From engine failures to electrical faults - understand your car coverage warranty options and find the perfect extended car warranty for your needs.

What Car Warranty Covers - Quick Overview

What does car warranty usually cover? Car warranties typically protect you against unexpected mechanical and electrical failures that aren’t your fault. Here’s what most automobile warranty plans include:

Covered Components:

  • covered-iconEngine & Powertrain - Internal engine parts, pistons, valves, timing components
  • covered-iconTransmission - Gearbox, clutch components, drive shafts
  • covered-iconElectrical Systems - Alternator, starter motor, ECU, wiring harnesses
  • covered-iconCooling System - Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fans
  • covered-iconAir Conditioning - Compressor, evaporator, climate control systems
  • covered-iconSteering & Suspension - Power steering components, shock absorbers
  • covered-iconBraking System - Master cylinder, brake servo, ABS components

Typically Excluded:

  • excluded-iconWear and tear items (brake pads, tyres, wiper blades)
  • excluded-iconRoutine maintenance (oil changes, filters, services)
  • excluded-iconAccident damage or negligence
  • excluded-iconConsumable fluids and lubricants
Find Out Your Coverage Options

Complete Guide to Car Warranty Coverage

Understanding exactly what your car coverage warranty includes helps you make informed decisions about your vehicle protection. Our comprehensive auto protection plans cover a wide range of critical mechanical and electrical components, subject to policy terms.

Engine iconEngine & Powertrain

Your engine is your car’s heart, and engine repairs can cost £3,000-£8,000+. Our extended car warranty coverage protects all internal engine components including:

  • Cylinder block and head - Complete protection against cracks and warping
  • Pistons and connecting rods - Coverage for seizure and mechanical failure
  • Valves and camshafts - Protection against timing chain/belt related damage
  • Fuel injection system - Injectors, fuel rail, high-pressure pump coverage
  • Turbcharger/Supercharger - Complete forced induction system protection

Real Example: "Sarah from Manchester saved £2,000 when her BMW’s turbcharger failed at 45,000 miles. Her warranty covered the full replacement cost."

Engine iconElectrical System

Modern cars rely heavily on complex electrical systems. Our auto warranty covers over 200 electrical components that can fail without warning:

  • Engine management system - ECU, sensors, wiring harnesses
  • Charging system - Alternator, battery management, voltage regulators
  • Starting system - Starter motor, solenoid, ignition components
  • Lighting systems - Headlight mechanisms, control modules
  • Infotainment - Central display units, navigation systems, connectivity modules

Engine iconTransmission & Drivetrain

Transmission repairs often cost £2,000-£5,000. What car warranty covers includes complete transmission protection:

  • Manual transmissions - Gearbox internals, selected clutch components
  • Automatic transmissions - Valve bodies, torque converter, planetary gears
  • CVT systems - Pulleys, belt, control modules
  • Differential - Crown wheel, pinion, limited slip mechanisms
  • Drive shafts - CV joints, propshafts, universal joints
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Car Warranty for Older Cars - What You Need to Know

Thinking your car is too old for warranty protection? Think again. Our car warranty for older cars provides essential coverage when you need it most. As vehicles age, repair costs increase dramatically, making warranty protection even more valuable.

1-3 Years Old

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Covers most mechanical and electrical components, subject to policy exclusions

4-7 Years Old

mission_statement_card_top icon

Comprehensive coverage for high-wear components becoming prone to failure. Focus on expensive systems like engine, transmission, and electronics.

8-12 Years Old

mission_statement_card_top icon

Targeted protection for critical systems most likely to fail. Our warranty car garage network ensures quality repairs using approved parts.

12+ Years Old

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Essential coverage for major mechanical failures. Protection against catastrophic engine, transmission, and electrical failures can save thousands.

📋 Key Benefits for Older Cars:

  • Flexible age limits on select policies, subject to vehicle condition
  • Coverage up to 120,000 miles
  • Authorized repair network of 10,000+ garages
  • Same-day claim approvals available
Case Study: "John's 9-year-old Ford Focus needed a new gearbox costing approximately £2,500-£3,000. His older car warranty covered 100% of the repair cost, including labour."
Check Coverage for My Car Age

Car Warranty Exclusions - What You Should Know

Transparency builds trust. While our automobile warranty provides extensive protection, it's important to understand what's excluded so you can plan accordingly.

Standard Exclusions:

Wear & Tear Items:

  • Brake pads, discs, and shoes
  • Tyres and wheel alignment
  • Wiper blades and washer jets
  • Light bulbs and fuses
  • Clutch plates (gradual wear)

Routine Maintenance:

  • Engine oil and filter changes
  • Spark plugs and air filters
  • Timing belt replacement (service items)
  • Antifreeze and other fluids

External Damage:

  • Accident or collision damage (covered by your car insurance)
  • Vandalism and theft
  • Weather damage (floods, storms)
  • Stone chips and scratches

Modifications & Misuse:

  • Non-manufacturer modifications
  • Racing or competition use
  • Negligent maintenance
  • Using wrong fuel types

Why These Exclusions Exist: These items are either consumable parts expected to wear out, maintenance responsibilities, or damages covered by other insurance types. This keeps what does car warranty usually cover focused on unexpected mechanical failures.

Alternative Solutions:

  • Maintenance Plans - For routine servicing needs
  • Tyre Insurance - Separate protection for wheel damage
  • GAP Insurance - For total loss protection
Warranty CoverageCar InsuranceMaintenance Plans
Mechanical FailuresAccidents & DamageRoutine Servicing
Unexpected RepairsVandalism & TheftOil & Filter Changes

Choose Your Ideal Auto Protection Plan

Every driver's needs are different. Our coverage auto protection plans offer flexible options from basic powertrain coverage to comprehensive mechanical protection.

Essential Cover

From £19/month

Budget-friendly core protection

  • Engine internals
  • Transmission basics
  • Essential electrical components
  • Starter and alternator

Perfect for: Older, high-mileage vehicles

Most Popular - 67% Choose This

Powertrain Plus

From £28/month

Perfect for newer cars (1-5 years)

  • Complete engine protection
  • Full transmission coverage
  • Drivetrain components
  • Basic electrical systems
  • Cooling and heating systems
  • 24/7 breakdown assistance (available with Powertrain Plus and Comprehensive plans)

Perfect for: Cars still under partial manufacturer warranty

Comprehensive Cover

From £39/month

Maximum protection for any age vehicle

  • Everything in Powertrain Plus
  • Advanced electrical systems
  • Air conditioning components
  • Steering and suspension
  • Fuel injection systems
  • Rental car provision

Perfect for: Extended car warranty needs

How Car Warranty Coverage Works

Understanding how your car coverage warranty works in practice gives you confidence when you need it most. Our streamlined process gets you back on the road quickly.

1

Breakdown or Fault Detected

Your car develops a mechanical or electrical problem. Don’t panic - check if it’s covered by referring to your policy documents or calling our helpline.

2

Contact Our Claim Team

Call us on 0800 533 5535 (24/7) or submit a claim online. Our UK-based team will guide you through the process and arrange immediate assistance if needed.

3

Diagnosis & Approval

Take your car to one of our 10,000+ approved garages or use our mobile diagnostic service. Once the fault is confirmed as covered, we’ll approve your claim instantly.

4

Repair & Collection

Authorized repairs begin immediately using quality parts. We’ll keep you updated throughout and arrange collection when complete.

Most

Claims processed within 24 hours, subject to verification

£500–£1,000

Average claim value, typically between £500–£1,000

4.8★

Customer satisfaction rating

10,000+

Approved garages UK-wide

🌟 Customer Success Story:

"My car broke down on the M25 on Friday evening. WarrantyClick arranged recovery, provided a rental car (available with select plans), and had my transmission repaired by Tuesday. The whole process was stress-free."
- Michelle, Surrey

Understanding Car Warranty Costs and Value

Smart drivers know that what car warranty covers provides exceptional value compared to paying for repairs out of pocket. Here's how warranty costs compare to typical repair expenses:

Average Repair Costs Without Warranty:

  • Engine rebuild: £3,500 - £8,000
  • Transmission replacement: £2,200 - £4,500
  • ECU replacement: £800 - £2,000
  • Turbocharger repair: £1,500 - £3,200
  • Air conditioning system: £600 - £1,400

Annual Warranty Cost vs. Single Repair:

  • Comprehensive coverage: £468/year
  • One major engine repair: £5,500 average
  • Return on investment: 1,175% for just one major claim

What Affects Your Automobile Warranty Cost:

Vehicle Factors:

  • Make and model - Premium brands typically cost more to repair
  • Age and mileage - Older vehicles have slightly higher premiums
  • Engine size - Larger engines generally cost more to cover
  • Reliability rating - More reliable models qualify for discounts

Coverage Factors:

  • Level of protection - Comprehensive vs. essential coverage
  • Policy length - Longer terms often offer better value
  • Excess amount - Higher excess reduces monthly premiums
  • Additional benefits - Breakdown cover, rental cars, home assistance

Money-Saving Tips:

  • Pay annually to avoid monthly fees
  • Choose approved garage network for discounts
  • Maintain full service history for better rates
  • Consider higher excess for lower premiums

Value Protection Calculator:

Average annual repair costs for your vehicle: £1,247

Recommended warranty cost: £394

Potential annual savings: £903

Warranty CostAverage RepairSavings
£468/year£5,500£5,032

Warranty FAQ

We've collected the most popular questions about car warranties from our customers.

Get Your Personalized Car Warranty Quote

Ready to protect yourself from unexpected repair costs? Get a personalized quote for extended car warranty coverage tailored to your specific vehicle and needs.

Why Choose WarrantyClick:

  • Instant online quotes - Get pricing in under 2 minutes
  • No obligation - Compare options risk-free
  • Expert advice - Speak with warranty specialists
  • Best price guarantee - We'll match any comparable quote
  • 4.8-star customer service - Award-winning support team
  • FCA regulated - For your protection

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