Car Warranties Blog and Resources

A factory warranty is coverage offered by the original manufacturer for a specified period of time or until a certain mileage threshold is reached. Through a factory warranty, the manufacturer agrees to pay for certain repairs. Factory warranties are generally only included with new car purchases. Across many well down car manufacturers, the specific coverage is similar because they are all competing for the same customers and those customers expect coverage on their new car. Jennifer Willy, a travel expert at Etia explained the different types of warranties, saying, “the coverage offered can be both inclusionary and exclusionary. If a factory warranty is inclusionary, the contract will explicitly list every part that is included in the coverage and if it is exclusionary, the contract lists the excluded parts instead. The latter coverage typically includes more items, since there are thousands of parts that make up a car.” Key Takeaways: Factory Car Warranty Questions Answered Can my used car still be under warranty? What does a factory warranty typically cover? What happens if my factory warranty is expired? What is the difference between a factory warranty and an extended warranty? Is an extended warranty for me?  Can my used car still be under warranty? If the original factory warranty is still active then it will generally transfer to the next car owner. This means that when buying a used car that still has the manufacturer warranty it will be transferred as if the purchases were the original owner. However, this is not always the case, so be cautious and make sure to read the fine print. In order to be sure, call the dealership of the make of the car and provide the VIN to find out exactly how much warranty is left on the car? How to check if my car is still under warranty? What does a factory warranty typically cover? Typically, there are two major types of factory warranties; a basic limited warranty and a powertrain warranty. Oscar Verduga who works at a German car manufacturing dealership added that, “the warranty is activated when the vehicle is purchased brand new and changed to the owner’s name. There are typically different levels of warranty that have different lengths of time and mileage and cover different items. Usually the shorter warranty is the most complete. It covers bumper to bumper, except wear and tear items such as brakes and tires." “Always keep records of the terms of your warranty so that, if you’re unsure down the road of what’s covered and for how long, you can check back. When in doubt, you can also give your manufacturer a call with your vehicle identification number to find out exactly when your was put into service and determine if it’s still covered that way. This trick works for used cars as well.” — Richard Reina, CARiD Bumper to bumper warranty A bumper to bumper warranty is typically the most comprehensive type of factory warranty available. Be aware, however, that a bumper to bumper warranty doesn’t actually cover every part of your car. Parts that are not covered by this warranty are typically parts that will naturally wear over time, such as brake pads, wipers, and light bulbs.  A factory warranty that is bumper to bumper is really more of just something that will cover any of the manufacturer’s parts that are defective. For example, the manufacturer will replace the engine of the car if it stops working because it was defective, not if something the owner of the vehicle did caused it to stop working. Powertrain warranty A powertrain warranty covers less items than the bumper to bumper warranty. The powertrain warranty typically covers more of the larger portions of the vehicle that will keep the car running. It typically includes; the engine, the transmission, axle shafts, driver shafts, and more major components of the vehicle. Basically, the powertrain warranty covers anything that provides power to your wheels. Again, the powertrain warranty does not cover parts that are damaged through normal wear and tear of your vehicle, but instead, covers faulty manufacturer parts over until a specified period of time after purchasing your vehicle or a certain number of miles have been put on the car. What happens if my factory warranty is expired? If you still want similar coverage for your vehicle you can look into purchasing an extended warranty. There are many reputable third party car warranty companies that offer varying levels of protection, depending on your needs.  A Complete Guide to Car Warranties E-Book These plans typically come at a monthly cost for the consumer. When a covered repair is necessary, the consumer lets the car warranty company know and then it works out the payment between the company and the repair shop. What is the difference between a factory warranty and an extended warranty? A factory warranty is typically included in the cost of the car if it is available and usually only covers parts of the car that make the car run and that are specific to the car manufacturer. However, the extended warranty, also referred to as an auto service contract, comes at an additional cost to the consumer and can sometimes cover more or less than what would have been covered on the factory warranty depending on the chosen plan. Is an extended car warranty for me? Lauren Fix, CEO of the Car Coach says, “A warranty offers peace of mind. When making a five-figure purchase, the thought of paying out for major repairs in the first couple of years is nerve-wracking. Cars typically come with a warranty, although extended warranties may be offered through a third-party company. Deciding if you want or need an extended car warranty is a personal decision. You need to decide if you would rather pay a monthly sum and have the peace of mind that any costly repairs that occur will be covered or you will have to budget for those repairs on your own. An extended auto warranty also often offers roadside assistance. 5 Questions to Ask Before Purchasing an Extended Car Warranty

Guest Post by Mike Grady In 1981, University of Southern California professor Harry Hurt published what is still the only comprehensive study of motorcycle safety ever conducted in the United States. Among the findings in what became known as the “Hurt Report,” approximately 75 percent of all motorcycle accidents are collisions with another vehicle, usually a car or truck. In two-thirds of those accidents, the motorist disregarded the motorcyclist’s right-of-way and caused the accident. The study also found that intersections are the most likely places for motorcycle accidents to occur, and the most common type of accident is a car or truck making a left-hand turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Although the data in the Hurt Report is four decades old, there is little reason to believe that riding conditions have improved for motorcyclists. Traffic in most areas is much worse than it was in the late ‘70s, and with cell phones and dashboard infotainment screens, there are more opportunities for drivers to be distracted. There is no question that drivers should be more aware of and look out for motorcycles, but motorcyclists have no control over what the other drivers on the road do. What motorcyclists can do is learn and practice mental and physical riding techniques that will enable them to avoid or react properly to dangerous situations out on the road. Concentrate on the ride It starts with being mentally and physically prepared for the ride. Safe riding requires concentration and awareness, but you can’t completely focus on the ride if you’re thinking about work, bills, or other things going on in life. In fact, this requirement is one of the most appealing aspects of motorcycling for many riders because it forces them to clear their head and become immersed in the ride. Of course, you should wear proper riding gear. A comfortable, quality full face helmet provides the most protection in the event of a crash, plus it can protect your face and eyes from wind, dirt, bugs and debris that can cause unwanted distractions. Along with the helmet, you’ll need gloves, boots and protective riding clothes. Check the weather Always check the weather before you ride. If the forecast is for rain or cold temperatures, you may want to postpone your ride, but if you must travel, be sure to pack an effective rain suit or warm clothing. It’s difficult to concentrate on riding safely when you are miles from home and soaked to the skin. Needless to say, you should always inspect the bike before riding, which includes checking tire pressure, fluid levels, and overall making sure everything is in working order. Pay attention to your surroundings When you’re out on the road, you should be continually scanning what is ahead and checking your mirrors for approaching vehicles. Allow a good distance between yourself and the vehicle ahead of you, so you can spot debris, potholes, and other road irregularities, and have plenty of time to maneuver around them. Look for pedestrians and bicycles that could unexpectedly enter the roadway, for vehicles entering the road from driveways or side streets, and for oncoming traffic that could turn left in front of you. When approaching these possible hazards, it’s a good idea to “cover” your brakes. Place two fingers over the front brake lever and your foot just above the rear brake pedal, so you can quickly apply the brakes, if necessary, with minimal reaction time. efore making a quick, emergency stop, always check your mirrors. If a vehicle is following too closely, the better course of action may be to swerve out of the way of the hazard in front of you to avoid being hit from behind. This is why, in addition to searching for potential hazards, you should also always be looking for possible escape routes. Ride in the safest lane For a motorcycle, a typical traffic lane can be divided into three portions — left, right, and center. The portion you ride in should be dictated by where it’s best for you to see and be seen, and where you have the best chance to avoid hazards. For example, when passing a line of parked cars, riding in the left third of the lane will help you avoid doors opening and drivers entering the roadway. In a right-hand curve, ride in the right third of the lane to avoid oncoming drivers that may clip the turn and cross the center line. On multi-lane highways, riding in the center of the center lane is best for visibility and maneuvering when there are cars on both sides. Use caution, since this is where debris and oil from cars collect. This oil buildup is usually greatest at intersections and should be avoided. When approaching an intersection where you have the green light, slow down, cover the brakes and make sure traffic is stopped on both sides of the opposing street. Look for oncoming cars intending to make a left turn and check your rearview mirrors and look for escape routes in case the driver doesn’t see you and begins to turn, forcing you to brake or swerve. If the traffic light is red, downshift as you come to a complete stop, leaving the clutch lever pulled in and the bike in first gear, with rear brake engaged so drivers behind can see your brake light. Just about all motorcycles have wet clutches, and they aren’t harmed by leaving them disengaged like this. Always stop in the left or right third of the lane and leave plenty of room between yourself and the car stopped in front of you in case you have to quickly get on the gas and escape to the sides because a mirror-check revealed a car approaching rapidly from behind. If I’m the last in a line of stopped traffic, especially when riding at night, I’ll flash my brake lights to try to gain the attention of approaching drivers. Wait a few seconds after a light change When a traffic light changes from red to green, or when advancing into an intersection with four-way stop signs, always wait a few seconds before entering the intersection to make sure vehicles are completely stopped at both sides of the cross street. Sometimes drivers attempting to make the light end up running a red light, and sometimes drivers just aren’t paying attention and run the light or don’t see the stop sign. Either way, you could end up colliding with them if you jackrabbit into the intersection. Continue learning more safety techniques These riding tips just scratch the surface of all there is to know about safe riding skills. There are plenty of resources available to improve your mental and physical riding abilities. For instance, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) has an abundance of online information and operates basic and advanced rider training courses throughout the country. There are also some excellent online rider training videos, including MCrider videos created by Kevin Morris, an MSF instructor, and the Ride Like a Pro videos produced by Jerry Palladino, a long-time police motor officer and trainer. Overall, riding a motorcycle should be fun, and you can be safe while having a good time if you practice the right mental and physical riding techniques. Mike Grady is a motorcycle enthusiast and expert at MOTORCYCLEiD.com.

Guest Post by Fran Soriano Taking drivers education is one of the requirements for novice drivers applying for a license. This law is primarily meant to reduce incidents of car crashes involving teen drivers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a report showing that nine people die every day because of distracted driving.  Unfortunately, drivers under 20 years old were responsible for a huge percentage of these accidents. According to a federal research, close to 60 percent of moderate to severe car crashes involved distracted teen drivers. A drivers ed course aims to put an end to this problem by teaching teens safe driving practices. Along with road rules, lessons on risky driving behaviors and their effects on those involved are tackled in the program.  But is it effective? Based on a study by the American Automobile Association (AAA), car collision rates went down by 4.3 percent in teen drivers because of drivers ed. Furthermore, the number of tickets they received decreased by 40 percent. Most teenagers now have the option to take a traditional or an online drivers ed course. The traditional program involves classroom delivery, much like classes in school. It has a fixed schedule which can run for two to three weeks. You need to attend each meeting; otherwise, you would be required to retake the course. Meanwhile, an online drivers ed course, as the name suggests, is delivered via the internet as a self-study program. As such, you determine your own schedule. You can study anytime you want and anywhere you are. As long as you complete the required hours, you’ll receive your certification. Many students prefer an online course because of the convenience it offers. Furthermore, it allows them to study at their own pace. This means that they can opt to spend more time on lessons which they find difficult.  It is worth noting, however, that people who require more structure or an instructor-directed learning may have a difficult time with the online setup. So, you need to assess if you’d do better in an online or traditional course. If you believe that an internet-based program suits your needs and learning style, then you can begin searching for one. You should not have a hard time with this task since there are numerous providers out there.  However, please don’t choose just any course. Pick one that is going to be worth your money and time. This entails thorough research and an understanding of what to look for in a drivers ed online course. Below we list some questions which can help you pick the best internet-based program: Is the course accredited? Find out if the course is recognized by the DMV or your state. An accreditation serves as your guarantee that the program adheres to the Novice Teen Driver Education and Training Administrative Standard (NDETAS). With this program, you can be certain that pertinent topics you need to pass your licensing test are tackled. These include the fundamentals such as the parts of the vehicle and their function, basics of driving and national and local road rules, to name but a few. It is also important that the course covers safe driving practices. It should teach you about defensive driving techniques. Moreover, it should discuss the importance of driving safely all the time. It should impart how accidents emotionally and financially impact those who are involved. Remember, an excellent course should not just equip you with the knowledge needed to pass your written test but also create an awareness in you about the hazards of reckless driving. What is the design of the course? It is not enough that the course covers all essential driving-related topics. The program should also have ways for you to check your progress. Hence, it must include assessment tools. Ideally, quizzes have to be taken after each unit or section. There also needs to be a timed final exam. Why are these necessary? These help you identify what areas you need to work on, if there are any. Furthermore, the tests, particularly the timed one, hone your test-taking skills. It gives you a feel of how it would be like when you take your actual exam. Aside from having quizzes and tests, the online course should have a user-friendly interface. It should be easily navigable, allowing you to locate everything you need without any difficulty.  It is also imperative that the site is mobile-friendly. Just like everyone else, you’d be relying on mobile devices to access the internet. The website must load properly whether you use your laptop, tablet or mobile phone. Is the site secure? Many students who take drivers ed online rarely put importance on the site’s security. Please do not make the same mistake if you do not want your sensitive information to get compromised. One simple way to know if a site is secure is to check if it is using HTTPS instead of HTTP. If you are using Google Chrome, an HTTPS site is indicated with a padlock. When a site uses HTTPS, it means that the information entered into the site is encrypted. Does the provider offer customer support? Avoid providers that do not offer customer support. It is easy to think that you wouldn’t need assistance with this type of product. But this way of thinking can be costly later on, especially when the site experiences downtime. Moreover, at some point, you may have a question or an issue which isn’t in the FAQs section. Being able to contact someone who can readily resolve your problem makes things more convenient. Does the provider have a good reputation? There are a lot of drivers ed online providers out there which are not legitimate. Their only intention is to scam people. Make sure the company you are eyeing isn’t one of them.  Do a quick search online to find out if others have enrolled in its program. Furthermore, learn what the previous students have to say about the provider and its drivers ed course. You want a company that has a consistently high pass rate. This is an indicator that the provider’s drivers education online program is excellent. Furthermore, the company should be known for rendering first-rate service. As mentioned before, customer support is essential. However, just having a helpline won’t suffice; the support needs to be prompt as well.  More than just a requirement, completing a drivers education course is meant to help you pass your written test and make you a safe and responsible driver. Choose a program that is going to enable you to achieve these things. Fran Soriano is a content writer of DMVEdu, a company offering top-notch drivers ed online courses in California, Georgia, Nevada, and Pennsylvania.

Guest Post by Mike Jones Every person has a unique fingerprint that can give insight into their name and date of birth, as well as their medical, employment and criminal history. There’s a story to be told behind every fingerprint. A vehicle’s VIN is no different.  A VIN, or vehicle identification number, is a unique, 17-character code assigned to a car. No two cars have the same VIN. After all, no two cars have the same story. A VIN gives valuable insight into a car’s manufacturing history, its features, its insurance, and its warranty. From repairs to recalls, there’s a lot your VIN can tell you.  What does the VIN mean? The VIN may look like a random selection of numbers and letters, but the placement of those characters will tell you a lot about the manufacturer, the engine, and even the fuel type of your vehicle. 1st Character: Where the vehicle was built. J means Japan. L means China. 1 means the United States. 2nd–3rd Characters: The vehicle’s manufacturer. For example, Toyota is JT. 4th–8th Characters: The vehicle’s brand, engine size, and type. 9th Character: The vehicle’s security code. This number is the result of a complex algorithm that is used by adding/subtracting the other digits. If the answer is this 9th character, your VIN is accurate. If it isn’t, it could have been forged.  10th Character: The vehicle’s model year. A letter is recycled every 30 years, so A is 2010, B is 2011, C is 2012, and so on. 11th Character: Which plant assembled the vehicle. 12th–17th Characters: The vehicle’s serial number. Where is the VIN located? You can find your VIN on the dashboard of your car. Stand outside, in front of the driver’s seat, and look closely where the dashboard meets the windshield. This is the most common place you’ll find the VIN. If it’s not there, it could be on the driver’s side door frame You can also find your VIN on your vehicle’s paperwork, like its insurance card or title.  Why is the VIN important? A VIN can tell you so much more than where and when your car was made. With a VIN, you have access to the entire life story of your vehicle. You can see its maintenance record, accident history, branded title (total loss, salvage, lemon, junk, potential odometer rollback, etc) or clean title. You can also see whether your vehicle has ever been subject to recalls. All of this information is especially useful if you plan to buy a used car. How do you know if the car is safe to drive? How do you know whether it’s been properly maintained? How do you know it isn’t stolen and being sold for a profit? Run a check on the VIN. There are plenty of websites you can use, including Carfax, the National Insurance Crime Bureau, and VehicleHistory. Some other vehicle information you’ll learn from your VIN: Line type Body style Whether it’s 2WD or 4WD Weight class  The mileage on the odometer (and whether it’s been flipped) Past owners Any liens Airbag deployment Whether parts are original Your VIN and Car Warranty If you’re in the market to buy a car, you can discover whether the car is still under its original manufacturer’s warranty by searching the VIN.  If the car isn’t under warranty and you’re considering an extended vehicle warranty, use the VIN to take a look at the vehicle’s maintenance history. If the vehicle has a documented history of maintenance, a vehicle protection plan may be worth the investment. A vehicle protection plan or mechanical breakdown insurance (in California) will help cover the costs of any future repairs and give you automotive peace of mind for the future.  However, a vehicle protection  plan does not cover regular maintenance and wear items (think oil changes, alignments, belt replacements, brake pads and rotors, shocks, batteries, etc) or pre-existing conditions. If the used car you’re looking at has been involved in major accidents, it’s best to avoid the vehicle altogether and find a car that you can rely on. Providers of vehicle protection plans and insurance companies will ask for your VIN for this reason and will adjust rates accordingly depending on your vehicle’s reliability and history. A branded title for example will disqualify the vehicle for a vehicle protection plan or mechanical breakdown insurance. Whether you’re a proud new car owner or are still searching for your next vehicle, take some time to look up the VIN. You may be amazed by the story it tells.  Mike Jones is the president and CEO of autopom!, a BBB Accredited A+ rated provider of vehicle protection plans for both new and used cars. Click here to learn more about autopom!

Here at Best Company, we are determined to help consumers feel confident in their purchasing decision by bringing unbiased reviews and summaries of companies. In order to provide an even more in depth and complete review of available car warranty companies, we are offering a compiled list of the top five rated companies on our site: Omega Autocare autopom! CARCHEX CarShield Liberty Bell Auto Protect We delve into each company's prices and plans available, as well as a comprehensive breakdown of hundreds of verified reviews for each company, making the reviews easily digestible so you can know what consumers really think of the company and what their experiences with the company were like. Before looking into specific companies, make sure that you know exactly what a car warranty is, how it can help you, and if you need it. 5. Liberty Bell Auto Protect Plans offered Liberty Bell Auto Protects offers three car warranty plans. It has plans available for cars dating to the year 2000 and its mileage limit is 150,000. Platinum — Platinum is the most affordable plan that Liberty Bell Auto Protect offers. The platinum plan provides the most limited coverage compared to the other plans. This plan covers the engine, transmission, cooling system, electrical system, drive axle, brake system, 4X4 AWD, 24-7 road side assistance, rental car reimbursement, out of gas, dead battery, trip interruption, and towing. Platinum Plus — Platinum plus covers the engine, transmission, cooling system, electrical system, drive axle, brake system, 4X4 AWD, 24-7 road side assistance, rental car reimbursement, out of gas, dead battery, trip interruption, towing, and the steering system. Platinum Prime — Platinum prime covers the engine, transmission, cooling system, electrical system, drive axle, brake system, 4X4 AWD, 24-7 road side assistance, rental car reimbursement, out of gas, dead battery, trip interruption, towing, the steering system, air conditioning, fuel system, abs-brakes, suspension, turbo/super charger, seals, gaskets, and GPS navigation. General pricing We did not receive a response from Liberty Bell Auto Protect on its pricing, nor was any pricing information available on its website. However, many of the customer reviews on our site said Liberty Bell Auto Protect offered affordable pricing. Get in touch with Liberty Bell Auto Protect for more pricing information Review information from Best Company Our takeaway Overall, the experiences that customer have had with Liberty Bell Auto Protect varied. The percentage of customers reporting a negative car repair experience where their claim was not accepted or their wait time was longer than expected was about the same as the number of customers who had a positive car repair experience. Liberty Bell Auto Protect also offers some of the lowest prices for their available plans and has high-rated customer service. Our advice, make sure you know exactly what you want covered going into the purchasing process so you're not surprised if your maintenance claim on your car gets rejected when it comes time to use your car warranty. 4. CarShield Plans offered New car diamond — This plan is similar to the factory warranty. The coverage includes everything from engine and transmission failure to service for starter and fuel pump breakdowns. Comprehensive — This plan is best suited for a vehicle with higher miles. The coverage includes your vehicle's engine, transmission, AC, electrical system, starter, water pump, fuel pump, and more. Powertrain — This plan is CarShield's most affordable policy. The coverage includes the most important parts of a vehicle, including all lubricated parts on your engine, transmission, and water pump. Specialty coverage — This plan is designed to cover most electrical and computer related repair costs problems, including Engine Control Module, Starter, Alternator, Navigation/GPS, Electrical System and more. Hightech — This vehicle service contract is great for covering most electrical and computer related repair costs problems including Engine Control Module, Starter, Alternator, Navigation/GPS, Electrical System and more. Specialty — CarShield also offers a variety of different types of coverage that cover motorcycles and other special circumstances. General pricing We did not receive a response from CarShield on its pricing, nor was any pricing information available on its website. However, we are aware that its most affordable coverage plan is its Powertrain policy. Review information from Best Company Our takeaway Here, at Best Company, we would suggest exercising caution when considering purchasing a car warranty from CarShield. A much larger percentage of the reviews received at Best Company were negative comments compared to other car warranty companies on our site. Consumers reported confusion about what was actually covered within their contract and long wait times when it came to filing a claim. Some consumers shared experiences of their repair not being covered by CarShield in the end. Others stated that customer service was easy to work with during the process of actually setting up their plan with CarShield. We advise those looking into purchasing a car warranty with CarShield to ensure that they have a detailed written contract to go along with their purchase so they know everything that they are signing up for. 3. CARCHEX Plans Offered At CARCHEX, every plan includes roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and towing benefits. Titanium Coverage — This is the highest level of coverage offered that is often referred to as "bumper to bumper" coverage. This plan covers many parts of your vehicle but does have some limitations. Examples of what is not covered are; car paint, carpeting, upholstery, toro, wheels, seat belts, seat heaters, headlights, taillights, and more. This plan covers new and pre-owned vehicles. Platinum Coverage — This is the highest level of stated-component coverage that CARCHEX offers. This plan covers new and pre-owned vehicles. It does not cover brake pads, rotors, batteries, air filters, coolants, wheels, etc. The standard deductible on this plan is $100 per claim. Gold Coverage —  This includes components from all the major systems of the vehicle and is compatible for vehicles that have 90,000 miles or more. The standard deductible on this plan is $100 per claim. This plan covers new and pre-owned vehicles. Silver Coverage — This plan covers the essentials of the major systems in the vehicle and is available for vehicles that have higher mileage. The exact mileage was not available on CARCHEX's website. This plan does not cover brake pads, batteries, air filers, oil filters, wheels, rust, corrosion, and more. This plan covers new and pre-owned vehicles. Bronze Coverage — This plan covers the major systems in your car and covers many of the most expensive repairs that would be needed for your engine and transmission. This plan covers pre-owned vehicles only. General Pricing CARCHEX is unique in the sense that they are more of a marketplace where other coverage providers compete for your business. This method can sometimes help with finding lower price levels for the coverage that you are seeking. Get in touch with CARCHEX for more pricing information Review Information from Best Company Our Takeaway In their reviews, many people cited that their customer service is very knowledgeable and easy to work with. The customers shared that they were able to find the right amount of coverage for their needs and that they were helped in understanding their policies. Others mentioned a fair pricing model and positive experiences when they had to file a claim. However, others mentioned that they had to endure long waits to get their claims approved. Overall, it seems that CARCHEX has many positive qualities but we advise you to ensure you know exactly what is included in your contract so you know what will be covered and what will not.  2. autopom! Plans Offered Exclusionary — This plan extends coverage to virtually all mechanical and electrical components in the vehicle unless a part is specifically listed as not covered. An exclusionary-type policy is the most comprehensive vehicle protection plan you can purchase, and is most comparable to the manufacturer’s original warranty. High Level Stated Component — This plan provides coverage for an extensive list of named components within the following major systems: Engine, Transmission, Transfer Case, Drive Axle, Steering, Electrical, Air Conditioning, Braking, Cooling, Fuel System and Seals and Gaskets. The High Level Stated Component plan is a cost-effective alternative to an exclusionary plan. Mid Level Stated Component — This plan includes the coverage provided in its Powertrain Plus plans, as well as named additional components within the Steering, Suspension, Fuel Delivery, Cooling and Braking systems.  Mid Level Stated Component plan is designed for older, higher mileage vehicles that might not be eligible for the High Level or Exclusionary coverage plans. Powertrain Stated Component — This plan provides named-component coverage for the essential, major systems including: Engine, Transmission, Transfer Case, Drive Axle, and Differential Assembly. It also has plan options that cover additional components for the Electrical, Air Conditioning and Fuel Systems. The Powertrain Stated Component plan is designed for older, higher mileage vehicles that might not be eligible for the High Level or Exclusionary coverage plans. General Pricing Pricing varies widely by year/make/model/mileage and state of residence.  Best way to illustrate pricing is to give a few examples of recent actual sales from a couple of popular states where pricing is fixed (no discounting allowed). Exclusionary Coverage 2013 Subaru Outback with 25,400 miles: $3,346.96, $0 deductible, 5 yrs / 50,000 miles 2016 GMC Sierra with 36800 miles: $1,824, $100 deductible,  4 yrs / 40,000 miles 2009 Cadillac DTS with 41,000 miles: $4,022.00, $100 deductible 5 yrs / 34,000 miles High Level Stated Component Coverage 2017 Dodge Challenger with 29,300 miles: $2,001.00, $100 deductible, 4 yrs / 40,000 miles 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe with 66,000 miles: $2958.00, $100 deductible, 4 yrs / 34,000 miles 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche with 26,400 miles: 2,990.00, $50 deductible, 4 yrs / 60,000 miles Powertrain Stated Component Coverage 2010 Mazda CX-7 with 138,000 miles: $2,675.00, $100 deductible, 4 yrs / 48,000 miles 2008 BMW 550i, with 139,600 miles: $4,170.00, $100 deductible, 4 yrs / 48,000 miles Get in touch with autopom! for more pricing information Review Information from Best Company Our Takeaway The reviews left by verified autopom! customers are overwhelmingly positive. The largest majority of the reviews mentioned how helpful and easy to work with their customer service was. Many cited their competitive pricing and that they were satisfied with the pricing deal that they were getting. A much larger percentage of autopom! customers shared positive review experiences than negative. Many shared experiences of quick responses by autopom! and ease of getting the claim processed. Overall, we would recommend autopom! 1. Omega Auto Care Plans Offered When you have a contract with Omega Auto Care, you will be protected by 24-hour Roadside Assistance for the following:  Towing  Jump starts  Flat tire changes  Vehicle fluid delivery  Concierge services  Lockout services  Tire Hazard protection:  Tire repair up to $20, or $100 towards replacement of an irreparable qualified tire.  Rental Benefits  All policies provide rental assistance benefits, which vary based on level of coverage.  Trip Interruption  It will reimburse up to $250 for food and lodging if stranded more than 100 miles from home.  Its coverage plans offer a variety of benefits for vehicle owners so they don’t have to worry when something goes wrong. Plan prices vary based on the year, make, and model of the vehicle.  About Omega Auto Care Coverage Plans Omega Auto Care wants its customers to be covered no matter what kind of vehicle they have. Because of that, it offers five coverage options for our customers. Coverage plans start as low as $59.99.  The New Exclusionary — This option is for vehicles that are current model year + 7 model years with less than 100,000 odometer miles at point of purchase. This option covers repairs on almost all component systems.  The Used Stated Coverage — This option is for vehicles that are current model + 10 model years with less than 150,000 odometer miles. This plan covers most of the component systems.  The Powertrain Protection — This option is available at 3 levels and is for vehicles that are current models + 15 model years and less than 250,000 odometer miles. This option covers systems such as engine, transmission, transfer case, and drive axles.  General Pricing Coverage plans start as low as $59.99.  Breakdown of Consumer Reviews Our Takeaway Overall, it seems that consumers had a positive experience using Omega Auto Care. More than anything, its consumers reported a positive repair experience where Omega Auto Care’s customer service was quick to respond to their claim and ultimately paid for the repair. Many customers also reported that its customer service was helpful and knowledgeable and that they felt they gave them all the necessary information they needed to understand what was included in their agreement with Omega Auto Care. We would recommend considering Omega Auto Care when considering a car warranty company because of their overwhelmingly positive reviews. Next Steps As with any large purchase, we advise that you ensure that you know exactly what is included and not included in your car warranty contract. Before talking with any of the customer support representatives, have a detailed list of things that you want included in your car warranty plan and also a few things that you feel are not necessary. This will help you get the best car warranty plan for you.  Read Reviews from Other Top-Rated Car Warranty Companies

For most drivers, snow in the weather forecast conjures a sense of dread. Roads grow slippery and snow piles turn even the quietest neighborhood streets into bumpy terrains. Many people would rather stay indoors than venture out on snow-covered roads.  But snow isn’t the only winter weather that can cause damage to your vehicle. The cold air alone can silently wreck your vehicle’s most important components. Once temperatures drop below freezing, your car becomes susceptible to all kinds of issues, from dead batteries to flat tires. Here are some of the most common ways cold weather can damage your vehicle.  1. Dead battery A dead battery is one of the most common vehicle issues driver's experience when cold weather hits. Thousands of cars around the country end up needing a tow to their nearest repair shop because cold weather killed their battery. Cold weather puts extra pressure on your car’s battery, forcing your vehicle to work hard to start. Cold weather can also drain voltage relatively quickly, especially if your car isn’t in use or if your battery is old. If you find yourself not using your car during the cold winter months, it’s a good idea to go out and start it up once in a while to test out the battery before you’re left stranded.  Experts also recommend replacing your car battery every three years. Batteries more than three years old are more susceptible to drainage. If you have a garage on your property, think about storing your car in the warmth for the winter. It won’t only protect your vehicle from the elements, but it will also keep your vehicle in between the 30–90°F happy spot it likes best.  2. Thick fluids Your car carries a lot of fluid, from oil and antifreeze to transmission fluid and windshield cleaner. These fluids won’t necessarily freeze when the temperature dips, but they will thicken up like cold maple syrup.  Transmission fluid will thicken at around 35°F. If you can’t get your transmission fluid running quickly, your car won’t function properly.  To keep your vehicle’s fluids running, warm your car up for about 15 minutes before hitting the road. Also, make sure your fluids are topped off. It’s hard for thick fluids to be forced up if they’re low.  3. Low tire pressure Cold weather can decrease your tire pressure by as much as one pound per square inch for every 10 degrees the temperature drops. Driving with such low pressure will lead to increased wear and tear on your tire, as well as cause dangerous blowouts when you’re on the road. When you’re driving along icy roads, the last thing you want is to lose control of your vehicle.  Think about investing in winter tires, which are more durable and less susceptible to pressure loss brought on by cold weather. They’ll also help you navigate snowy and icy roads.  4. Salt corrosion Salt works wonders when it comes to keeping the roads safe for driving, even during the most blustery of winter storms. However, it can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s appearance and functionality.  Road salt can stick to the metal of your car and can corrode it over time. The underbelly of your car is especially susceptible to this. Corrosion can occur to your breaks, your wheel wells, your exhaust, and your muffler. Any number of your vehicle components can malfunction and lead to costly damage. Often, salt damage isn’t covered by insurance or an extended vehicle warranty.  Wash your car about once a month during the winter. Use rust-proofing spray or sealant to protect your car’s undercarriage. If you can, keep your car in a garage throughout the winter. Maintain your vehicle all year long One of the easiest ways to ensure your vehicle is safe for winter weather driving is to keep it maintained throughout the year. Sometimes even the smallest issues can be made worse by cold weather. If you’re experiencing issues with your battery, your engine, your tires, or other car components, consider getting your car checked by a certified mechanic before the winter months.  If you have invested in an extended vehicle warranty, your contract with the provider will require you to perform vehicle maintenance on schedule. Letting required maintenance lapse can result in claim denial, so be sure to check your owner’s manual and perform maintenance on schedule! Thinking about investing in an extended vehicle warranty? Vehicle protection plans can help cover the cost of unexpected mechanical (and electrical) breakdown. Many providers offer free quotes, so you can start planning now.  Winter weather will never be fun for car owners. But you can take steps to make it less daunting — and less dangerous — by keeping your vehicle up to par all year long. 

Here at Best Company, we want you to be prepared for all of life's biggest decisions and purchases. For that reason, we have compiled a comprehensive guide to help you decide if a car warranty is right for you. This e-book walks you through what an extended car warranty is, if your car is already covered, what to ask before purchasing, what voids an extended car warranty. It also provides you with useful next steps as well as a list of top-rated car warranty companies. In this e-book, we partner with the following industry experts: Jenni Newman of Cars.com Ethan Lichtenberg of CarInsurance.org Tony Arevalo of Carsurance Jake Lane of NuBrakes Mobile Brake Repair Lauren Fix the Car Coach Laura Gonzalez of Audi Peoria Melanie Musson of AutoinsuranceEZ Jared Weitz of United Capital Source Inc. Other reading options For even more detail than is provided in the e-book, check out the links below for an expanded version of each chapter. What is an extended car warranty? Is my car already under warranty? Is a car warranty right for me? What voids a car warranty? Next Steps Top-Ranking Car Warranty Companies with Verified Customer Reviews What is an extended car warranty? An extended car warranty is a type of insurance policy on your vehicle that is designed to safeguard you against unforeseen and expensive repairs. Basically, you pay a monthly fee to an extended car warranty company, and they agree to pay for certain services that might be necessary for the maintenance on your vehicle. An extended car warranty is sold separately from your vehicle and the various types differ in their scope and coverage. Other names for an extended car warranty are service agreement, service contract, maintenance agreement, or vehicle service contract. Next steps Once you know the kind of warranty you want, compare plans from several companies. Most plans will be similar, but some companies have more variety. For example, some companies offer very basic powertrain warranty plans, while others offer more comprehensive powertrain warranty plans. The more comprehensive plans will cover more parts and will usually be more expensive. Evaluating plans from multiple companies can help you find the best plan for what you want. As you’re researching companies, consider the benefits included with many extended service contracts. For example, 24/7 roadside assistance has become standard in the industry. Many companies also offer rental car and trip interruption reimbursement. The reimbursement is only available if the car needs covered repairs. In addition to comparing plans and benefits, read customer reviews to be sure that you’re purchasing an extended warranty from a reliable and trusted provider. Reviews will give you insight to the level of customer service and quality of the extended warranty. About the experts Jake Lane lives in Austin, TX and is a local service expert and Director of Growth for NuBrakes, an on-demand mobile brake repair service. For over six years, he's tackled growth and marketing for local on-demand services, and now primarily spends time educating vehicle owners on cost-effective auto repairs and preventive maintenance.  Jared Weitz is the CEO and founder of United Capital Source, one of the fastest-growing business financing brokerages in the nation. Through his years as a business owner, Jared gained a great deal of knowledge that he is committed to sharing with young entrepreneurs and business owners. Jared has since been featured in an extensive list of publications, including Forbes and Inc, providing financial and business advice. Jared now lives on Long Island with his wife Allison and their 2-year-old son Maxwell. Jenni Newman Jenni leads the Cars.com editorial team as the company’s first female editor-in-chief. She is also a certified child passenger safety technician – she focuses on delivering content to help parents and caretakers determine which vehicles will best fit cars seats, and she will talk your ear off about family cars and car seat safety. When she’s not working with car seats and managing editorial deadlines, she can be found navigating the streets of Chicago in her Subaru Outback while shuttling her kids to their daily activities Melanie Musson is an insurance expert and writer for AutoInsuranceEZ.com. Her goal is to help others find the best insurance for their situation and not overpay for it. She lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her husband and their four children.  Ethan Lichtenberg is a writer for CarInsurance.org who specializes in marketing and travel writing. Ethan hopes to leave a positive impact in a world that sees too much negativity. He lives on the beaches of Tarpon Springs, Florida and reads Paulo Coelho every chance he can.  

Stay safe this winter It’s about that time of year again when white stuff starts falling from the sky. It’s beautiful, it’s cold, and it means that your morning commute to work is going to be a little bit trickier. Driving in the winter can be a stressful and daunting task even for the most experienced drivers. Almost 70 percent of the U.S. population lives in snowy regions and has to travel in dangerous road and weather conditions. How can you keep you and your loved ones safe? Here at Best Company, we reached out to car experts for their top tips and tricks to staying safe while driving during the winter. Learn to use your breaks in the snow and ice Replace the fluid and check tire air pressure Invest in winter tires Put together an emergency kit Slow down Vehicle Maintenance 1. Learn to properly use your brakes in the snow and ice Unanimously, the car experts responded that learning how to properly use your brakes in the snow and ice is crucial to your safety while driving in the winter. Lauren Fix, founder of the Car Coach with years of car expertise, shared step-by-step guides to recover from a loss of traction and how to drive in icy conditions. How to recover from a loss of traction Understand that the process for recovering from a skid is the same for cars with front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. Maintain eye contact with a safe area where you want your vehicle to go. Take your foot off both the gas and brake pedals immediately. Turn smoothly into the direction you want the car to go. Warning! Do not slam on the brakes. Locked, sliding tires have no directional control. How to drive in icy conditions Use the defroster and windshield wipers for better visibility. Brakes are not your friend; the gas pedal will help you get away. Give sufficient warning time to other drivers when turning, stopping, or changing lanes. Keep plenty of distance between cars. You never know when you will hit an icy spot. If you do skid, turn the wheels into the direction of the skid. Keep in mind that melting ice is still slippery. Drive slowly so that your tires can push water through their grooves for better traction. She shared, “Loss of vehicle traction, over slippery conditions or for whatever reason, is always dealt with in the same manner. The object is to maintain your original path by looking where you want your vehicle to stop, and resisting the natural urge to look at trees and other objects you don’t want to strike, including pedestrians.” Kara Harms, owner of Whimsy Soul, further points out that “when the roads are icy and slippery, drivers need to tap, release, tap, release very quickly, but steadily, to slow the car down without spinning out. This is the biggest mistake I see people make when they are not used to driving in the snow, and I think it is the most important winter driving tactic. I learned this the hard way as a teenager in Wisconsin. One day I pushed the brakes like normal on an icy patch and spun out, very narrowly avoiding taking the whole car into a ditch!” Sam Maizlech, an outdoor and survival expert from Gunivore adds that, “Accidents often occur when someone gets frightened and slams on the breaks when they hit the ice. When your vehicle hits an ice patch, you do not want to hit the brakes as you will immediately lose control of your car.” 2. Replace the fluid and check tire air pressure Dani Dimacale, of Matt Blatt Dealerships, notes that a driver needs to check their cars fluids. This includes antifreeze, transmission fluid, brake fluid, oil, and windshield washer fluid. Throughout the season, keep an eye on your windshield wiper fluid and refill as needed. Next, replace your windshield wipers. Do they leave streaks? Squirt water on the windshield to check. If so, it's time to replace them. Also, DO NOT try to scrape your windshield with only your wiper blades. It will ruin them and possibly burn out the wiper motor.” William Lu, automotive lead for 5 miles agreed by saying, “Check all of your fluids and belts, in particular your antifreeze and oil levels.” Shaun Savage, founder of GoShare, advises drivers to “Prepare your engine by checking the antifreeze, testing your battering and getting an oil change. Cold temperatures drain battery life quickly, and you don't want to be stranded. So, consider a heavy-duty option. Oil behaves differently in cold weather as well, so make sure to get an oil change and get the proper viscosity for the season.” 3. Invest in winter tires A representative from Etyres says, “With the winter throwing us into black ice, snow and everything in between, it's important that drivers know how to drive safely. If you drive through the snow frequently, winter tires are ideal for you as they provide you with better traction and greater grip in cold conditions, especially when temperatures reach below 7°C/44°F. Winter tires can drive on icy roads better than summer tires as they won't freeze up, allowing you to drive a bit safer and allowing you flexibility with the rubber compounds that they are featured with.” Ian Coke, Pirelli’s Chief Technology Officer adds, “While many drivers believe the need for winter tires is based on precipitation and the ability to maneuver in the snow, in reality, temperature is the first and most important deciding factor. This is because the rubber in tires is formulated with specific compounds to perform well in different conditions — and cold is an important issue. Winter tires uses different rubber formulations that stay soft below 44°F degrees to improve their ability to maintain grip on a cold road surface — wet or dry. Winter storms, bad weather and sloppy road conditions are a factor in nearly half a million crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths every winter. Yet in areas where winter tires are mandatory, like Canada, there has been a significant reduction in wintertime serious accident rates, with accidents in Montreal dropping by 46 percent, for example. Moreover, 80 percent of winter tire owners believe that a vehicle equipped with winter tires has saved them from being involved in a potentially hazardous driving situation.” NTB Tire & Service Centers says, “Consider buying snow tires for the season. Investing in snow tires is a smart decision if you live where winter brings prolonged snow, blizzards and/or ice storms. The tires will give you the traction you need to travel safely in ice and snow. Snow tires typically last through three or four winters, depending on how they're stored and cared for.” When questioned about specific tips to extend the life of your snow tires, NTB says, "Checking the tire pressure regularly is key because the cold temperature changes can cause a tire to go low on air pressure. Good grip, good tread and tire condition are just as important for proper pressure for the tire to maximize performance as it is intended." Furthermore, Cofounder of You Could Travel, Cory Varga shares, "Winter tires are paramount. Don't go for the cheapest option but consider investing a little more in some well-reviewed tires from well-known companies which are more specialized. 4. Put together an emergency kit Lu advises “If you live in an icy area, you also can put a bag of kitty litter or sand in your trunk for traction on ice if ever you get stuck” Laura Adams, safety and education analyst at Driver’s Ed noted the importance of having emergency supplies. She says, "Being stranded after a breakdown or accident can be especially dangerous when the temperature plummets. Since you never know how long you could be stranded, keep these cold-weather emergency items in your vehicle: Ice scraper Snowbrush Blankets Water Energy bars Warm clothing Flashlight and extra batteries Shovel First aid kit Charger for phone battery 5. Slow down Kaitlyn Darby from Superior Honda advises drivers to “accelerate and decelerate slowly. It takes longer to speed up and slow down on icy roads. Take your time when you are stopping for a light. Apply the gas slowly to avoid skidding.” Steven Hileman from Togo Group shares expert advice on driving in the winter from Togo's RV guide by adding, “Winter driving presents its own complications. The most important thing to remember is to slow down even more than usual. Leave at least three times as much space between yourself and the vehicle in front of you as you would normally. Also, while most cars are front-wheel drive, RVs aren’t. If you find the rear end sliding and you feel you’re losing control, simply pump the brakes to regain control. If weather conditions warrant, pull over.” Angela Rucci, CEO of Tego insists driver should, “make sure to keep space in between you and the cars around you during a snowstorm. If you follow too close and the car in front of you hydroplanes, they may accidentally hit you too. Giving more space allows you to have time to safely react and move around them.” 6. Vehicle maintenance Ethan Lictenberg, from CarInsurance.org says, “Many people forget how important it is to take good care of your car, especially in such harsh conditions. It can mean the difference between life and death in some cases. If you have bald tires and didn’t bother to replace them before the season, you can bet on slipping and sliding all over the road. If you didn’t top off your fluids and assure your battery is working correctly, it could mean a very cold night for you.” The CEO and founder of GoShare notes that, “safe winter driving starts with good vehicle maintenance. Before you even climb into the driver's seat this winter, you should ensure your car, truck or van has been properly prepared for the cold, icy or snowy conditions.” Laura Adams from Driver’s Ed shares “Give your vehicle a check-up now, so when storms blow into town, you can handle them. Let a reliable mechanic winterize your car and check your tires, battery, wiper blades, engine oil, anti-freeze, belts, hoses, and four-wheel drive. Before getting on the road, remove all the ice and snow from your vehicle, not just from the windshield. Leaving snow on your windows, roof, trunk, or lights makes you less visible to other drivers. If you take time to warm the interior, you can prevent the windshield from getting foggy when you turn on the defroster and de-ice the exterior more quickly.” Bonus: SPOT If you want to take extra precautions to keep you and your family safe, think about investing in SPOT. SPOT is a X 2-way satellite messenger. This handheld device features a full keyboard, paper-lit screen, built-in rechargeable batteries and allows you to have direct communication with emergency services. Its unique phone number allows friends and family to contact you outside of cellular range. The IP67 rating comes with all the functionality of the original SPOT products including GPS tracking and check-in. The SPOT includes an S.O.S. where you can message back and forth about the nature of your emergency with the 24/7 Search and Rescue services and then receive confirmation when help is on the way. You can also exchange messages with any cell phone or email address from virtually anywhere in the world. It has features that allow you to check in from wherever you are to let everyone know that you are okay.

Guest Post by Lilly Miller Buying a company vehicle is a long-term investment, one that might not always make financial sense if you can relocate those resources towards more lucrative opportunities. Nevertheless, when business is booming a company vehicle may be necessary to maintain operations and day-to-day efficiency. In fact, some companies absolutely need their own vehicles if their employees are operating in the field. If the time has come to purchase your own company vehicle, then you need to plan your purchase carefully and assess all of the variables to make the most cost-effective decisions. With that in mind, here are the key things to consider when planning to buy your first company car: 1. Choose funding  The first key consideration is, of course, how you’re going to afford your vehicle without putting a dent in your budget. A car is no small investment, so it’s important that you decide on the best funding option as well as the best way to create a positive return on investment in a short timeframe. If you’re going to buy a vehicle, consider applying for a small business loan as one of the quickest ways to get the funds necessary to buy a car. On the other hand, if you already have an outstanding loan or if you fear that you won’t be able to get favorable loan terms, you could opt to lease the vehicle instead. This will avoid extraneous upfront costs, and you will be able to write the investment off as a deductible business expense. Keep in mind, though, you might not be able to find a specific vehicle you want on lease terms, as leases are typically offered on a limited number of makes and models. 2. Devote time to research and testing Again, buying a company vehicle requires a substantial financial investment, so you shouldn’t rush the process even if you need to buy a car quickly. It’s imperative that you devote enough time to proper research and testing by doing the following: Ensure the vehicle fits your needs perfectly. Research various makes and models to compare features and prices and find the best deals on the market to efficiently narrow your search. Make a testing schedule and proceed to test-drive every vehicle to see how it fares, how it feels, and if the choice is right for your needs. If you’re unsure, ask a car-savvy friend or business partner to come to the testing with you and help you make the right decision. 3. Get an adequate warranty Of course, you can’t just hope that your car won’t break down in the middle of nowhere mere months after rolling it out of the showroom. No, you want a car that will run smoothly, and you want to know that if problems arise, you can ask for a replacement vehicle or a free repair. Another crucial step would be getting adequate manufacturer warranty. Go over the warranty thoroughly and see if it ticks all of the boxes that are relevant to you and your business. Consider purchasing an extended warranty if you think the perks are worth the added investment in the long run. Along with a manufacturer’s warranty, be sure to get an adjustment warranty from your car dealer as well, in order to take care of small problems and repairs quickly, without breaking the bank.  4. Find the right insurance One of the most important considerations is the coverage. When it comes to getting a company vehicle, insurance is non-negotiable, as you need to make sure that you are covered against every eventuality, from roadside accidents to environmental damage, theft, and everything in between. Given the fact that there are many variables that go into a good insurance policy, it’s important to compare prices from various insurers. Luckily, insurers are all about personalization nowadays, and forward-looking ones are even offering interview based quotes that are tailored to the exact needs of the business, so you can save money on the things you don’t need while ticking all the boxes that are important to you. When researching insurance options, get in touch with the flexible insurers who can adapt to your company’s requirements. 5. Research economic trends and time your purchase Experienced business leaders understand the value and importance of timing their investments, and the same importance can be attributed to vehicle purchase. If you time your purchase right, you can snag a much better deal and thus aquire your car at half the original price, but you need to know what to look for. First, it’s important to monitor economic trends. If the economy is currently going through a bit of a slump, you will most likely find dealerships that are slashing their prices to make a quick profit. Next, you need to sense the demand for certain vehicle brands. Popular brands that are selling like hot cakes will have the same price tag throughout the year, while less popular brands will invariably lower their prices to cover their losses. 6. Maximize your investment through marketing On a final note, keep in mind that this new vehicle can serve yet another purpose aside from getting you from point A to point B. You can also use it to boost your marketing efforts and complement your online marketing tactics with some good old offline promotion. By branding your vehicle just right, you can use it as a promotional tool and a rolling advertisement that will get people interested and perhaps even inspire them to reach out. Print your website address or phone number along with your company’s name and visuals. Almost every business needs a company vehicle nowadays, but that doesn’t mean that you should spring for the very first deal that pops up. Instead, use these tips to create a cost-effective strategy, find the perfect vehicle, and most importantly, maximize your investment in the years to come. Lilly Miller is an author at Smooth Decorator.

Protection means protection no matter what, right? Wrong. When purchasing an extended car warranty, you must be aware of the caveats of your coverage. Certain factors can lead to your extended car warranty being voided. Although every car warranty company is different, luckily, many of the car warranty companes have similar parameters for what voids an extended car warranty. Read below to find out the top five. If you are unsure of what a car warranty or extended warranty is in general, check out our complete guide to car warranties for a simple run-down. 1. Keep up with your vehicle’s recommended maintenance Every vehicle has a recommended maintenance schedule. Most car warranty companies, will void your car warranty if you do not keep up with the recommended maintenance. This often includes rotating your tires, getting the oil changed, and receiving specified inspections.To find out what your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule is simply put your vehicle’s make and model into this car maintenance guide. 2. Avoid modifications  For most car warranty companies, your vehicle’s extended car warranty will be voided if you make any vehicle modifications other than modifications recommended by the manufacturer.  Laura Gonzalez from AudiPeoria, with years of experience in the automotive industry, states that, “most aftermarket modifications (e.g. parts that are not approved by the manufacturer) will void your warranty. For example, if you lift your vehicle and then it has problems with the drivetrain, you will have a difficult time getting the dealership to cover the repairs under warranty, because they can simply state that the vehicle was not built to accommodate the modification.” 3. Drive carefully  Deliberate and obvious abuse of your vehicle, such as off-roading, hitting curbs, racing or anything else that the vehicle was not manufactured to do will void the warranty. Look through your contract carefully to see what the car warranty company defines as misuse. Jake McKenzie from Auto Accessories Garage adds that "Overloading your vehicle by competing in races or track days, off-roading, or even plowing snow can be considered misuse, or otherwise outside of normal operation. A claims investigator may look for signs of racing or off-roading in your vehicle and they can deny a claim at their own discretion.  They will not necessarily need proof of racing or off-roading, but can choose to deny coverage based solely on the presence of signs that may indicate racing or off-roading." 4. Be mindful of your mileage Lauren Fix from the Car Coach says "car warranties are based in mileage and time, which ever comes first. After that point, the coverage protection dissappears." Be mindful of the mileage on your car and be aware of when you are going to hit that mileage limit. When this happens, your car warranty is voided. 5. Let the extended car warranty company know that a repair needs to be done Before getting any car repairs on your car, make sure to let the car warranty company know. Without prior authorization from the administrator, the car warranty may not be held responsible to pay for the repair. Typically, the only exception for this is when the repair is classified under emergency repairs stated in the agreement. The bottom line Although this list covers the most common factors that car warranty companies include in voiding a car warranty, this is not a comprehensive list. When you are exploring your options, go through your contract carefully before agreeing to anything. Pay special attention to everything included in the contract that will void your car warranty. Being informed beforehand ensures you know exactly what you are purchasing with an extended car warranty.