AS complex machines, cars can break down at any moment in their lifetime whether from an electrical or mechanical fault. Unfortunately, they can also be very expensive to repair due to how complex they are (particularly newer cars with more modern technology). When this happens, it can also temporarily leave you carless which will only make matters worse.

Warranty protection

It is for this reason why car warranties are so important to motorists. When a vehicle is under warranty the cost of electrical or mechanical repairs and labour will be covered and, in many cases, you will also have add-ons such as a replacement car or money for transportation, free recovery and so on. Without a warranty in place, you could find yourself seriously out of pocket and without a vehicle.

Manufacturer warranty

A brand new vehicle will be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty where the repairs will be paid for by the manufacturer. In most cases, these warranties last for three years or 60,000 miles (whichever expires first), after which a motorist has two options: they can drive without a warranty in place and run the risk of having to pay if the car breaks down, or they can take out an extended warranty from a specialist.

Extended warranty

An extended warranty offers similar protection as a manufacturer’s warranty and when obtained from a specialist you could benefit from extras like the costs covered for a hire car, recovery costs, diagnostics and more. You can get brand specific extended warranties, such as a BMW warranty, which will give you important peace of mind knowing that you are protected against mechanical faults, electrical faults and any associated costs. BMW, in particular, is a good brand to have an extended warranty for as these cars can be especially expensive to repair.

Finding cover

As with any type of insurance, no two policies are the same so it is always important to carry out research and compare quotes to find the best deal. You may be offered an extended warranty when you purchase the vehicle from a used car dealer, but you will find that you can get better rates and better coverage when you visit a specialist. Not only this, but you should also be able to get a flexible policy that works well for you with fewer exclusions. The amount that you have to pay for your extended warranty will depend on a few things, such as the age of the car, the make, model and mileage.

Breakdowns are always unexpected and can occur at any period in a car’s lifetime. This can be incredibly stressful and interfere with your daily life, plus cars of all ages can also be very expensive to repair. It is for this reason why you should always have warranty protection in place whether you are covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty or you have taken out an extended warranty. This could save you a fortune and provide peace of mind when you are behind the wheel.