Is it an extended car warranty or an automotive service plan? When I was doing some research on extended car warranties I kept coming across automotive service plans during my searches. This intrigued me and I wanted to know what the difference was, if there was a difference. Turns out, no difference. There is a difference however between a car warranty and an extended car warranty or automotive service plan and this is where some confusion may set in for some.

When you buy a brand new car it is usually covered with a manufacture bumper to bumper warranty. This warranty covers nearly everything for the first three years or up to 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Basically, this is to give the new car owner piece of mind  that when they are driving their brand new spiffy vehicle around that repairs or unforeseen malfunctions will be covered.

Now, an extended car warranty or automotive service plan, as it is also called, is great for the individual that keeps their car longer than three years or 36,000 miles, but still wants major repairs and maintenance costs covered or reduced. I find that this is a great way to keep your car running great without having to spend loads of cash on repairs or a new car. I think that in today’s economy people are finding that it is more feasible to keep the car they own maintained rather than buying a new car every few years.

There are many extended car warranty companies out there that offer great automotive service plans, but there are a few that will take advantage of your situation or try to hard sell you into buying a warranty that is not worth it’s weight in dollars. Check out some automotive warranty review sites before diving into an automotive service plan. Or call a representative and discuss your options.

During today’s tough economic times people are budgeting their finances more closely than ever before. Very few people are buying new cars and are having a difficult time trying to budget their auto repair costs. What is the solution for these folks? Buying an extended car warranty will help with most auto repair costs once the original car warranty runs out. Depending on the make, model, and mileage on your vehicle you may qualify for an extended auto warranty that can help you with the repair costs of your car.

Just last week my friend took their car in to get one thing fixed; the resulting bill was close to $1000. If she had an extended car warranty she may not have had such a large bill. My friend, like most people, finds it difficult and cumbersome to come up with a grand during a time when a job is nonexistent and the holidays are around the corner. But, like most people, she need a car to drive around, so she dipped into the dwindling savings and ate the cost.

Depending on the car warranty program you decide to purchase, you may not ever have to face outrageous car repair bills again. Imagine paying a fee upfront for an extended car warranty and have the rest of your repair bills taken care of or costs cut. Discounts on anything are great nowadays and in the case of a great extended car warranty plan you may have many discounted repair costs in the future.

How do I get an extended car warranty?

• Have your make, model, and mileage information ready
• Visit a few car warranty review sites
• Gather the names of different car warranty companies that look like they may fit your needs
• Call and get an instant quote

Once you have an extended car warranty your life may be just that much easier!

Do you have a similar story about an extended car warranty, leave a comment?