Choosing the right car warranty can be tricky, especially when you don’t know where to start. That’s why we’ve assembled all the information you could need when it comes to the confusing world of car warranties. Our expert advice can get you up to speed with what’s important to know and how to find your best auto warranty. We also present our personal recommendation for your warranty provider: Motoreasy. Avoid all the problems explained below, and with Halfords Motoring Club, get an extra 3 months of extended cover!
Before you buy the car…
Although buying a new car can be exciting, especially when it comes along with a manufacturer’s warranty, it’s important that you check the entire document before signing. Your manufacturer’s plans may include exclusion clauses (e.g. general wear and tear) that can cost you eye-watering amounts of money. Then, when you are forced to buy their extended car warranty, the prices get even higher.
Other exclusion clauses that can arise within your car warranty coverage are often concealed within the terms & conditions. ‘Wear and tear’ or deterioration exclusions mean that natural failures related to car age or mileage may not be covered. Further issues include Low Claim limit warranties which can set caps on the number of yearly claims made by you, and the amount they are willing to pay out. Similarly, Limited Parts cover warranties mean that as your vehicle ages, less car parts may be covered. Further sneaky clauses include consequential damages i.e. an uncovered car part damages a covered part, strictly enforced (and extortionately expensive) service regimes, and uncovered diagnostics – meaning you pay before the damage is even assessed. Remember… read the small print – it may be dull but it’s vital!
Through clever marketing tactics, companies can hide hidden costs. Some may not have a breakdown policy and leave you stranded. Others use trusted, household names as labels to hide behind. This means that both warranty and company may be profit-driven rather than customer-orientated. Finally, remain aware of enticing names like ‘Multi-Year’ and ‘Lifetime’ warranties. These can include exclusion clauses or bundled service plans that work out to be very expensive.
Now that you have the car warranty…
So, you’ve chosen an inclusive and efficient car warranty but how do you keep it valid? There are a number of ways to endanger the coverage of your vehicle, some obvious and others unexpected. That’s why we’ve listed some of the most common ways to void your new or used vehicle warranty, and how to avoid them. Check them out now so that you can always drive protected and confident.
Clearly, aggressive driving such as off-roading and competitive racing puts your car warranty at risk. However, so can speeding and even hitting the curb one too many times. Also, overloading your car with weight (passengers, luggage, trailers, caravans, etc) is also a quick way to put your vehicle (and wallet) on the line.
Whilst simple adjustments to your car like tinted windows or number plate changes seem harmless, they further threaten your protection. Car modifications require approved garages or engineers to ensure safe application. Otherwise, you’ll be driving away from your warranty! Of course, messing with your odometer – what measures mileage, is a big no-no. Disconnecting or replacing it counts as fraudulent activity. In the unlikely situation that is becomes damaged, it is crucial that you have it repaired ASAP.
Lastly, it is important that you maintain the service schedule of your car and try to consistently pass your MOTs. General maintenance such as oil top ups and filter changes are important to stay ahead of. Top tip: keep a hold of your documentation, like service records, for further protection. Use the Motoreasy Digital Garage for a pocket-sized way to keep track of your evidence.
Motoreasy:
Motoreasy can provide you with a new or second hand car warranty, through their flexible range of plans. They cover all electrical and mechanical failures for both hybrid and electric cars (that are up to 12 years old and 120,000 miles). All general ‘wear and tear’ related issues are covered, and you can submit multiple claims per year. Furthermore, Motoreasy is a no hassle provider as they can liaison with Halfords garages for you.
As a discretionary warranty plan, Motoreasy aren’t restricted by their T&C’s or underwriters. This allows them to remain flexible with customer claims and cover more components. Motoreasy offers a free health check prior to acceptance, which prevents pre-existing damage or fraudulent repairs from damaging their repair funds. With discretionary plans (rather than insured), prices are highly unlikely to rise and yet car cover stays high. Finally, speedier repairs are possible in-house without the approval of the underwriters! Though ‘non-insured’ sounds scary, there are clear overruling benefits to them… and to Motoreasy.
Not only is Motoreasy a highly recommended UK warranty provider, with your free Halfords Motoring Club membership, you can get an additional 3 months of extended coverage. That’s an average saving of £112! And with premium membership, you can receive up to 6 months of extra cover! Both of these benefits can be used with the 12, 24 or 36 month warranty. Through cost efficiency and an elite standard of expertise, Motoreasy can provide the best car warranty for you.
