Best Extended Auto Warranty Companies in Cincinnati, OH

How to choose an extended auto warranty in Cincinnati

Car maintenance is a common expense for drivers in the Cincinnati area. Winter temperatures often dip below freezing, creating potholes and crumbling roads that can cause expensive damage to vehicles. An estimated 23 percent of Ohio’s roads are in poor condition, and an additional 12 percent are rated as mediocre.

Car insurance or the original manufacturer warranty do not usually cover damage caused by poor road conditions, so these costly repairs are typically paid out-of-pocket. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the average driver spends $660 per year on car maintenance and repairs. Cincinnati residents should look to extended auto warranties to protect them from unexpected costs.

You can purchase extended auto warranties in addition to the original manufacturer or dealer warranty. Extended auto warranties can close the gaps in the original manufacturer warranty and provide coverage that lasts long after the original warranty expires. Unlike car insurance, which covers costs from accidents and theft, extended auto warranties focus on repairing your car if it breaks down.

There’s a deductible ranging from $50 to $200, and you may be required to use an in-network garage for the repairs. Avoid plans that have a higher deductible or require you to pay up-front for costs and be reimbursed later.

The types of repairs covered by your warranty vary greatly from plan to plan. Some auto warranties in Cincinnati only cover basic repairs to certain components, while others offer bumper-to-bumper coverage and routine maintenance.

Adding extra coverage will increase the warranty cost, but that isn’t the only thing that affects the price of an extended auto warranty in Cincinnati. Other factors include:

• Age and mileage: If you’re purchasing a used car, the cost of your warranty is based on the age and mileage of the vehicle. Some providers only offer warranties on vehicles below a certain mileage, while others cater to cars with more miles on them.
• Parts covered: There are many levels of coverage available, allowing customers in Cincinnati to choose which parts of the vehicle are covered by their warranty. The most basic, low-cost plans won’t cover required maintenance or standard repairs such as brake replacement.
• Warranty term: Your extended warranty will last until your car reaches a designated age or mileage, whichever comes first. The longer the term, the more expensive the plan will be. Practice caution with extended warranty companies that advertise unusually high terms and make sure your warranty will last long enough to be useful.

Be sure to read the fine print when selecting your extended auto warranty. Ideally, your plan will not have a waiting period more than 30 days or a long list of exclusions. You should also review the company’s repair network and claims process before making your choice.