WHAT TO DO IF YOUR KIA MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED

Automakers provide warranties in the first place because they understand that repairs will begin to cost more over time, especially if drivers keep their cars longer. So even if the cars are made to last, every driver will inevitably spend on an unpleasant surprise sooner or later, which is where an extended warranty can help. However, while most other automakers can provide drivers with extended coverage (sometimes only when their factory coverage is still active), Kia doesn’t have an extended warranty cost option per se. Not like Hyundai. Instead, most retailers work with independent providers to offer Kia extended warranty options on select vehicles.

Kias are some of the best in the world but think about how the most common Kia repairs really add up. We’ll use the Soul, a previous bestseller, as an example. Replacing or repairing a broken alternator, according to RepairPal, can cost several hundred dollars.

Other common repairs, if unattended, can be costly. Since all of the parts of Kia models work together, the chances that they break down together are very high. And suddenly, you are left with a repair bill in the high thousands, and that is certainly not the “surprise” Kia had in mind for you either.

That’s why it is a good idea to look into extending the kind of coverage Kia once provided under their manufacturer’s warranty. And an independent third-party provider of vehicle service contracts, like Endurance, will work to match that level of protection for longer.

WHAT COMPONENTS AND PARTS ARE COVERED UNDER THE KIA FACTORY WARRANTY?

As a major subsidiary of Hyundai, Kia is very much a comprehensive warranty provider in the industry. Since they don’t have to compete with an industry leader like Hyundai directly and aren’t really competing with third-party providers given their own unique limits, providers like Endurance can match the warranty coverage.

Endurance will match the comprehensiveness of Kia’s coverage before continuing it so long as the car is yours or whoever you transfer it to. That’s another benefit of buying from a third party. The ability to transfer your coverage benefits to the next vehicle owner is something that no automaker can do.

Ten years is a long time, and Kia is right to tote the quality of their cars. However, the modern driver simply doesn’t always buy new, nor do they buy and trade within that 10-year period. And while Kia’s new car warranty is almost akin to Exclusionary coverage, fewer things besides the powertrain and core driving components will be protected after a while.

Here are parts that a vehicle service contract, commonly referred to as an extended auto warranty, can cover beyond the powertrain:

• Air Conditioner
• Brakes
• Cooling System
• Drive Axle Assembly
• Electronic Components
• Front & Rear Suspension
• Fuel System
• Seals & Gaskets*
• Transfer Unit
• Transmission
• Turbocharger / Supercharger

None of these components qualify for coverage under the limited contracts Kia provides, even when still under the 10-year warranty. These are gaps that few in the auto industry bother to cover, and that’s where a reputable independent Kia extended warranty provider can provide additional safety nets.

It’s quite simple; you don’t necessarily need to wait for your car’s manufacturer’s warranty to end to consider an extended car warranty. There are so many benefits that will help you in that immediate time.

KIA WARRANTY EMERGENCY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, TRIP INTERRUPTION, AND RENTAL CAR BENEFITS

Kia has roadside assistance; however, you’ll most likely only be able to use and call them toll-free for the first five years of your vehicle ownership. They do this because they know that their cars are less likely to break down in that time period, even if they are willing to lend a hand in emergencies regardless.

Yes, Kia happily assists you out of the usual minor mishaps—dead batteries, flats (provided you have a spare that isn’t flat), running out of gas—and they’ll do it at no charge.

However, bigger warranty issues are less likely to happen at this time. After? If your car breaks down in your sixth or seventh year of ownership, you can still call Kia, but it may no longer be as financially beneficial to you as if that breakdown happened a few years earlier.

Under a third-party vehicle service contract, you’ll have access to 24/7 roadside assistance with far fewer limits. So long as you are covered, you will have the ability to call for towing even away from Kia service centers.

If you have the misfortune of experiencing a break down late in the day, during a weekend or a holiday, unlike Kia, who will tow and store your car with a Kia-approved vendor before waiting the next business day to begin repairs, companies like Endurance will immediately take you to the nearest repair shop immediately if that is what you want.

Trip Interruption and rental car benefits remain even in the later, higher mileage time of your car’s life, and that’s something that ends with most manufacturers’ warranties early.

KIA EXTENDED WARRANTY COST COVERAGE OPTIONS

As mentioned, the main limit with manufacturer’s warranties is that they provide only the best level of coverage for brand new vehicles. But we know how much car buyers want to save money and choose to buy used or pre-owned vehicles, and they deserve just as equally comprehensive coverage options as new owners too.

At most, a used Kia will only be protected by them for five to seven years. Kia is not doing this for bad reasons; they are just following the path of the larger auto industry.

The truth of the matter is that every automaker, no matter how well-intentioned or confident in their cars, they are going to be hesitant to cover cars and components that have been driven a long time or bought and traded a couple of times with the same completeness of new cars that rolled out of the factory.

That’s the one big advantage independent companies like Endurance have over automakers when it comes to protecting cars. Third-party providers can afford to take the risk and offer that same level of coverage for an older or used car. So it’s as if you have all of the benefits and the same kind of safety net afforded to you with a new car.

SHOPPING FOR EXTENDED KIA WARRANTY COVERAGE

Whenever you look around the internet for insurance or a Kia extended warranty, you need to do your proper research. Look at every provider’s accreditation. Familiarize yourself with the vocabulary, as some providers call their coverage an extended auto warranty, and others use the proper name vehicle service contract (VSC), and these are often used interchangeably.

Either way, the name tells you that this is not directly from the manufacturer’s plan. Kia and Hyundai offer industry-leading warranties, but neither company nor their direct competitors cover beyond that.

So look up reputable extended warranties and their providers. Get a sense of their history and what they can offer on certain makes and models, not just Kia.

Endurance can be called for a quote directly and quickly and will help run through all of your coverage options in a matter of minutes. You’ll hear and see for yourself how Endurance will pick up the slack from automakers like Kia and continue to shield you from the high costs of repairs.

Take note that there truly are no actual Kia extended warranty plans. Many Kia dealers who offer such coverage may or may not tell you, but the coverage they are selling you doesn’t come directly from Hyundai themselves.

What they sell is from other providers. It is convenient to buy from the same dealer selling you the car, but the caveat is that they will upcharge you for that convenience and profit. It’s a convenience fee. How comfortable you are with that or not is up to you, but as with all investments, the key is to save money on your Kia extended warranty coverage.

HOW A KIA VEHICLE SERVICE CONTRACT WORKS

We know that Kia drivers like surprises, but that usually means surprises in their cars’ performance, style, and reliability. No driver likes surprises like hidden fees or realizing their coverage isn’t accepted at a shop of their choice.

That’s why Endurance put their coverage plans to work no differently than factory coverage. It’s almost as if you won’t notice the difference once you go from one safety net to the next.

Endurance, like Kia motors, knows who our customers are. And we all know what a Kia driver will want and need when it comes to covering their vehicles should the time come to make life-saving repairs. Endurance will work very hard to deliver even as competitors, and some automakers avoid delivering on automotive protection.

Kia’s warranty is one of the best, but fine print such as limiting your service to their dealerships and only using OEM parts are things that a vehicle service contract isn’t limited by.

If your car breaks down, call Endurance roadside assistance, and we’ll take you to the certified repair shop or ASE Certified mechanic of your choice. Then just give the mechanic your card, and we’ll take care of the rest.

The best part is that all of the tertiary benefits, such as trip interruption coverage, rental car reimbursements, and award-winning customer service, come directly from Endurance.

KIA FACTORY WARRANTY + ENDURANCE = TOTAL PROTECTION

Kia vehicles get top marks from consumer publications, and rightly so. Kia and their parent company Hyundai have strong reputations and have long been in the industry to be considered leaders.

So is Endurance. With more than 15 years in the industry and several industry awards under our belt, Endurance can continue to protect you and your car by following the example set by automakers like Kia. Like any company in the business of cars, we offer all sorts of payment options and coverage options that will shift depending on your needs, including some plans starting as low as $79/month.

You may find you don’t want the exact coverage you had under the manufacturer. With Endurance, you can choose what about your car is specifically important to you, your make/model, and your driving habits.

All you need to do is give Endurance a call to see that the power to surprise when protecting your car isn’t exclusive to Kia.

MORE ABOUT KIA WARRANTIES:

You might have more than a few questions about your Kia models. For the most frequently asked questions regarding Kia or your make and model’s history, visit one of the sites below.

Drivers and vehicle owners alike should never let themselves wait for more unpleasant surprises to happen to their cars. The key is to stay knowledgeable about anything and everything that could go wrong with your car.

General Recalls, Problems, and Defects: NHTSA-Safety Issues & Recalls

Kia Owner Reviews: Car Brands Ratings

Kia Automotive Recalls: https://owners.kia.com/us/en/recalls.html

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Kia Extended Warranty

• Where can I get my Kia serviced for repairs?

Endurance provides well-rounded coverage for both new and used vehicles that allow you to take your car to any certified mechanic. To remain covered under Kia’s warranty agreement, you must go to a Kia dealership, limiting the customer from receiving service anywhere.

• Is my warranty transferable through Kia?

The only way you would be able to transfer your warranty when you are selling a car would be if you were under warranty with a third-party provider, like Endurance.

• What do Endurance warranties cover that Kia extended warranties do not?

The nice thing about Endurance is that we offer customizable coverage options that cover all different items and vary in price. You can even receive up to one year of Endurance Elite Benefits for additional perks such as key fob replacement, complete tire repair, total loss protection, and more with any Kia protection plan and a small $29 activation fee. Also, stay up-to-date with your plan on our Endurance Mobile app that allows easy access to your account.

• What extended warranty covers the most for the best price? 

Endurance offers fully-customizable coverage plans. For example, the Supreme Plan covers everything from A/C to turbos and superchargers, and the Select Premiere eliminates powertrain coverage items like brakes, gaskets, and steering. Everybody looks for something different in their Kia warranty coverage, so we recognize that and work to provide an option suitable for everyone.

• How do I get a quote for an extended warranty?

When your factory warranty expires, request a FREE quote from Endurance by filling out your vehicle information, phone number, and email. We’ll get back to you with a customized quote for your Kia!