our ESP experts to customize your coverage.
Extended Service Plans at Discount ESP
Discount ESP ensures that you have peace of mind on the road with our comprehensive auto coverage plans. Our customers save an average of $2,500 on damage claims.
In addition to the broad scope of coverage mentioned above, Discount ESP also offers nationwide coverage, towing reimbursement, no mileage limits, low deductibles, and transferable plans. No matter where the road takes you, Discount ESP has you covered.
Contact one of our ESP experts to get your free quote: https://www.discountesp.com/automotive/automotive-quote/
