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Extended Warranty for Older Cars – Where to Find One

BY: Endurance
Vintage car parked on a street

Are you driving an older car… or even a vintage or classic car? As you may have already noticed, your vehicle probably doesn’t run as well as it used to, and you’re likely just counting down the days until something goes wrong. But did you know that you can get an extended warranty for older cars? That’s right, it’s not just for new cars anymore, as older, used cars can get extended car warranty coverage that’s just as good as any manufacturer’s warranty you can find.

So, to help you find the perfect auto protection plan for you and your old and reliable ride, let’s go over what an extended warranty for an older car looks like and where you can find it.

What are Extended Warranties for Older Cars?

As we all know, when something gets older, it doesn’t run as well as it once did. Unfortunately, your car is no exception to this rule. As your vehicle climbs higher in mileage and older in years, it runs a higher risk of breaking down.

Machines are just like us. As our bodies get older, we don’t “drive” as well. So, to make sure that we’re covered if something goes wrong, we get health insurance. After all, who wants to be greeted with a monstrous bill when one of us “breaks down?” Extended vehicle coverage works similarly. If your vehicle experiences a mechanical breakdown, your warranty provider covers the car repair bill.

It’s important to note that an extended warranty for older cars (also called a used car warranty) is not like insurance. Insurance only protects you in the event of an auto accident, if your car is stolen, or if it’s damaged by things like severe weather (depending on your coverage). So, while insurance is helpful (and required in almost every state), we all know that you don’t have to collide with another vehicle for something to break and a repair bill to pop up. And with any older car, even everyday use could push your car closer to a pricey repair. This is why we recommend an extended warranty for older cars.

With the right extended warranty, you can rest easy knowing your car is covered. But where can you find coverage?

Where to Find an Extended Warranty for Older Cars

When a car is new, it is less likely to break down. Still, if something were to go wrong, your car’s manufacturer provides you with a factory warranty. This coverage comes as either a bumper-to-bumper warranty, a powertrain warranty, or both, and will often help protect the car for its first three years or 36,000 miles driven (whichever comes first) or five years or 60,000 miles. Some may even give you up to 10 years and unlimited miles of coverage. But either way, once that milestone is reached, your car will no longer be covered.

To help combat that, automakers and dealerships will offer drivers an extended warranty, though this coverage often comes with some stipulations. Most extended warranties from automakers or dealerships will often limit when you can purchase this kind of coverage option. For instance, many will only allow you to purchase this extended coverage either when you buy the car brand new or for as long as the original factory warranty covers your car.

This often means that used cars will no longer be eligible for coverage unless you go through a third-party car warranty company like Endurance, CarShield, CARCHEX, Protect My Car, autopom!, or others. And while you’ll often see plans from third-party providers like us called “extended warranties,” they are actually vehicle service contracts, and they can help your old car pay for itself after your first repair visit. However, while most third-party providers can help with used cars, not all can help with “older” cars.

Why Do Some Companies Not Offer an Extended Warranty for Older Cars?

A lot of companies view older vehicles as too much of a liability. Some companies even use a cutoff of 10 years or 100,000 miles on the odometer. If your vehicle hits either of these milestones, it will not qualify for coverage. That’s why it’s crucial to research and determine what coverage cutoffs may be in place when choosing the best extended warranty company.

With Endurance, however, you don’t have to play any guessing games when it comes to whether or not your car is eligible. That’s because vehicles up to 20 years old can get award-winning Endurance coverage even if they’re high-mileage vehicles. But that’s not all, as even more vehicles that other providers often exclude can get peace of mind with an Endurance vehicle protection plan, including providing comprehensive coverage plans for luxury vehicles, salvage or rebuilt title vehicles, and more.

So whether you’re looking for budget-friendly powertrain coverage with the Secure plan or exclusionary coverage that gives you near-complete factory-like protection with the Supreme plan, Endurance has the level of coverage you’re looking for. There’s even the Advantage plan that helps protect your car from expensive repair costs AND helps cover regular maintenance services, including oil changes, tire rotations, and more.

Plus, regardless of the plan you choose, you’ll also be able to enjoy a full 30-day “free look” period (which also happens to be your waiting period) and complimentary 24/7 roadside assistance, towing and lockout services, rental car reimbursements, and trip interruption coverage. You’ll even have an entire year to enjoy Elite Benefits, including extra perks and savings, like tire coverage, collision discounts, and more, just by being a new Endurance customer. (A small activation fee for Elite Benefits may apply.)

FAQs: Extended Warranty for an Older Car

To you be even more prepared when finding an extended warranty or vehicle service contract for your older car, here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions:

What types of charges would not be covered by Endurance?

We strive to provide the best protection to all of our customers. For a list of our exclusions, check out some of our most popular plans to see what we offer, including sample contracts with full details.

What’s included in an Endurance coverage plan?

Aside from total protection, Endurance offers customers complimentary benefits, including roadside assistance and more. There are also Endurance Elite Benefits, which include up to four replaced or repaired tires per year, key fob replacements, collision discounts, and even up to $1,000 in total loss protection.

Where do I go if I need assistance with my plan?

Customer service is our top priority at Endurance, so much so that we’ve won awards for it! We’re always working to provide our customers with the best solutions while protecting them from the stress and high costs of auto repairs. You’ll also have access to the exclusive Endurance Mobile app, where you can check your contract, request roadside assistance, and stay connected with our staff. You can also contact us through our website or email us at [email protected].

Where can I go for repairs that are covered by my extended auto warranty?

Unlike most extended warranties, Endurance Warranty plans are honored anywhere as long as the repair facilities are licensed and authorized. Even if you relocate to another state, we will still cover your vehicle! You get the peace of mind of knowing your auto warranty is honored nationwide. Use the RepairPal Partner Network to find a certified mechanic near you.

How does Endurance Warranty pay claims?

Claims are paid upfront for all covered repairs, which means no waiting for reimbursement or high out-of-pocket expenses paid unless your contract specifies a deductible. We’re with you every step of the way so you can get back on the road in no time.

What could void my Endurance coverage?

Whether you have a plan from Endurance, another provider, or an automaker, every extended warranty has stipulations you must follow to keep your coverage active. For example, maintenance is a must for Endurance customers, as failing to meet your car’s needs can void your contract. You can learn about the other ways you can void your coverage and tips to help keep your contract active by visiting the Endurance blog.

How much does an extended warranty cost?

The truth is that the cost of any warranty options available to you and your vehicle will depend on a few key factors. Mainly, most providers will base the cost of your coverage on the following:

  • Your vehicle’s age
  • Your vehicle’s mileage
  • The type of vehicle you drive
  • Your driving habits

Protect Your Older Car with Endurance

Older vehicles can offer affordable and reliable rides with a little added risk of being more prone to repairs than new vehicles. That’s why having the best coverage available for an older used car is vital in helping any car owner save on unexpected and expensive repair bills that can’t be avoided. And at the end of the day, unlike automakers or other third-party warranty providers, only Endurance can give you complete peace of mind thanks to coverage options available for vehicles up to 20 years old with no mileage limits.

Unlike automaker or dealership-provided extended warranty plans, Endurance protection plans don’t limit you to where you can go for repairs. In fact, you can take your car to any ASE Certified mechanic or repair shop of your choice, including your car’s dealership. And if your car breaks down while on the road, don’t worry, as every Endurance plan also comes with complimentary roadside assistance and more, as well as a full year of Endurance Elite Benefits to help you get back on the road fast without breaking the bank.

Don’t wait another day or drive another mile; if your vehicle is not protected, neither is your wallet. We work with all sorts of vehicle makes and models, including offering plans for high-mileage and older cars, so call us at (800) 253-8203 to speak to an Endurance advisor, request a free online quote, or you can shop our eStore today to find the coverage that’s perfect for you.

Be sure to visit the Endurance blog to learn more about extended warranties for older cars or find other articles on topics ranging from DIY maintenance tips to vehicle buying guides.

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