When you buy a new car, it typically comes with a factory warranty that offers protection for several years to help offset the cost of repairs or parts replacement. At the time of your vehicle purchase, you can also buy an extended warranty that provides protection for a longer period but only takes effect once the original warranty expires.
If you’re not ready to make this additional investment on the day you buy your new car, can you buy an extended warranty after your warranty expires? We’ve reviewed the best extended car warranty companies like CarShield, and we’ll show you how to safeguard your car against costly repairs once your factory warranty ends.
In this article:
- What Is An Extended Warranty?
- Can You Purchase An Extended Warranty After Your Warranty Expires?
- CarShield Extended Warranties
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is An Extended Warranty?
Also known as a vehicle service contract, an extended warranty is a protection plan for your car that covers the cost of many unexpected repairs and mechanical breakdowns. If you buy an extended warranty from a third-party provider like CarShield, you’ll need to have covered repairs done at an approved repair shop where the mechanic is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®). Depending on your extended warranty, you may be required to pay a deductible for covered repairs.
If you purchase an extended warranty from a dealership, you’ll have to visit the dealer for car repairs. Regardless of where you take your vehicle, you’ll probably have to shoulder the bill for routine maintenance such as oil changes and brake pad replacements.
Bumper-To-Bumper And Powertrain Warranties
A bumper-to-bumper warranty and a powertrain warranty are the standard levels of coverage for vehicle protection plans.
- Bumper-to-bumper warranty: Covers almost everything on the vehicle
- Powertrain warranty: Takes care of only the most critical parts – most notably the engine, drivetrain, and transmission
Inclusive Warranties Vs. Exclusive Warranties
Extended warranties come in two types: inclusive and exclusive. No matter which type of plan you choose, we recommend reading the fine print of your contract so you’re not caught off guard by any of the coverage terms.
- Inclusive warranty: A vehicle service contract that spells out everything your plan covers
- Exclusive warranty: A vehicle service contract that lists everything not covered under your plan
Can You Purchase An Extended Warranty After Your Warranty Expires?
Yes, you can buy an extended warranty after your warranty expires. Car owners purchase extended warranties at various points in the lifespans of their vehicles, including after their factory warranties (otherwise known as manufacturer warranties) end. However, you may not be able to purchase an extended warranty from a dealership if your factory warranty has ended.
While waiting until a factory warranty expires poses the risk of having a gap in coverage, it’s not going to help your wallet to buy and pay interest on an extended warranty you can’t even use until your car is three years old or has 36,000 miles on the odometer – the standard terms for a factory warranty.
But if your manufacturer’s warranty is approaching its expiration date, it may be time to shop for an extended warranty. While there are many reputable extended car warranty companies, we suggest starting with CarShield. Like most third-party warranty companies, CarShield offers longer coverage terms than vehicle manufacturers typically do.
One of our top-rated aftermarket extended warranty providers, CarShield has coverage up to 300,000 miles. That’s more than any other top provider. So whether you drive a new vehicle or a used car, you can get extended warranty coverage from CarShield at any time as long as your vehicle has fewer than 300,000 miles on the odometer.
CarShield Extended Warranties
If finding the best price for extended warranty coverage is a high priority, CarShield can be a smart choice. The St. Peters, Missouri-based company offers relatively low rates, a discount for having multiple cars under a CarShield extended warranty, month-to-month contracts with payments as low as $89, and more traditional long-term contracts.
In addition to being recognized as the Best Value warranty provider in our 2022 industry-wide review, CarShield offers several plans to meet the needs of different drivers.
CarShield Extended Warranty Plans
Cars over three years old with extended auto warranty coverage are generally more prone to breakdowns than relatively new cars still under factory warranty. With this in mind, CarShield warranties cover most major repairs, but each plan is different. Below is a list of CarShield’s six coverage options:
| CarShield Plans | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Diamond | An exclusionary plan comparable to a factory warranty, with exclusions including wear items, belts, and hoses |
| Platinum | An inclusionary plan that includes coverage for the engine, transmission, cooling system, steering, and more |
| Gold | Offers enhanced powertrain protection and covers the alternator, engine, drive axle, and more |
| Silver | A basic powertrain plan that covers the drive axle, transmission, water pump, and all lubricated engine parts |
| Aluminum | Designed for luxury vehicles with complex electronic systems and covers power seat controls, GPS, sensors, and more |
| Motorcycle & ATV | Coverage tailored to drivers with motorcycles and/or ATVs |
CarShield Extended Warranty Benefits
Along with auto repairs, CarShield offers benefits that include:
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Rental car reimbursement
- Towing
- Your choice of any ASE-licensed repair shop
- User-friendly app
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I extend my car warranty after it expires?
To maximize your peace of mind behind the wheel, our team of experts recommends extending your car warranty after it expires. This lets you avoid a gap in your coverage when you would have to pay for costly repair bills out of pocket.
Can you buy an extended warranty at any time?
There’s no deadline for buying an extended warranty, but you may secure a better deal if you buy an extended warranty toward the end of your factory warranty’s life. You can purchase an extended warranty from CarShield at any time as long as your vehicle’s odometer has fewer than 300,000 miles.
Can a dealer force you to buy an extended warranty?
A dealer can’t force you to buy an extended auto warranty under any circumstances. An extended warranty will always be an optional add-on, and no state laws require you to purchase one.
