What Is A Bumper-To-Bumper Warranty?
A bumper-to-bumper extended warranty covers all considerable systems of the vehicle, except for several cataloged items. Terms usually are shorter than those of a powertrain warranty. A bumper-to-bumper extended warranty can be applied after the manufacturer’s bumper-to-bumper warranty expires.
Whilst the manufacturer’s bumper-to-bumper warranty is included in the vehicle’s price, an extended car warranty is an optional vehicle service contract which comes with an additional price. They are available through the manufacturer, a dealer, or a third-party company.
You may also hear or see the term “exclusionary coverage.” Exclusionary plans are the same as bumper-to-bumper warranties. The term refers to the listed exclusions included in the contract rather than a long list of covered stated components.
Bumper to bumper warranty is suitable for drivers who are looking for comprehensive coverage.
Inclusions and exclusions An Extended Bumper-To-Bumper Warranty:
The term bumper-to-bumper indicates full coverage; however, not all of the car’s parts are protected, either it’s an extended warranty or a factory warranty. While shopping, it’s essential to go through the specifics of the warranty offered by manufacturers. Be sure to examine the fine print, term lengths, and details about the payment structure.
Typical Bumper-to-Bumper Coverage
What is included in a bumper-to-bumper coverage plan?
This, of course, depends on the provider. Some contracts are more comprehensive than others. Following are a few examples of what could be covered:
- Steering
- Fuel delivery systems
- Braking
- Suspension
- Electrical
- Heating and cooling
It’s important to note that certain areas aren’t protected by most factory bumper-to-bumper warranties, which means you’d have to pay for these repairs. These are the components and services that usually aren’t included in an extended bumper-to-bumper car warranty:
Standard exclusions to a bumper-to-bumper extended warranty are :
- Wear-and-tear items: Brake pads, drums, rotors, upholstery, seat belts, etc
- Automotive glass parts: Headlights, brake lights, and windshields, windows
- Damage: Abuse, misuse, collisions, use of improper fluids, fuels, or lubricants, acts of nature, etc
- Routine maintenance: Oil changes, wheel alignment, tire rotations, and scheduled service as recommended by the manufacturer-recommended service schedule
Most of the excluded bumper-to-bumper extended warranty coverage items are covered by other plans such as a pre-paid maintenance plan from your car’s manufacturer or your car insurance policy.
Alternatives to Limited Warranties
There are a set of options you can add to the factory warranty or even buy once the warranty expires:
- Third-Party Extended Warranty: Typically, a factory extended warranty is an extension of the standard factory warranty. The limits and coverage terms of the original apply to the new one as well. Third-party extended warranties, however, generally offer their own set of coverage and extra perks, meaning you can get much more by going away from the manufacturer.
- Auto Repair Insurance: This is a type of auto insurance that can cover certain repairs and services. Regular auto insurance is limited in service coverage, so the additional policy is necessary to get the cost savings up reasonably.
Used vehicles benefit from the extra coverage and perks (like roadside assistance).
Are Extended Bumper-to-Bumper Warranties Worth It?
Bumper-to-bumper extended warranties are worth it because they offer the ultimate peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about covering the costly repairs as your vehicle ages with extensive coverage. Nonetheless, bumper-to-bumper protection plans are oftentimes the most expensive coverage options.
If you’re interested in a bumper-to-bumper warranty, carefully read the contract to know the extended auto warranty coverage, since details vary by company.
We suggest shopping around and getting quotes from different providers to ensure that you’re getting the best deal. Conclusively, you’ll need to consider the price and term specifications of a bumper-to-bumper extended warranty to decide whether it’s worth it for your situation and budget.