When it comes to car repairs and maintenance, it can be difficult to determine who pays for what. If the problem is included in the warranty, repairs are usually covered, but if not, you may have to pay out of pocket. Leasing a car can also complicate matters, as you may not be sure who is responsible for the repair costs. Fortunately, there are a few options available to help you cover the cost of repairs and maintenance.
When it comes to warranties, you should know all the details of coverage before deciding which one is best. You must claim the warranty as soon as the damage occurs and follow the manufacturer's routine maintenance schedule. You are not required to obtain non-warranty services from the dealer, but you can have your vehicle checked at any certified repair shop for non-warranty repairs. An extended protection plan can be a great way to cover repair costs.
Even with plans that have a deductible, you could end up saving thousands of dollars in repair costs. If your car is under warranty but the repair or replacement itself is not covered, you will have to pay for the service. When leasing a vehicle, determining who pays for repairs can be disconcerting for consumers. Generally, the leasing company will cover your car for less, protecting it against expensive bumper-to-bumper repairs.
Uproar car warranty coverage gives you exclusive access to discounts, automated concierge service and a 100 percent online claims process. And with clear, anticipated price quotes, you'll know exactly what to expect when it comes to cost. However, this coverage does not extend to some luxury vehicles, cars over 120,000 miles and cars over 10 years old. A car service contract is another option that can help cover repair costs.
Service contracts are sometimes called an “extended warranty”, but they are not a guarantee as defined by federal law. They are sold by car manufacturers, dealers and independent companies and prices and coverage vary widely. Some of these contracts may extend the duration or coverage of the included warranty, and others may cover some maintenance tasks such as scheduled oil changes. When your car needs repairs or maintenance, some service contracts allow you to choose between multiple authorized service dealers or repair centers.
Both mechanical breakdown insurance and car service contracts pay for car repairs and replacements, but mechanical breakdown insurance may not cover repairs due to normal wear and tear. The main challenge in covering repairs is whether the automaker will “approve the repair” or not. Individuals or companies that repair their own vehicles or those that repair only vehicles that are used for agricultural or horticultural purposes are exempt from this rule. Knowing this information can help you make an informed decision about who pays for car repairs and maintenance. Warranties can provide coverage for certain repairs while extended protection plans can help save money on costly repairs.
Leasing companies may also provide some coverage while car service contracts can provide additional protection against unexpected repair costs.
