New car warranty
✔ Comes with a newly bought car from the manufacturer
✔ Typically lasts three years or when you reach 60,000 miles
✔ Some manufacturers offer longer warranties up to 100,000 miles
*Restrictions and T&Cs apply, click here for details.
A car warranty covers the cost of repairing your vehicle if it suffers certain mechanical or electrical issues during a set timeframe or a set number of miles. For a new car this is typically three years or 60,000 miles (whichever you reach first), whereas a used car might only have a three or six-month warranty.
When your car’s warranty runs out you can pay to extend it via:
The manufacturer
The dealer
A car warranty company
There are lots of specialist warranty providers to choose from so let MoneySuperMarket do the hard work for you. You can compare warranty quotes simply by telling us a few details about yourself and your car.
✔ Comes with a newly bought car from the manufacturer
✔ Typically lasts three years or when you reach 60,000 miles
✔ Some manufacturers offer longer warranties up to 100,000 miles
This could be be provided by:
✔ A franchised dealer
✔ The car manufacturer as part of an approved used car scheme or if there is still time or mileage remaining on the original warranty
✔ A third party - you can either take this out after purchasing a car from a private seller or if you purchase a car from an independent dealer they may provide a warranty from a third party
For when your existing warranty runs out or you want longer cover than the standard one being offered.
Can be purchased from:
✔ the car manufacturer
✔ a dealer
✔ a third-party provider
All car warranties vary slightly depending on the manufacturer or warranty provider and the specific warranty plan.
Most warranties include and exclude the following:
Air conditioning faults
Engine
Transmission
Steering
Brakes
Electrical system
Breakdown cover and roadside assistance if it's a result of a fault listed above
Frictional or serviceable parts that wear naturally
This includes brake pads and wiper blades, exhausts, tyres and clutches.
Routine maintenance
MOT, service, and oil changes are not included in a warranty policy
Theft, loss, or accidents
This will be covered under your car insurance policy
Damage from natural disasters
Such as floods or hurricanes
Car warranty | Car insurance | |
|---|---|---|
Is it required? | Not legally required (instead you have protection under the Consumer Rights Act if you buy from a car dealer) | Legal requirement (you must have at least third party cover) |
What it covers | Covers mechanical and electrical faults | Protects you if your vehicle is stolen, damaged in a fire or an accident, depending on the level of cover |
The cost of a car warranty policy depends on a range of factors, including:
Generally, longer warranties cost more as the risk of repairs increases over time.
Some car warranty providers cover more than just the engine or mechanics.
Like car insurance, you can set a voluntary excess limit and increasing or decreasing this will affect the cost of the warranty.
Premium cars may have more expensive parts and more sophisticated technology which makes them more costly to repair.
The older your car is, the more likely it may be to break down and have more expensive labour costs.
The more use your car has, the more likely you may be to activate the car warranty.
Whether or not you need a car warranty depends on a number of factors, including your car’s age, its value, its reliability and your budget. But a warranty can:
Give you peace of mind
Protect you from unexpected repair bills
Protect you from rising inflation
Make you car more desirable when you sell it, if the warranty is still active
If you have a manufacturer warranty it’s essential that you maintain your car in line with the recommended service schedule, which is set out in your handbook or service record, and fit manufacturer-approved parts or you risk invalidating your warranty.
Sarah Tooze Car & Van Insurance Expert
When choosing a car warranty plan, there are a number of things you should look out for, including:
Make sure the warranty covers the parts and repairs that are most important/more expensive for you.
Choose a warranty that lasts for the length of time you plan to keep your car. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you are protected from the cost of unexpected repairs.
Do some research to make sure you are buying a warranty from a reputable provider. Read reviews from other customers and see what they have to say about the company's customer service and claims process.
Check if you are restricted where your car can be repaired or if any other limitations apply such as a maximum payout.
Compare quotes from different warranty providers to get the best deal. Be sure to factor in the cost of the warranty, the level of cover, and the length of cover when making your decision.
Yes, you can buy a warranty from a third party provider, if the car dealer doesn’t include a warranty or your car is not part of a manufacturer approved-used scheme. Be aware that there may be age and/or mileage limits.
Brake pads, windscreen wipers and tyres are parts which are not usually covered by a car warranty as they are subject to normal wear and tear. However, you can buy some warranties which cover wear and tear.
Yes, if you want a longer warranty you can pay to extend it.
Yes, if you’re buying a new electric car the manufacturer will provide a warranty like they do for a petrol or diesel car. They will also provide a warranty for the EV battery. You can also get a warranty on a used electric car from a dealer or a third-partry provider or as part of a manufacturer approved-used scheme.
To get quote for a car warranty you’ll need to provide details such as:
Your name, address and date of birth
Your car registration
Your car’s current mileage
How much you paid for your car
Your car’s service history
The length of warranty you’re looking for
MoneySuperMarket has won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, an independent seal of excellence, which recognises businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
Our mission is to make finding cheap car car warranty easier – and when you take out cover with MoneySuperMarket you can benefit from:
Buy car insurance through us and get unlimited access to free days out (on our app) and much more with SuperSaveClub.
For free, compare tailored quotes in minutes and find the cheapest deal for you. If you find the same deal for less, we'll price match* and give you a £20 gift card.
We're trusted by our customers. We only work with insurance providers authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Yes, if your issue is not covered under your warranty policy, the fault is a pre-existing issue or your car warranty has expired, your claim can be rejected.
This depends on the types of issues found in your MOT and what is included in your warranty policy
An extended car warranty can help to protect you from the unexpected financial burden of major repairs.
To submit a car warranty claim, you will need to contact the car manufacturer or seller. They will be able to tell you how to proceed and whether your claim is covered by the warranty.
