Car Warranty - The Basics

Extended car warranties always sound like a product that car owners should have in place, but few of us completely understand what they entail. The concept behind warranties is not as complicated as many of us think.

Those who have bought a new car from a dealership in recent years are likely to be familiar with the basic idea behind a warranty agreement.

A brand new car is usually covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Often this lasts for the first 12 months that you own the vehicle, although it can sometimes be in effect for a longer period.

Once the initial period has expired, there is then the opportunity to take out an extended warranty. An extended warranty can provide a similar level of cover over a period of months or years, but there will be fees involved.

An extended warranty can bring peace of mind, hence the reason why many people decide to pay for this additional form of cover.

Extended warranties will be available after the initial manufacturer's cover expires and will also be available for many second hand cars.

Many people make the mistake of believing that extended policies must be purchased from manufacturer's or car dealerships. This is not the case.

There are numerous independent car warranty companies that can sell you a new agreement, offering a comprehensive level of cover. Many of these companies will sell direct to consumers online.

By buying online you could save yourself a substantial amount of money. Online purchasing allows you to compare prices more easily and also lets you see exactly what standard of cover you will be getting.

If you are looking to purchase an extended warranty then shop around online - you'll find that there are some excellent deals currently available.

By Keith Barrett