Best Extended Auto Warranty Companies in Kansas City

How to choose an extended auto warranty in Kansas City

An extended auto warranty is a vehicle service contract that extends the protection on your new or used vehicle for more miles or years than your original warranty. You can purchase an extended warranty from the dealer or, for more flexibility, from a third-party company.

There are three types of third-party extended auto warranties:

• Inclusionary coverage: covers what you choose
• Powertrain: covers vehicle powertrain and components
• Exclusionary or bumper-to-bumper: covers many components, except those you don’t want covered

Third-party warranties tend to have fewer service limitations and come with flexible and negotiable options, including common issues that affect Kansas City drivers the most.

Nearly half of the roads in Kansas City were rated as below fair condition in 2016, with 15 percent rated “very poor” and 8.5 percent in “serious” condition. Potholes and splintering are the main reasons for this rating and can seriously damage your vehicle. Because Kansas City is prone to high precipitation—a leading cause of potholes—it’s important that your warranty covers shock and suspension repairs.

Other Kansas City conditions that affect your car’s performance include cold weather, high humidity, corrosive road salt and severe storms. Having an extended auto warranty guarantees that you’re covered at all times throughout the year, despite road conditions and weather.

When choosing an extended auto warranty in Kansas City, make sure ample weather coverage is included. With many companies, you have the ability to tailor your coverage to fit your needs and budget. You can choose between a full-coverage, more expensive plan or a major-systems plan with a better price tag but fewer inclusions.

Take “bumper-to-bumper” coverage, for example. Most people assume it covers everything in your car. In most cases, however, a bumper-to-bumper warranty will not cover:

• Tires
• Modified factory accessories (stereo or engine)
• Frayed seat belts
• Headlights
• Third-party electronics
• Oil changes

In general, a two-year extended auto warranty starts at $1,000 and a five-year plan can cost $3,000, depending on your car and coverage. You should expect to pay more for your warranty if your car has higher mileage or special features.

In addition to understanding your coverage limits, you should also read through your service deductibles and waiting period for initial coverage. The average deductible costs between $50 and $200. You may also find $0 deductibles, but those warranties often cost more.

Your warranty should also include:

• Direct payment for claims (be cautious of plans that require up-front payment)
• Flexibility on where repairs can be made
• A decent cancellation policy
• Transferable policy

If your warranty does not include these features, it might not be the right coverage for you. Here is a list of Kansas City’s best extended auto warranty companies.