Warranty Direct are a leading provider of direct consumer warranties with over 20 years’ experience. Offering a flexible warranty to suit your needs. Warranty Direct are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
*T&C’s apply. For use online only.
*T&C’s apply. For use online only.
*T&C’s apply. For use online only.
*T&C’s apply. For use online only.
*T&C’s apply. For use online only.
Celebrate 15th year with EXCLUSIVE £80 DISCOUNT off any warranty use code MSM80.
All policies fully insured, FSCS protected & Click4Warranty is directly authorised and regulated by the FCA.
Car warranty with day 1 cover, even for wear & tear, failure of insured parts at MOT/Service, any choice of cover for cars up to 12yrs/150,000m – no limit once cover starts. Partial service history prior to inception no problem, see "COVER AT GLANCE" for straightforward information.
Use code MSM50 at check-out for an extra £50 discount off a 12-month manufacturer equivalent warranty. Protection includes day 1 wear & tear with a free health check. As seen on TV - recommended by the Telegraph, Mail, Parkers, Honest John. Also benefit from heavily discounted manufacturer servicing and MOT’s. Accredited by The Motor Ombudsman and approved by Trading Standards (CTSI).
What is a car warranty?
A warranty (also known as mechanical breakdown insurance or MBI) protects you from repair bills if your car breaks down. Usually, new cars are sold with a manufacturer’s warranty that protects you for a while after you’ve bought the car – usually lasting somewhere between three and seven years.
If you buy a second-hand car, it may still be covered by the original warranty, and many dealers will also offer their own warranties if it isn’t. You can also buy a warranty on a car you already own if its original warranty expires. These are known as ‘aftermarket warranties’ – but they’re likely to come with extra conditions and exclusions.
What does a car warranty cover?
Warranties cover the costs of mechanical issues with your car. Some warranties will also include cover for damage to your car’s paintwork, and even general wear and tear.
However, different warranties will cover different problems, so it’s a good idea to make sure you know exactly what is and isn’t protected before you buy one. A basic warranty will cover problems with your car’s engine and transmission, but more comprehensive policies will also protect parts like your car’s steering, suspension, brakes and ignition system.
If your warranty covers wear and tear, that could include damage to the wheels and tyres, the exhaust or even the air conditioning.
Keep in mind that manufacturers and insurers often maintain a list of approved garages and repair shops – so if you want your warranty to cover repairs and servicing, you may have to get them done at one of the places they’ve chosen.
What isn’t covered by a car warranty?
Every warranty has exclusions – parts of your car that won’t be covered if they stop working. This could include damage to the car’s interiors, paintwork or general wear and tear. There may also be an upper limit on the value of repairs your warranty will cover.
Most warranties will be invalidated if you make any modifications to the car. These modifications include major changes such as a supercharged engine or a new exhaust system – but even minor changes such as spoilers or tinted windows can also void your warranty.
It’s likely that you’ll have to keep your car regularly serviced, and look after it in line with the manufacturer’s handbook. If your car isn’t properly cared for, you might not be covered by your warranty if something goes wrong.
Is it worth buying a warranty on a second-hand car?
If you’re buying a car second hand, a warranty can protect you against the cost of repairs. However, it comes with a price tag – so you’ll have to decide if getting a warranty is worth it.
Repairs to faulty cars don’t come cheap, often costing hundreds of pounds. A warranty protects you against unexpected expenses that could ruin your budget – but it does mean you’ll have to pay for the peace of mind.
Think carefully before accepting any warranty offered by your second-hand car dealer. In many cases, you can get a better deal by buying a warranty from an aftermarket insurer, rather than through a dealership.
And remember to make sure that your car isn’t already covered by its manufacturer’s warranty before you buy a new one – there’s no point having two warranties at once.
How much does a warranty cost?
The price of a warranty will depend on what kind of car you’re protecting. More expensive cars often cost more to repair, as the parts are usually more complex, so the price of a warranty might be higher. Older cars will have more expensive warranties, as they’re more likely to break down. Your mileage will also affect the price of a warranty – the more you drive, the more a warranty is likely to cost.
You can keep the price of a warranty down by choosing a deal that gives you less coverage – but this means you’ll run the risk of having to pay more for repairs if your car breaks down.
How can I find a cheap warranty for my car?
To help give you quick and easy access to competitive warranty deals, MoneySuperMarket has teamed up with Warranty Direct, Click4Warranty and Motoreasy, three of the UK’s leading providers of new and used car warranties.
With or without a warranty, you still need car insurance to drive on public roads. Many car insurance policies also offer some form of breakdown insurance that can help protect you if something goes wrong with your car. Use our price comparison tool to find a range of excellent insurance deals.