1.

What is a warranty?

It is a contract between you and the warranty (insurance) company.

The contract will cover you for replacement parts and labour in the event of parts failing.

Warranties usually have a STAR rating, from basic to comprehensive. The more they cost, the more parts they cover.

Check exactly what is covered in the contract, but most will not cover you for standard wear and tear.

Make sure the car you thinking of buying a warranty for has had a good past history so it is more reliable and less likey to give you trouble.

2.

What’s the attraction of a warrenty?

Peace of mind if your vehicle breaks down and not having to worry about any expenses other than normal wear and tear.

3.

What different types of warranty are there?

• Manufacturers Warranty, which is provided by the manufacturer of your NEW vehicle, usually for the first 3 years
• Manufacturer-Backed Schemes - similar, but offered by Franchised Dealerships
• Used Car Warranty - offered by Independent Dealers, Traders and Car Supermarkets
• Aftercare Warranty - this is for private buyers or people who want to add a warranty to their vehicle

4.

What things does a warranty cover?

There may be variation but the main things covered are:

• Air Conditioning
• Brakes
• Cooling System
• Clutch
• Electrical System
• Engine
• Fuel System
• Gearbox
• Ignition System
• Steering
• Suspension
• Transmission system

5.

What issues may my warranty company reject in the event of a claim?

Always make sure of the following to avoid a claim being rejected::

• Get Approval or Authorisation before you ever get the repair done, it may not be covered
• Get an oil change every 6 months
• Get your vehicle serviced on time or mileage
• Beware of overheating, as damage caused through this may not be covered
• Check fluid levels regularly
• Check all vehicle problems before buying the warranty as they won't be covered
• Self inflicted damage in trying to DIY is not covered
• To be safe, raise any issues with your company BEFORE you buy.

6.

What things does a warranty exclude?

There maybe variation but the main things not covered include

• Normal Wear and Tear - to tyres, brakes, exhausts, clutch, wheels, catalytic convertors
• Electrical System - in car audio, phones, speakers, and related electrical items
• Bodywork and Paintwork - chips, dents, scratches and major boy repairs
• Glass and Headlights

7.

How long does the warranty last?

Normally 12 months and some companies offer extensions of this upto 3 years.

8.

What should I look for in a warranty?

Start with the following:

• Buy Direct from the source and not from the dealer, as it will work out cheaper
• Look for an Immediate start from the day you buy it
• Choose a High Star Rating (more comprehensive) as you'll get more for you're money
• Look for a Cooling Off Period that will allow you to get a full refund if you change your mind
• (no claims) Transferrable to a new car or new owner (great selling point)
• Check Coverage, and read exactly what you get for your money
• Extra Benefits, including replacement vehicle, vehicle hire, emergency hotel accomodation, travel expenses, breakdown and recovery assistance.
• Certified Repairers, make sure you know who can and can't repair your vehicle
• Payment, ask who pays, do you pay and get refunded or do they pay direct to the repairer (preferred)
• Replacement Parts, are your parts replaced going to be original or not

9.

How do I keep a warranty valid?

Your warranty company will give you terms and conditions which will tell you exactly where and when your vehicle must be serviced eg every 10,000 miles or 6 months (which ever sooner).

The idea is that you keep the vehicle in good condition so keeping it reliable.

Things that are excluded (are not covered) include:

• Problems existing before you bought the warranty
• Misuse/abuse
• Faults for vehicles that are recalled
• Fitting non-standard/approved parts.

10.

Can I cancel a warranty?

Check if your warranty company has a cooling off period eg 28 days, where you can get a full refund if you have not made a claim.

11.

Can I transfer a warranty?

You will have to check this with whom you buy it from as there is alot of variation. Some will let you transfer it to the new owner and others will let you transfer it to your new car.