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A beginner’s guide to car warranty: what does ALA Warranty cover?

13 December 2023

Written by Simon England

|  6 Minutes

When you buy a new or used car, you will a need car insurance policy to protect you in the event of a road accident. However, ongoing motor insurance can’t cover you if your car breaks down. Your factory warranty can cover the cost of mechanical or electrical faults for three to seven years. Still, after this cover expires, you’ll need to buy an extended car warranty contract to continue the benefits.

There are several types of extended warranty which can be bought from the manufacturer or from a third party once your standard warranty expires. Extended warranties cover a wide range of parts that could be costly to repair if they fail.

This article explores what’s covered by car warranty policies and the coverage specifications of ALA Warranty. We also discuss engine coverage and exclusions under extended warranty.

What are the benefits of extended warranty?

You have protection to cover road accidents; you may even have breakdown insurance. However, if your factory warranty has ended, you may not be covered for the expensive repair costs after a vehicle malfunction.

The main benefit of extended car warranty policies is coverage for manufacturing faults after your original warranty expires. Manufacturer warranties usually end after three to five years, leaving you vulnerable to unexpected repair costs.

A mechanic explaining the diagnostics to a customer, so the car can undergo repair

A wide range of vehicle components are insured under extended warranties, so you can have the peace of mind that, if your car breaks down, you won’t be met with an expensive repair. Additional warranty benefits include a contribution towards emergency roadside assistance, car hire and accommodation or onward travel costs.

What is covered by car warranties?

Generally, car warranties cover the vital components, such as the engine, electrics, gearbox (transmission), drive system, timing belts, etc. Your car warranty cover depends on the type of service contract you choose.

Don’t get caught out by vehicle faults – consider extended car warranty

What does ALA Warranty cover?

ALA Insurance is an independent warranty provider and offers comprehensive coverage for your car parts after your original vehicle service contract expires. We also provide emergency support for our customers because we understand that a car breakdown can be incredibly disruptive. The following lists the named component cover under ALA Warranty:

  • Engine
  • Electrics
  • Turbo: turbochargers, superchargers & compressors
  • Steering & suspension
  • Timing belts
  • Clutch
  • Brakes
  • Gearbox
  • Front & rear-wheel drive
  • Fuel System
  • Drive System

We offer three different levels of car warranty. Silver warranties are a good option to cover your car’s major components – read about what’s covered in our Silver policies. Gold warranties offer even better component cover while Platinum warranties are the most comprehensive – very few scenarios aren’t covered on this policy.

Additional benefits:

  • Roadside assistance contribution (up to £50)
  • Emergency rail fare or accommodation (£100 contribution)
  • Replacement car hire costs (£50 contribution per day)
  • Continental coverage (up to 60 days in a 12 month period in the EU)

Does extended car warranty cover engines?

The hands of a mechanic repairing something under the bonnet of a car

Most warranty policies cover the engine, but the extent of the cover can vary depending upon the provider, as well as your vehicle so ensure you read the named component cover carefully to make sure it’s suitable for you. Engine faults contribute to hundreds of breakdowns daily.

Experts have determined that the following engine components are the most likely to lead to engine failure and may require a claim on your extended warranty.

  • Piston rings
  • Alternator
  • Valves

Two other common engine components which cause engine failure but are unlikely to be covered on a warranty are:

  • Spark plugs
  • Oil/water filters

ALA Warranty covers piston rings, valves and alternators. Most car warranties, including ALA, list filters and spark plugs under excluded components.

Buy an independent extended Warranty from the leading Insurance provider

What’s not covered under extended warranty?

Typically, a used car warranty doesn’t cover components that don’t impair vehicle function, other items, such as consumables, are the driver’s responsibility to maintain or replace, as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Some examples of non-covered components are as follows:

  • Cosmetics
  • Consumables
  • Locking and security systems
  • Cables and wiring
  • Piping
  • Attachments, handles & hinges
  • Glass & lights
  • Glow and spark plugs

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the existing warranty contract expire once your car reaches a certain mileage?

Most factory warranty policies expire after three to five years or 60,000-100,000 miles. If you drive your car a lot, you may hit the mileage limit before the age limit. Fortunately, in most scenarios, the mileage limit for warranty is generous. That said, keep an eye on your mileage; consider buying an extended car warranty policy if you’re closing in on your limit.

Is maintenance required to keep the warranty valid?

It’s important to service your car regularly to ensure it is kept in the best condition possible. A missed service won’t invalidate your ALA policy; however, you risk losing your cover if the failure could have been prevented with proper maintenance.

Component failure or wear and tear resulting from negligence/improper care is not covered under any car warranty policy and could leave you to cover the costs. If your vehicle is not kept in a roadworthy condition you risk invalidating your extended auto warranty, not to mention the more significant legal implications.