What Is a Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty?
New cars come with bumper-to-bumper warranties to cover virtually all repairs that can be traced back to defects from the vehicle’s manufacturer.
Written by Pat Roache
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
A bumper-to-bumper warranty provides additional coverage for repairs on almost all parts and systems quite literally between the two bumpers of your car.
Though they function in similar ways, a car warranties and car insurance policies are far from the same thing. You don’t need a warranty like you need insurance to drive, but you may want a warranty to get additional protections that your insurance won’t offer.
Even a bumper-to-bumper warranty won’t cover everything, so it’s important to know when you need it, when you need something else, and when you need all of the above.
If you’ve recently bought a new car, it should have come with a bumper-to-bumper warranty from the manufacturer, but that won’t last forever. In this article, the expert
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breaks down the bumper-to-bumper warranty: what it is, what it covers, and where and how to get it. RECOMMENDED
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What is a bumper-to-bumper warranty?
Most new cars come equipped with a bumper-to-bumper warranty to protect the customer from defects or errors made during manufacturing. If you
buy a new car
and something isn’t working right, the warranty will help pay for the costs to repair or replace the parts.It’s easy to see how the bumper-to-bumper warranty got its name from such a broad range of coverage, but it’s not as simple as it looks. Bumper-to-bumper warranties come with a deadline, after which you’ll have to pay for repairs yourself.
How long does the warranty last?
The length of your bumper-to-bumper warranty is set by your manufacturer based on time and mileage—whichever comes first. Most tend to last for 3 years or 36,000 miles, but the best bumper-to-bumper warranties last 5 years or 60,000 miles. The chart below shows the standard warranty length for some of the most popular auto manufacturers.
Manufacturer | Bumper-to-bumper warranty period |
|---|---|
Hyundai | 5 years/60,000 miles |
Kia | 5 years/60,000 miles |
BMW | 4 years/50,000 miles |
Land Rover | 4 years/50,000 miles |
Chevrolet | 3 years/36,000 miles |
Honda | 3 years/36,000 miles |
Ford | 3 years/36,000 miles |
Nissan | 3 years/36,000 miles |
Toyota | 3 years/36,000 miles |
MORE: What you need to do after buying a new car
What is an extended bumper-to-bumper warranty?
You’ll have the option to purchase an extended bumper-to-bumper warranty once the original is up (or if you bought a used car without a warranty). The extended warranty offers the same coverage as the manufacturer’s warranty, but be forewarned: they can come with a high price tag.
You’ll likely pay $500 to $1,500 per year of coverage—but you can usually pay them off long before they expire.
What is covered by a bumper-to-bumper warranty?
Bumper-to-bumper warranties are a type of exclusionary coverage, so your warranty will cover any parts of the car that are not specifically excluded by your contract. Expect your warranty to pay for repairs across multiple systems from electrical to engineering, and even air conditioning.
What is not covered by a bumper-to-bumper warranty?
Bumper-to-bumper warranties do not cover routine maintenance, aesthetic features, or vehicle parts that are subject to standard
wear and tear
. Here is a comprehensive list of parts and services that are typically not covered by a warranty:- Brake pads
- Shock absorbers
- Windshield glass and windshield wipers
- Tires and wheels
- Certain emissions components
- Interior trims, upholstery, and seatbelts
- Car panels and paint
- Corrosion
- Turn signals and brake lights
- Oil changes, tire rotations, and other routine maintenance
- Repairs for damage caused by accidents or collisions
Always check the specific details of your bumper-to-bumper warranty to know exactly what will not be covered in the event of a malfunction. If you are considerably concerned about any of the listed exclusions, you may be better off looking into mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) and/or a
full coverage policy
. You can easily shop for the best deals on these types of coverage with the Jerry
app. Key Takeaway Bumper-to-bumper warranties exclude routine maintenance, body upkeep, and repairs for parts that undergo natural wear and tear.
MORE: The complete list of standard car insurance exclusions
Bumper-to-bumper warranty vs. powertrain warranty
Unlike bumper-to-bumper, a powertrain warranty is an inclusionary warranty that covers your engine, transmission, and drivetrain. Powertrain warranties are also typically included with a new car, and they tend to last longer than the bumper-to-bumper warranty.
There is a little bit of overlap between bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties, but the latter tends to last longer because its specific areas of coverage are the most important components of the vehicle. Like bumper-to-bumper, you can purchase an extended powertrain warranty once the factory warranty runs out, and it will likely cost less.
How to find a bumper-to-bumper warranty
You can purchase an extended bumper-to-bumper warranty directly from the manufacturer, from the dealership, or from a third-party provider. You’ll have to shop around to find the best warranty available for your budget and be sure to pay attention to factors like customer service, policy transparency, and any additional perks that might help justify the costs.
How to find cheap car insurance
Once you’re done shopping for your warranty, take some time to revisit your
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Do bumper-to-bumper warranties cover external damage?
No. Bumper-to-bumper warranties exclude repairs for any damage to body panels, glass, or any external features of your car.
How much does a bumper-to-bumper warranty cost?
A bumper-to-bumper warranty on a new car is included with the vehicle. If you want the same coverage after your factory warranty expires, expect an extended warranty to cost $500 to $1,500 per year of coverage depending on the policy you find.
Do I need to buy an extended bumper-to-bumper warranty?
You are not legally required to extend your bumper-to-bumper warranty once it expires. Depending on the length and coverage of an extended warranty, they may not actually be worth the cost of repairs they’re intended to cover. However, they’ll come in handy if you’re concerned about your ability to pay an expensive repair in a lump sum.
Do new cars come with an extended bumper-to-bumper warranty?
Technically, no—new cars come with a standard bumper-to-bumper warranty included in their factory warranties from the manufacturer. Extended bumper-to-bumper warranties are available for purchase from the manufacturer, the dealership, or third-party providers after the original warranty has expired.
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