Find the Best Extended Auto Warranty Companies in Lansing, MI

How to choose an extended auto warranty in Lansing

Lansing residents are no strangers to rough roads and potholes that can damage your car over time. While it is possible to file claims for reimbursement from the state for damage caused by poor roads, the odds of getting reimbursement are slim, and the process is not timely.

In addition to road conditions, your car is at risk from the salty roads and extreme cold in the winter that can prematurely age your vehicle. As the miles build on your odometer and your car ages, the need for expensive maintenance becomes more likely. An extended auto warranty may be your best defense against costly repairs.

Unlike car insurance, which helps after accidents, theft or similar incidents, an extended auto warranty covers maintenance and repairs to your vehicle. An extended auto warranty is different from the standard warranty provided by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) at the time of purchase, which only remains valid for a short time. An extended auto warranty may be bought from the OEM or a third-party company and provides additional coverage for a vehicle.

An extended warranty purchased from the OEM will likely extend the original warranty and is usually either a powertrain warranty, which covers the engine and transmission of your car, or a bumper-to-bumper warranty, which includes most systems in your vehicle.

Third-party warranties are fully customizable, and their coverage may depend on how much you’re willing to spend on the warranty. Make sure to read the terms of your extended auto warranty to ensure you’re receiving the exact coverage you want.

While OEM extended auto warranties generally come with a new or slightly used car purchased from a licensed dealership, aftermarket extended auto warranties are available for used vehicles no matter where you purchase them. Coverage from an aftermarket extended auto warranty typically does not include regular maintenance, such as tire and battery replacement, or vehicle accidents. Purchasing an aftermarket exclusion policy, which defines everything not covered by the warranty, may help you understand what isn’t included.

You should also consider the duration of the extended auto warranty. For example, a five-year/100,000 mile warranty will last either five years or until the car hits 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Many policies available in Lansing also have deductibles, usually ranging between $50 and $100.

You should look for certain red flags when shopping for an extended auto warranty in Lansing, including:

• Deductibles that appear excessive (more than $200)
• Waiting periods before coverage begins (more than 30 days)
• Unreasonable coverage limits
• Requests for personal financial information from telemarketers

Additionally, the Michigan Department of the Attorney General has released information about how to protect yourself when shopping for extended auto warranties.