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The different types of car warranty | Which level of ALA Warranty should you buy?

13 December 2023

Written by Simon England

|  5 Minutes

Do you have an older car and are worried by the idea that something could go wrong, or, are you coming to the end of your new car’s existing warranty and don’t want to lose your cover? Whether or not you’re new to extended warranties, finding a trusted provider can significantly reduce the stress of a potentially expensive repair.

We explore the types of extended warranty policies you will encounter and which ones are worth your while. At ALA, we’ve introduced three levels of car warranty that offer market-leading coverage as standard. Our Silver, Gold and Platinum Warranty options provide protection suitable for a wide range of vehicles and requirements.

Financial protection is more important than ever, so embrace the smart choice of safeguarding your investment with extended car warranty. Discover your options for worry-free driving with ALA.

What are the different types of car warranty?

You’ll encounter two main types of warranty – manufacturer warranties and extended warranties. A factory warranty is there to protect new car owners from expensive repairs if the vehicle malfunctions unexpectedly. An extended warranty is an optional coverage to give you greater confidence on the road.

Coverage varies from provider to provider so, always check your specific warranty exclusions. Your comprehensive insurance may still exclude certain components or circumstances. Read about what ALA Warranty does not cover.

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What do you get as standard on ALA Warranty?

Our Silver warranties offer great-value coverage and are a fantastic starting point for drivers looking for some extra car cover. Although, wear & tear isn’t covered under the Silver package, we’ll cover you for the most important components. Silver policyholders get named component cover of the following systems:

  • Electrics
  • Steering & suspension
  • Cooling system
  • Engine & Turbo (turbocharger/ suppressor/compressor)
  • Timing belts
  • Brakes
  • Fuel System
  • Clutch
  • Gearbox
  • Propshaft
  • Drive system
  • Transmission
  • Differential
  • Torque converter
  • Wheel bearings
  • Casings
  • Transfer box
  • Front & rear-wheel drive

All customers can potentially benefit from contributions towards the following, where there is an otherwise successful claim, and if the repair takes more than 8 hours or you’re stranded away from home:

  • Roadside assistance/rescue
  • Replacement car hire
  • Rail fare/hotel accommodation
  • European Cover

We delve into specific named component cover in our Silver Warranty coverage guide. Alternatively, see your quick guide to comparing ALA warranty coverage. For a full breakdown of policy details, explore the Silver policy wording.

What’s included in Gold Warranty?

Our Gold car warranties kick things up a notch from our Silver plans; they provide even broader coverage including more components and systems.

Our second-most comprehensive warranty doesn’t skimp on coverage; it encompasses all the systems protected in Silver plans but with more specified component cover. Plus, as a Gold policyholder, you’ll enjoy coverage of the following parts:

  • Electronic Control Unit
  • Catalytic converter
  • Diesel cover
  • Power roof motor
  • Up to £50 contribution towards diagnostics

Although ALA’s Gold policy is more comprehensive, you should know the limitations – it doesn’t cover any parts for failure due to wear and tear and excludes multimedia units. Check your exact Gold Warranty coverage, or view a complete list of covered components in the Gold policy wording.

What’s included in ALA’s comprehensive warranty?

A comprehensive car warranty is always the best option for complete peace of mind. This is of course the most costly option but not always by as much as you think.

ALA’s Platinum policy aims to keep things simple – it covers all mechanical and electrical parts and has just a small list of excluded components such as consumables, brake pads, non-mechanical components and bodywork.

This means that ALA Platinum covers the above systems (with many more components included) and the following additions:

  • Wear & tear (up to 80,000 miles or 8 years)
  • Infotainment/in-car entertainment system (up to £1,000)

For more information, read about Platinum Warranty coverage or view the full list of covered components and exclusions in the Platinum policy wording.

There are usually some exceptions to even the most comprehensive car warranties, so read about what ALA car warranty doesn’t cover. Always ensure you read your policy documents carefully.

Is a comprehensive car warranty worth it?

A comprehensive used car warranty can cover a significant unforeseeable repair cost. With wear & tear cover, diagnostics contribution and comprehensive component cover, there are very few scenarios where ALA can’t protect you. Compare the benefits and disadvantages of comprehensive warranty cover.

Pros

Cons

  • Cover almost all component failures
  • Minimises the potential financial burden of vehicle breakdown
  • Benefit from wear & tear coverage
  • Get free diagnostics up to £50 or 1hr
  • ALA are a trusted insurer with high payout rates
  • Spread the cost over monthly instalments
  • Cost
  • Some general exclusions still apply
  • Car warranty cannot replace routine maintenance
  • Eligibility requirements are more strict
  • Wear & tear coverage is capped at 80,000 miles or 8 years.

Which level of security should you buy?

For some, an extended warranty is an integral part of vehicle ownership, no matter the cost. Others view it as an optional benefit, offering peace of mind and financial protection against unforeseen repair costs. For many, it’s a carefully considered investment, a balance between coverage and cost, tailored to fit their budget. With a variety of coverage options at different price points, ALA Warranty aims to accommodate the needs of a wide range of customers.

Silver warranties are a great starting point because they are excellent value and cover more than most car warranties on the market. Meanwhile, ALA’s Platinum Warranty leaves no stone unturned. You can enjoy worry-free driving, knowing we’ve got you covered if your car unexpectedly breaks down.

Are you still trying to figure out whether extended car warranty is worth it? You’re more likely to break down than get involved in an accident and with the rising costs of vehicle repairs, extended warranty is a clever choice for avoiding an unexpected repair cost. But you’ll need a reputable provider to get the benefits. Our customers trust us to protect their investment – evident from nearly 15,000 5-star reviews on Trustpilot. If you have any queries about our policies, our support team is always happy to help.