Best Extended Auto Warranty Companies in Tampa, FL

Benefits of an extended auto warranty in Tampa

Extended auto warranties provide peace of mind and cost control. Your manufacturer’s warranty will only stay valid for so long, and as your car ages and travels more miles, you’re at risk for expensive maintenance. In Tampa, your car endures intense wear and tear from the extreme heat and potholes caused by heavy rains and tropical storms.

An extended warranty can be purchased on both new and used cars. If you’re buying an older vehicle with a lot of miles, a warranty can save you from high repair costs, especially if you’re buying a model that’s less reliable than other cars.

An extended warranty is separate from your car manufacturer’s warranty or the service protection plan offered by car dealers. It’s also not car insurance. Your insurance will pay for liability, and your extended warranty will pay for covered maintenance and repairs. An extended auto warranty might also be called an auto service contract.

Coverage types for auto warranty in Tampa

Some plans cost more but cover everything from routine maintenance to transmission troubles. You’ll get bumper-to-bumper coverage and 24/7 roadside assistance, as well as a rental car. Others cost less and only cover very particular things. Depending on your plan, you’ll have to pay a deductible before your warranty company pays for repairs. You can choose a policy with a deductible as low as $50 or $100. It shouldn’t be higher than $200.

The Florida Division of Consumer Affairs recommends that you exercise your rights to a written list of what’s covered, what’s excluded and what the terms of the extended warranty are as they pertain to your vehicle.

If you buy a service protection plan that excludes more than it covers, you’re not going to save much money. You also don’t want a warranty that has a waiting period of more than a month. It’s also important you understand how long it lasts. If you buy a five-year, 100,000-mile warranty, the plan will end when one of those terms is met, usually whichever comes first.

Find out how the claims process works before you buy an extended auto warranty in Tampa. You don’t want to pay out-of-pocket and then file a claim for reimbursement. Your warranty company should pay the shop directly after your deductible is met. Just don’t expect to choose your own service provider. Most warranty companies require that you use a contractor in their network.

Tampa weather affects your vehicle

Weather events cause driving hazards that can damage your car:

• Extreme heat. This can wear out your battery faster and cause your car to overheat frequently.
• Flooding. Driving through flooded streets can stall your engine, and two feet of water can carry off a car or SUV. Potholes can easily harm your tires.
• Hurricanes and tropical storms. Heavy rains and winds can cause mechanical trouble and cosmetic damage.

Finally, Tampa is full of old neighborhoods with cobblestone and brick streets. They are charming to stroll on foot, but driving over uneven surfaces can ruin your vehicle’s shocks and alignment.