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A bumper-to-bumper warranty plan provides you with the most comprehensive coverage available for your vehicle for a set period of time and mileage limit. Car Spare Parts
*Based on data from our users; 7/1/2023-9/30/2023
In this article, we’ll take a close look at what’s covered under a bumper-to-bumper warranty, explain how they work, and mention what voids a contract . Our team of experts has combed through the aftermarket auto industry to find the best extended car warranty companies . We’ll provide our recommendations if you’re considering getting a bumper-to-bumper extended warranty when your initial factory coverage expires.
Our review team has spent hundreds of hours researching car warranty companies to help consumers choose the best coverage for their vehicles. Writers and editors evaluate each brand based on industry data and real customers’ experiences, meeting high editorial standards to keep readers informed.
A bumper-to-bumper warranty is a vehicle service contract that comes with almost all new cars and covers the repair and replacement of the vast majority of your vehicle’s parts. However, they usually only pay for repairs caused by defective parts or workmanship errors. This means that bumper-to-bumper warranties give protection in the case of mechanical breakdowns from regular use of a vehicle.
Bumper-to-bumper new vehicle limited warranty plans expire at certain mileage or time limits and are typically included in a factory warranty as part of a new car purchase. Coverage generally lasts for three years or 36,000 miles, though certain brands offer longer term lengths.
Manufacturers have many names for the bumper-to-bumper warranty. Ford and Hyundai offer new vehicle limited warranty plans, whereas Lexus calls its coverage a basic warranty. The details of your plan, including the length of coverage, are decided by the car manufacturer.
Once your factory warranty ends you’ve got two options if you’re hoping to extend your bumper-to-bumper warranty: picking up coverage through the automaker or turning to a third-party provider.
Purchasing extended warranty coverage from the dealership is something a salesperson will likely bring up when you’re buying a new car. That’s because you can generally only purchase an extended warranty from the manufacturer before your original factory warranty expires.
Car manufacturers sell customers extended bumper-to-bumper warranty plans, while third-party companies offer nearly identical vehicle service contracts. Third-party contracts tend to provide greater flexibility at lower costs, and they can be bought at any point in your car’s life.
A bumper-to-bumper warranty provides coverage for everything from major vehicle systems to specific parts like catalytic converters. While bumper-to-bumper warranties usually offer full coverage of car components, they have exclusions that vary by the automaker. The best way to check what’s covered is by carefully reviewing your warranty contract.
Since the comprehensive coverage offered by many bumper-to-bumper warranty options covers hundreds of parts, many manufacturers write exclusionary warranties . This means that your warranty contract will specifically list out any parts that are ineligible for repairs. The reverse of this is stated – component coverage, where the manufacturer only lists out covered parts.
Here are some components usually covered by a bumper-to-bumper warranty:
While a bumper-to-bumper warranty offers protection for most major components of your car, it has its limits. For one thing, coverage is only for problems caused by defective parts or workmanship errors.
Another common piece of the bumper-to-bumper warranty is powertrain coverage. A powertrain warranty backs the most essential components that provide power to your vehicle.
Common items found in a powertrain warranty include:
You’ll need to contact your extended warranty provider to find out exactly what your powertrain warranty covers . Generally, powertrain coverage outlasts your bumper-to-bumper warranty due to the importance of the parts it covers.
While a bumper-to-bumper warranty takes care of repair costs for a number of components, not everything is backed by your vehicle’s coverage. Here are a few common exclusions:
Bumper-to-bumper coverage can be voided for many reasons including:
The average factory bumper-to-bumper warranty lasts for around three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. After that, you’ll be on your own when dealing with unexpected repair costs. However, the length of a bumper-to-bumper warranty varies depending on your car manufacturer. The same is true of third-party extended bumper-to-bumper warranties, as these providers may also have different coverage limits.
Below are bumper-to-bumper warranty term lengths for several major automakers:
As can be seen, coverage lengths are pretty standard across the auto industry. The longest bumper-to-bumper warranty plans are five years or 60,000 miles and are provided by Hyundai, Genesis, Mitsubishi , and Kia.
Our research on the aftermarket warranty industry found that the average cost of a third-party bumper-to-bumper extended warranty is $3,124 in total . If you don’t choose to pay up front for coverage, there are payment plans that average about $120 per month.
Bumper-to-bumper warranty plans are included as part of the manufacturer’s warranty, which is in turn folded into the price of a new car. Buying a manufacturer’s extended warranty usually comes with a higher price tag compared to third-party protection plans.
To get a better sense of how much a bumper-to-bumper extended warranty costs , we reached out to leading third-party warranty companies for free quotes on a 2018 Honda Civic with 30,000 miles. Our warranty experts were given quotes with the following prices:
All of the bumper-to-bumper warranty plans we obtained quotes for include deductibles of $100. While Endurance was easily the cheapest option, its coverage length is far eclipsed by that of CARCHEX .
If you end up needing a covered repair during the life span of the factory warranty, check your warranty contract to see if you’ve got a deductible. The deductible is the amount of money you must pay up front at the repair shop before a warranty covers the rest.
Deductibles usually range from $0 to as high as $250 depending on the automaker. Some plans include vanishing deductibles, which means your upfront payment is waived if you get service done at a specific dealership.
Getting an extended warranty can be a smart way to budget for unexpected auto repair costs, especially if you want peace of mind while on the road. Many warranties include additional coverage such as roadside assistance and towing services, which can make mechanical breakdowns less stressful to deal with.
Even so, deciding whether to buy an extended bumper-to-bumper warranty hinges on factors such as the reliability of your car, the overall cost of the warranty, and the company that will be providing repair services. For example, paying out of pocket may save you money in the long run if you’ve got a reliable car since it won’t break down often. However, if your car isn’t as reliable and a bumper-to-bumper plan is affordable, it may be the best choice for you.
The sections below will provide further information on bumper-to-bumper extended warranties.
You can either purchase a bumper-to-bumper extended warranty from a third-party provider or your manufacturer. However, if you decide to purchase from a manufacturer, it typically must be done before your limited factory warranty expires. There are advantages and disadvantages to whichever option you choose.
Factory warranty extensions can give you perks like specialized technicians and access to genuine manufacturer parts, but these service plans are pricey. They also require you to pay interest as part of your vehicle financing plan for potentially unneeded repairs.
By contrast, third-party bumper-to-bumper warranty providers tend to offer greater flexibility. You won’t be limited to repair service s from your local dealership, there are far more plans to choose from, and you can even get an extended warranty for cars over 100,000 miles . They also typically offer similar coverage for lower costs overall and can be bought at any time.
It should be noted that if you choose a third-party option, consider the reputation of the company. Look at reviews from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot to search for recurring issues and learn how customer complaints are handled.
Most major third-party warranty providers and manufacturers offer bumper-to-bumper extended car warranties that come with perks like:
If your car has a solid factory warranty that will last a long time, buying an extended warranty may not be right for you. You might be better off saving the money for potential auto repairs, especially if you’re only planning to keep the car for as long as the factory warranty lasts.
*Based on data from our users; 7/1/2023-9/30/2023
If you’re looking for most parts from the front to the back of your vehicle to be covered, a n extended bumper-to-bumper warranty could be a smart buy . However, whether you need it depends on your particular situation and the provider you chose. In any case, we recommend that you compare bumper-to-bumper warranties from multiple providers to make sure you find the best deals.
Our team selected Endurance and CARCHEX as two of the best extended bumper-to-bumper warranty providers for their extensive coverage offerings and strong customer reviews.
Endurance offers some of the most comprehensive warranty plans in the business. The company is a direct provider of warranties, meaning it manages its own plans rather than contracting services out to other companies .
Endurance has six offerings that range from bumper-to-bumper warranty plans to repairs for only the essential powertrain components. All customers who purchase Endurance plans get one free year of membership in Endurance Elite Benefits, which includes perks such as tire repair and replacement. Note that Endurance warranty plans aren’t available in California.
Learn more: Endurance warranty review
If you have an older car that you want to keep on the road, CARCHEX may suit your needs. It’s our top choice for used vehicles since it offers coverage for up to 250,000 miles and has consistently low pricing.
What makes CARCHEX truly stand out is its solid reputation after more than 20 years in the industry. The company is accredited by the BBB and holds a stellar A+ rating on the site.
Below are some frequently asked questions about bumper-to-bumper warranties:
A bumper-to-bumper warranty can add peace of mind if you’re worried about paying for expensive repairs. Third-party providers also tend to include added perks such as rental car reimbursement and 24/7 roadside assistance in their plans.
Most bumper-to-bumper warranty offerings have a short list of exclusions. Common items not backed by a bumper-to-bumper warranty include damage from a collision or the environment, wear items, and routine maintenance needs.
Body panels are usually excluded from a bumper-to-bumper warranty, although they may be covered in the event of rust if a vehicle’s factory warranty includes corrosion protection. Typically, damage to a body panel would be handled by a car insurance company .
Parts such as struts and shocks are considered wear and tear items and are not typically covered under a bumper-to-bumper warranty. These parts break down over normal use of the vehicle, but they may be covered if they break down earlier than expected .
The most common coverage period for a limited bumper-to-bumper warranty is three years or 36,000 miles, but some carmakers offer coverage for five years or 60,000 miles. The length and mileage limits of a new car bumper-to-bumper warranty differ for each automaker.
There are AAA extended warranties with bumper-to-bumper coverage as part of its six protection plan options. However, make sure if you are getting a vehicle service contract from any provider that you read the fine print of the agreement.
A bumper-to-bumper warranty covers the most important parts of your vehicle after a mechanical breakdown. Components that are typically covered include your engine, transmission, fuel system, steering system, braking system, electrical parts, and safety equipment such as air bags.
We found that Hyundai, Genesis, Mitsubishi, and Kia offer the best bumper-to-bumper warranties for new cars in the industry. Each of these manufacturers covers new vehicles for five years or 60,000 miles under the new factory warranty.
No, a bumper-to-bumper warranty does not cover routine maintenance. You will need to keep your car running in good condition or else your warranty may be void ed .
With a manufacturer’s extended warranty, you can usually get repairs done at one of the brand’s dealerships. On the other hand, if you choose a third-party extended warranty, you’ll be able to choose from repair shops certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE ® ). These warranties are valid at car repair facilities throughout the U.S.
Front and rear b umpers are not usually covered under factory warranty plans because new car and aftermarket warranties don’t cover dents or scratches. If your bumper is damaged, consult with your auto insurance agent to see if it’s covered under your policy.
Our review process aims to deliver consistent and unbiased assessments of extended auto warranty providers. While there are multiple qualities that make a warranty company successful, our review team focuses on those we believe are the most important for consumers:
*Data accurate at time of publication.
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