In today’s world, consumers are used to buying many things online. Getting groceries or restaurant meals delivered is common, and convenience is compelling. So, the idea of shopping for an extended car warranty or car insurance from your phone or computer isn’t far-fetched. Taking advantage of the many car warranty online options can put a vehicle owner in control, thanks to ready access to comparison tools, research, and numerous purchase options.

For many drivers, buying extended warranties makes sense. A ConsumerAffairs study reports that only 41% of Americans have enough money saved to pay for a $1,000 car repair cost. Even those who can handle the financial hit of a trip to the mechanic may not want to shell out thousands for a new engine or transmission. Purchasing coverage online speeds up the protection process, a critical factor for a car with an expiring or expired manufacturer’s warranty. Plus, there’s no stress in buying through a dealer and paying a markup.

Keep reading as we walk you through everything about buying a car warranty online.

The Convenience of Buying a Car Warranty Online

As with buying most things online, purchasing an extended car warranty this way is all about saving time and reducing hassle. Whether you’re sitting on the couch or in your office chair, there’s no need for a face-to-face transaction. Plus, you’ll avoid the stress of visiting a dealership’s finance office. And, unlike most dealerships, shopping online opens up a world of different extended warranty providers; you’re not limited to just one or two options.

Critically, purchasing an extended warranty (also called a vehicle service contract or auto protection plan) online allows you to compare prices, something that’s difficult and time-consuming with multiple dealers. Instead, explore different extended warranty companies that offer online pricing, compare plans, and decide on coverage.

Here’s why buying a car warranty online makes sense:

• Convenient price comparisons
• At-home (or work) convenience
• Shop on your own schedule
• Research coverage at your own pace
• Explore different plans and prices
• Avoid high-pressure sales tactics

Shopping online also means that customer assistance is easily accessible. Professional warranty providers have phone-based support teams available during business hours, and questions can also be answered via email. Both methods reinforce that you can shop for an extended warranty on your terms and schedule.

In addition, superior online platforms make plan details, sample contracts, and other critical information readily available. You should be able to review these details at your convenience before purchasing.

Comparing Coverage Options and Pricing Online

No matter what you’re buying, shopping in a vacuum isn’t very consumer-friendly. It’s always best to explore different options from one company and how these compare with competitors. Online warranty shopping makes this possible.

For instance, visit the Endurance Warranty online store and enter your vehicle information. If your car is eligible, you will typically have multiple coverage options. The plan differences are highlighted, and you can download a sample contract before paying.

Going one step further, sites like Chaiz let car owners compare extended warranties from different companies. Similarly, submit your car’s key details, and the platform shows what’s available from several providers. You can sort the results by coverage level, provider, rating, premium amount, and mileage terms.

Keep in mind that online quotes are estimates. The final vehicle service contract price may vary based on the vehicle’s history and other applicable conditions.

Finally, online research lets you assess a warranty provider’s background and reputation before making a coverage decision. This essential task may be challenging to perform at a dealer, where so much else is happening. It’s critical to determine a warranty company’s ratings on Google and review sites like Trustpilot and ConsumerAffairs.

Here’s what to check out:

• Consumer Ratings: Compare how all the companies you are considering rank against each other (keep in mind that no company is perfect).
• Longevity: Experience matters in serving customers and handling claims — examine the warranty company’s history and record of paying for repairs
• Transparency: Look for a warranty company that’s upfront about what it offers — specific details like coverage terms and conditions should be easily available and understandable.
• Customer Service: Top warranty providers have a strong reputation for delivering an exceptional customer experience, backed by third-party reviews and awards. You want to see a history of excellent communication, prompt claims processing, and a willingness to answer questions and address concerns.

Flexibility and Customization for Every Driver

Shopping for an extended warranty at a dealership often involves a few plan options at best. Some dealers don’t even go that far. Yet, choice is essential to let car owners tailor coverage that balances their driving style, budget, and protection needs. Many companies that sell extended warranties online excel at offering personalized plans.

Start with powertrain protection for coverage of the engine, transmission, and drive axle — components that are usually the most expensive to replace. Intermediate plans add safeguards for the air conditioning, suspension, steering, brakes, electrical system, advanced electronics, and other parts. Car owners can also opt for an exclusionary plan that’s similar to a new car’s bumper-to-bumper warranty and has the fewest exclusions.

But there’s more to tailored coverage, including an extended warranty term. You’ll want to explore how long you’ll likely keep the car so the plan can overlap with your ownership, offering maximum protection. There’s also the deductible amount to consider. A $100 deductible is a popular amount, but many companies offer deductibles ranging from $0 to $500 out-of-pocket, enabling drivers to determine what’s best for their budgets.

Lastly, consider if specialized coverage is applicable in your situation. Note that not all car warranty companies offer these types of protection:

• Modifications: A vehicle with a raised suspension, oversized wheels, engine enhancements, or other changes outside factory specifications.
• High Mileage: Depending on the company, a car with above-average miles may not be eligible for extended warranty protection. Look for a provider with higher or no-limit mileage plans.
• Commercial Use: Automobiles and trucks used for ridesharing, delivery, and other commercial purposes need specialized coverage.
• Luxury Models: Premium vehicles often have expensive repair bills, requiring a plan to accommodate these circumstances.

So, when shopping online for an extended warranty from a third-party provider, you’ll want to consider all these factors: coverage type, term, deductible, and specialized needs. Whether the factory warranty on your vehicle is expiring or you’re shopping for a used car, use the online resources you’ve learned about to pinpoint the best coverage.

Avoiding Dealership Markups and Pressure Sales

While it restates the obvious, car dealers are in business to make a profit. This means adding a markup to everything they sell, including extended warranties. However, in the case of these vehicle service contracts, dealerships aren’t providing the warranty; they’re merely reselling a product backed by a warranty company. A hefty portion of that extended warranty’s price simply adds to the dealer’s bottom line.

You’re usually not getting anything extra by purchasing protection this way. Indeed, some dealers may try to sweeten the offering by offering a zero deductible plan, but this requires you to use their service department for warranty repairs. In addition, the deductible savings usually don’t add up to the difference between the dealer’s extended warranty price and what you pay through an independent provider.

This contrast underscores how much less comparable coverage costs are from an online warranty provider. These companies operate with lower overhead costs, so coverage can cost consumers less; no middleman and associated markup are involved. In essence, it’s like buying an extended auto warranty at a wholesale price when bypassing the dealership.

There’s another advantage to shopping for an extended car warranty online: fewer high-pressure tactics. Top warranty providers don’t engage in aggressive sales methods. On the other hand, dealership finance departments are keenly aware when car shoppers are vulnerable. You’ve likely spent hours selecting a car and negotiating the deal, only to step into an office where you’re bombarded with more choices (like car loan information). Your excitement and exhaustion can lead to bad decisions. Buyers can be hit with scare tactics about costly repairs and how crucial coverage is, only available before they drive away in their new vehicle. Talk about pressure!

Meanwhile, online auto warranty shopping lets you proceed on your timeline. Take days or weeks to research what the warranty covers, read the fine print, and find tailored protection that fits your budget. You’re calling the shots and making an informed decision. Also, skipping the dealer for an extended warranty lets you focus on what you’re really there for: buying a car.

How Endurance Makes Online Warranty Shopping Easy

Endurance recognized the advantages of offering online extended warranties or vehicle service contracts and launched a user-friendly web-based store for consumers needing auto protection. In about a minute, a car owner can learn about their coverage options, explore coverage details, and purchase at their convenience.

Here’s how it works:

1. Enter your car’s year, make, model, and trim or vehicle identification number (VIN)
2. Select how the car is used: Personal, commercial/business, or rideshare
3. Enter the mileage (estimated or actual)
4. Identify any special conditions: Vehicle modifications or non-standard title status
5. Enter your email, zip code, and state
6. Click the “Continue” button

Endurance’s system then looks for available coverage that fits your vehicle. If applicable, the recommended options are instantly displayed on the screen. There’s no waiting for an email or phone call with pricing. You’ll know what’s available to protect your car and the estimated cost.

When you add the desired plan to the store’s cart, you’ll see your total estimated cost, monthly payment, coverage terms, and other pertinent details. You can also preview the contract before entering your contact and payment information to complete the transaction.

Plan documents are delivered electronically, providing convenient access to coverage details without waiting for the hardcopy documents to arrive by mail. Once the plan is activated, customers can also access the contract via the exclusive Endurance smartphone app.

The Future of Vehicle Protection is Digital

Online technology has transformed how extended warranties are purchased. Gone are the days of high-priced plans from car dealers (along with high-pressure sales tactics). Instead, used vehicle owners can enjoy transparency, convenience, and value when seeking peace of mind and protection against the cost of major repairs.

Endurance is a leader in making online auto protection plan purchases simple and hassle-free. Experience this for yourself by visiting the Endurance online store. You’ll quickly know what coverage is available for your car and how much it will cost. Best of all, there’s no pressure or obligation; shop online for a protection plan at your convenience.

Do you prefer a more traditional approach to buying coverage? Request a FREE online quote, and an Endurance plan advisor will contact you with all the necessary information. You can also call (800) 253-8203 for personalized one-on-one help finding the right plan for your needs and budget. Best of all, every Endurance auto protection plan includes 24/7 roadside assistance (including towing), rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption protection.

Visit the Endurance blog, which has hundreds of insightful articles, to learn more about extended warranties, vehicle care, DIY maintenance, and car ownership.