What does bumper-to-bumper warranty cover? A bumper-to-bumper warranty includes labor and repair for practically all car components. It is typically offered as a complete extended warranty coverage option or comes with new automobiles as part of a factory warranty.
A bumper-to-bumper warranty, often known as a comprehensive warranty, covers most vehicle items between your vehicle’s front and rear bumpers. Most new automobiles come with a 3- or 5-year bumper-to-bumper warranty as part of a dealership’s limited vehicle service contract.
What Does Bumpe-to-Bumper Warranty Cover?
A bumper-to-bumper warranty covers most components between a vehicle’s front and rear bumpers. But which ones does it cover precisely?
Naturally, this depends on the contract, and some contracts offer more in-depth coverage. However, generally, most parts and systems of a car are covered by a bumper-to-bumper warranty, including:
- Transmission, engine, and drive axles.
- Braking.
- Suspension.
- Steering.
- Vehicle body.
- Transmission.
- Heating and air conditioning.
- Electronic devices.
But there are also exclusions, which are predominantly featured in the contract. It is because the document only lists the things that are not covered, not a complete list of the things that are covered. Although details may differ from contract to contract, the majority of bumper-to-bumper warranties do not cover the following:
- Clutch linings.
- Tires.
- Bulbs.
- Brake pads and shoes.
- Wiper blades.
- Wheels.
- Bumpers.
- Upholstery.
- Glass.
- Fuses.
Remember that the manufacturer’s warranty does not cover repairs due to regular wear and tear; it only covers replacements or repairs for faulty parts. Theft, vandalism, improper use, racing, or accidents are typically not covered.
The improper use or operation also extends to maintenance, and if, for instance, you’d require a full-on engine replacement because you neglected to change the oil, you will pay out of pocket.
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: Duration And Costs
Like any other coverage, a bumper-to-bumper warranty requires renewal and only lasts for some time. An extended bumper-to-bumper warranty, which can cost between $500 and $1,500 per year of coverage, is an option when your manufacturer warranty ends.
The range is broad because warranty providers lack a standard price structure for extended warranties. Your vehicle’s make, model, age, and mileage will significantly impact the cost of an extended bumper-to-bumper warranty.
Generally, bumper-to-bumper warranties from the manufacturer last for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The finest new car warranties provide bumper-to-bumper coverage for up to 5 years/60,000 miles. Extended warranties can offer coverage for up to 15 years and 250,000 miles, depending on your provider.
You can typically pay off coverage with long-term bumper-to-bumper warranties in a matter of years. An Endurance bumper-to-bumper warranty covers the vehicle for three years or 80,000 miles, but the cost is divided into a manageable 18-month payment schedule.
Where Can I Purchase An Extended Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty?
When you sign the purchase documents for a new or used car at a dealership, you can pick an extended warranty or something similar. But you may also get extra bumper-to-bumper coverage outside of the dealership. Additionally, you can purchase warranty plans directly from insurance providers or lenders.
However, before purchasing one, you should investigate the company’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau or other consumer organizations. It’s crucial to consider the problems that previous consumers have encountered and how the business has handled complaints.
What Is Covered by a Bumper-to-Bumper Extended Warranty?
In general, bumper-to-bumper extended warranty policies cover the following car components:
- Engine cooling system.
- Fuel injection system.
- Audio, communication, and entertainment systems.
- Heating and air conditioning.
- Steering system.
- Suspension.
- Electrical elements (power seats, sunroofs, heated seats).
- Powertrain components (engine, transmission, certain driveline parts).
Bumper-to-bumper coverage, despite its name, does not include all auto repairs or replacements. Each such warranty includes a short list of automotive parts that are not covered, including the bumpers. Specific coverage details vary depending on the insurer, and that’s why, on the whole, bumper-to-bumper coverage is an “exclusionary warranty.”
Is an Extended Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty Worth It?
Tom Patterson, vice president of products and services at Protect My Car, says that an extended car warranty can be worth buying because “it prevents you from having to pay for a large repair cost and also provides peace of mind.” However, there are two things to consider before purchasing extended coverage: your vehicle’s reliability and your finances.
You can check reliability and dependability ratings for your vehicle and its manufacturer through websites like RepairPal and J.D. Power. If you had issues with your car while it was under a factory warranty, you may want to consider purchasing extended protection so you don’t pay thousands of dollars for expensive repairs out of pocket at the repair shop.
Most dealerships and third-party providers offer a wide variety of protection plans and term lengths. You can typically negotiate with manufacturers and independent warranty providers to find a plan that fits your budget.
Besides protecting your car over the long term, extended auto warranties often come with extra benefits. Most dealers and third-party companies offer the following perks:
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Trip interruption coverage
- Rental car reimbursement
- Towing discounts
How Much Does a Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty Cost?
A bumper-to-bumper warranty comes free with new vehicles, but it will only last for a certain period of time. After your factory coverage expires, you can purchase an extended bumper-to-bumper warranty, which can cost between $500 and $1,500 per year of coverage.
This range is so wide because warranty companies do not have a universal pricing model for extended warranties. The amount you’ll pay for an extended bumper-to-bumper warranty will depend heavily on your vehicle’s make, model, age, and mileage. It can also vary based on your location and the deductible you choose.
How Long Does a Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty Last?
On average, manufacturer bumper-to-bumper warranties last for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The best new car warranties offer up to 5 years/60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage. Extended warranties can provide coverage up to 15 years and up to 250,000 miles, depending on your provider.
Typically with long-term bumper-to-bumper warranties, you’ll be able to pay off coverage in just a few years. For example, the quote we received for an Endurance bumper-to-bumper warranty included coverage for three years or 80,000 miles, but the price was broken down into an affordable payment plan of 18 months.
Who Has the Best Bumper-to-Bumper Extended Warranty?
The best bumper-to-bumper warranty for your vehicle will offer the most comprehensive coverage at a budget-friendly price. We recommend interested drivers get quotes from our top two recommendations, Endurance and CARCHEX.
Endurance: Best Coverage
Endurance has the best extended warranty coverage in the business—plus it’s earned positive customer service reviews from industry experts and customers.
It can be slightly more expensive than competitors, but many drivers think the cost of an Endurance warranty is worth it because of the benefits that come with each plan. All plans come with one year free of Elite Benefits, which offers benefits including:
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Key fob replacement
- Total loss protection
- Tire repairs or replacements
- Collision discount
- Endurance mobile app
CARCHEX: Best For Used Cars
CARCHEX has a strong reputation among experts in the extended warranty industry, partnering with well-known companies like CARFAX, Edmunds.com, and Kelley Blue Book.
The company offers five levels of vehicle protection that range from basic powertrain coverage to the CARCHEX Titanium plan, the highest level of coverage that is similar to a bumper-to-bumper warranty. Benefits that come along with every CARCHEX extended car warranty plan include:
- 24/7 roadside assistance: Includes towing, tire changes, lockout services, battery jump-starts, fuel deliveries, and winching
- Rental car reimbursement: Covers alternative transportation while your vehicle is in the shop
- Trip interruption coverage: Covers meals and lodging if your car breaks down more than 100 miles from home
FAQs
What is included in a bumper-to-bumper warranty?
A bumper-to-bumper warranty is the most comprehensive coverage you can buy for a car. While it includes nearly every component between them, most bumper-to-bumper warranties do not actually cover the bumpers themselves.
Does bumper-to-bumper warranty cover body damage?
Despite the name, a bumper-to-bumper warranty doesn’t actually cover body panels like the bumpers themselves. These vehicle service contracts cover the internal parts of your car. However, the exterior of your vehicle can be covered under your car insurance policy.
How long does bumper-to-bumper warranty last?
How long your bumper-to-bumper warranty lasts depends on the provider and the plan you choose. Typically, coverage lasts from two to five years.
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