Warranties

Although you pay a premium for buying a car new, it's probably a welcome relief to think that you may be freed from most major repair responsibilities for a couple or even a few years. Not only do new car parts have less wear, they're usually warranty protected.

Hopefully though, everything will go just fine with your new purchase (or lease), and your car will get no closer to lemon-hood than via the air-freshener scent at the car wash.

What's in a warranty?

Some may be called "bumper to bumper" warranties when they include a number of major systems-but they still may be "limited" warranties in effect you won't know for certain until you've examined the entire warranty agreement.

WARRANTY CATEGORIES

Basic Coverage:

Other than normal wear and maintenance items, basic coverage can include all major systems and some extras.

Power train:

Your car's engine, transmission, and drive axle are major parts of the power train, although not all components attached to the power train may be covered.

Aspects of front- and rear-wheel drive may be included; even seat belts and airbags may appear in this category. Corrosion protection Warranty for rust through of sheet metal.

Accessory warranty:

May apply to manufacturer-approved extras Federal emission. Protects from costs related to meeting coverage.


Also consider the location in which you live. Insurers do. If there's a high statistical occurrence of accidents or other claim events, expect to pay more (cities tend to be highest, low-crime and rural locales lowest).

Two or more autos insured with the same company can bring discounts, as can being married!

This latter point applies mainly to drivers who've had their license less than several years.

When one driver in a family is the principal driver and another family member only an occasional driver (such as a teenager using their parents' car), lower rates can apply for occasional operators.

And although younger people stand to spend more for auto insurance than their seniors, those who've been driving less than several years can sometimes get a break if they're "good students."

To qualify, a driver generally must be at least 16 and a full-time high school or college student. Evidence may be asked for to prove that the student has met one or more of these requirements:

1. Ranks in top 20% of the class
2. Has a "B" grade average
3. Has at least a three-point average on a fourpoint grading scale
4. Made the "Dean's List" or "Honor Roll"

Taking a qualified driver training course can make a difference as well.

For more information about auto warranties visit About Cars Info.