What are Canada's Best Extended Car Warranties in 2023?

Did you know the average cost of a new car in Canada now exceeds $40,000? The COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain shortages have significantly inflated prices on both new and used cars. Used cars are up to $5,000 more expensive than they were even just a year ago. The average used car now costs $25,000.

With car prices rising at an alarming rate, you want to be sure your car runs well for a long time. A used car warranty can be a great way of ensuring that it does just that. This guide provides an overview of extended car warranties, what they cover, and how much they cost and provides answers to all your questions about extended car warranties.

What does extended warranty cover on a car?

Basic used car warranties will cover your engine and transmission, components that need regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly. Depending on the vehicle's condition and mileage, you may see coverage for steering wheel parts, brakes, electrical, or suspension. A car warranty typically covers the car and accessories concerning reliability and safety. It does not cover cosmetic damage or normal wear and tear.

Here is an example of what an extended vehicle warranty may cover:

• Extended powertrain coverage
• Engine
• Transmission
• Differential
• Transfer case
• Other related parts
• Some providers will also cover roadside assistance

While an extended warranty covers substantial repairs to keep your car running, many important things are not covered. Examples of repairs that may not be covered are:

• Routine maintenance: oil changes, tire rotations
• Wear and tear: brakes, brake pads, clutches, windshield wipers, headlight bulbs
• Appearance and exterior damage: scratches and dings
• Interior damage: tears in the upholstery, holes in the seats, broken plastic
• Damage from an accident: dents in the exterior, broken glass
• Damage from environmental factors: salt, sand, wind, hail, tree sap
• Damage caused by improper car care: skipping regular maintenance, reckless driving, etc.
• Alterations or modifications: installing incorrect parts, tampering with the odometer, etc.

If you have repairs that need to be done to any of the above items, you would be responsible for paying those costs out of pocket.

Should you buy extended warranty on a used car?

Manufacturers' warranties are generally included with new cars. If the car is resold though, they may not transfer. So, is an extended warranty worth it on a used car? Since warranties may be voided when the car is sold to a new owner, used car warranties, or third-party warranties, provide peace of mind for used car repairs.

A warranty from a manufacturer typically covers the first two to five years of a car's life. This is short compared to the amount of time some buyers spend financing their vehicle with a car loan. Some companies now offer car loans that are up to 96 months or 8 years! If you are holding on to your vehicle and financing it for that long, an extended warranty can help you to cover expensive repairs.

Here's an illustration of how long each type of car warranty will cover you:

Make sure to get the best car warranty for your used car or new car by comparing the most reputable offers in Canada through our comparison tool at the tope of this page.

Why consider buying extended warranty for a used car?

Have you ever had that moment of panic when your car does not start or it makes an unfamiliar sound? Many would instantly worry about repair costs straight away. Often that fear is right.

Car repairs can be very expensive and always seems to come at the worst time. A car warranty can provide extra reassurance that you will be able to keep driving and keep your costs low. Instead of risking large expenses when a part wears out, you can plan financially by purchasing a car warranty subscription like the one offered by GuardTree.

Below we have compiled average costs for typical car repairs. A used car warranty can save you from paying these out of your own pocket:

Some car warranty providers include roadside assistance in their extended warranty packages. For example, GuardTree a popular subscription car warranty provided includes:

• Unlimited number of roadside calls
• Towing, up to $175 reimbursement per event
• Extrication and Winching, up to $175 reimbursement per event
• One emergency fuel delivery claim per year (keep in mind the fuel costs are extra)
• Locksmith, up to $175 reimbursement per event
• Spare tire installation if you get a flat tire
• Jump-start your battery if it dies

How do you purchase a used car extended warranty in Canada?

In Canada, there are a few different ways to purchase an extended car warranty. You can get it through car dealerships, through some lenders when you get a car loan, or you can purchase it separately online. Some popular providers like GuardTree, Ensurall, CarShield and Obvi, allow you to quickly get a quote and purchase online.

When comparing used car extended warranties, price isn't everything. Weigh up the following:

• What is covered and what is not
• Specific exclusions in the contract
• Cost
• Transferability
• Which repair shops are approved:
• Deductibles
• Cancellation policy

Is extended warranty worth it on a new car?

To buy or not to buy an extended car warranty? A debate even stronger when talking about a new car. It's new right? Why should it need repairs? Well, it all depends on what you find fittin, your dricing and your vehicule. But here are a few reasons why you might want to buy extended car warranty on a new car:

• Sometimes, there is simply not much remaining manufacturer's warranty on the vehicule you're buying.

• Some vehicules are known for having certain problems and requiring systemic repairs. Scour the internet for reviews on the car model to find out about it and see if a car warranty would come in handy.

• An accident can happen anywhere, at anytime, whether the vehicule is new or not. A good extended warranty could cover repairs so you wouldn’t have to pay out of pocket.

• In rarer cases, the manufacturer's warranty just does not extend to the vehicule you purchase.

What’s the extended car warranty cost in Canada?

The cost of a car warranty in Canada is already worked into the vehicle price, but extended warranties can cost around $1,000 or more. The price depends on the type of warranty and the level of coverage provided. If you purchase the extended warranty as a subscription, anticipate spending between $49.95 and $79.95 each month.

The cost of an extended warranty for a used car will depend on factors such as:

• the make and model of your vehicule
• how old the car is
• the mileage
• any applicable deductibles that have been added.

When should you buy an extended warranty on a vehicle?

Car repairs are becoming increasingly complicated because of electronics and computer-controlled components. Extended used car warranties may not be for all buyers, but can be a lifesaver when an expensive repair comes down the line or you break down on the side of the road.

While there is not necessarily a “right” or “wrong” time to purchase an extended warranty for your vehicle, the longer you wait, the more risk you run of having an issue with your car. Also once your vehicle reaches a certain age or mileage, you may not be able to get an extended warranty on it.

Is a dealer’s original warranty better than a third party warranty?

When you purchase a new car, most manufacturers give you peace of mind by providing warranty coverage for a specified time period which ranges from around two to five years. The downside to the coverage they offer though can be very short-lived. See below for a breakdown of the pros and cons of manufacturer versus 3rd party coverage but also sheds some light on the differences between the two warranties:

Can you cancel your extended car warranty?

If your circumstances change and you wish to cancel your used car warranty subscription, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• If you purchased your warranty through a dealership and/or pay all upfront, you may not have the option to cancel coverage after signing the contract.

However, if you purchase an extended warranty using a subscription service like the one offered from GuardTree, you can cancel at any time. When signing up for an extended vehicle warranty, be sure to check your specific provider's cancellation terms before subscribing to an extended warranty.

Here's a free sample of car warranty cancellation letter to download:

car_warranty_cancellation_letter

Download

How to check if your car has extended warranty?

Check the paperwork that came with the purchase of your vehicle. It will say either:

• VSC
• or, Vehicle Service Contract

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