Deciding to get an extended car warranty on your car is not a decision to be taken lightly. If you have decided to get the additional peace of mind extended warranties can offer, though, you should proceed carefully. You will need to compare several extended auto warranties from different companies in order to get not only the best deal but also the best and most reliable coverage for your money. Some basic questions to ask about extended warranties include:

Questions to Ask about Extended Warranties

What type of extended warranty is it? Manufacturer-backed extended warranties tend to be more expensive, but are often more convenient. Repairs can generally be made at any dealership and most repairs are approved. With extended warranties from private companies, you pay less, but you may need to go to specific mechanics. Even if you get to visit any mechanic, you may find that getting approved for repairs may be a hassle. If you can afford it, go for extended warranties that are manufacturer-backed. If this is not an option, at least get a warranty that makes it easy to get repairs approved. Some dealers heavily encourage dealer extended warranties, but look carefully at these - many demand that you have all your repairs done at one specific dealership, creating a real problem if you move.

What exactly is covered by the extended auto warranty and for how long? How long past the car's original warranty does the coverage extend? Is warranty calculated by time or by mileage? Some car warranties will no longer cover you when you reach 100,000 miles on your car - no matter how long you have been driving it. Also be aware of extended warranties that do not cover repairs caused by normal wear and tear. Many of the repairs on a car in good condition will be needed simply because parts stop working. You should look at extended auto warranties that cover this aspect of car care, as these repairs will likely cost you. Do the extended auto warranties I am considering actually cover something above and beyond the car's original warranty? You may find you don't even need them if they don't!

Have I looked at sites such as WarrantyDirect.com to compare? Have I actually researched extended warranties? You need to investigate how long a company has been in business and how many satisfied (and unsatisfied) customers they have before signing on the dotted line.

What are the extended warranty deductibles and are they charged by the repair or by visit? A deductible is the money the customer must pay when they take the car in for repairs. The amount varies widely. You should be sure to look at extended warranties that make you pay per visit - that way, you can take your car in with several repairs and still pay a small fee.

Are any of the extended warranties you are considering aftermarket warranties? These car warranties stipulate that you pay for repairs yourself and wait for the company to reimburse you. If you opt for one of these extended auto warranties, you need to be really careful to read how long the company takes to reimburse you and how they decide if your repairs qualify for reimbursement.

What are your responsibilities as a new or used car owner? Some extended warranties demand that you have a mechanic inspect your car - and still demand that you wait a specific amount of time to file repair claims. In some cases, you may have to pay for the mechanic's fees yourself. You need to check how you file claims with the company.

Hassle-Free Driving with Extended Warranties

Once you have asked yourself these questions about the extended warranties you are considering, you will likely be able to find an extended car warranty that meets your needs and allows you to enjoy worry-free driving. You should be sure to take the time to find an extended car warranty that gives you good service for the money and allows you the maximum number of repairs with minimum hassle. This is generally easier if you have a car with low mileage.

Visit WarrantyDirect.com for more information on extended warranties.