Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about extended auto warranties? Click below to find answers to commonly asked questions about warranties.

• What is an Extended Warranty?

  Odds are when you bought your car, it came with a warranty—a guarantee, either from the manufacturer or from the dealer, that your car would stay in good working condition for a certain number of miles or a certain amount of time. Unfortunately, most big-ticket repairs and breakdowns happen after the manufacturer's warranty has run out. That's where an extended auto warranty comes in.

  An extended auto warranty is just what it sounds like: an extension above and beyond the coverage offered by your manufacturer or dealer. By putting a good warranty plan in place, you can protect yourself from the burden of high repair bills.

• Why do I need an extended warranty?

  Here's the sad but honest truth: even if you have the best-manufactured, most reliable car on the market, someday it's going to break down. Modern cars are fantastically complicated. And even a relatively minor defect, or a mechanical breakdown can cost a fortune to repair.

  By buying a solid, insurance-company-backed warranty, you protect the investment you made in your vehicle. When something goes wrong, you simply pay the low deductible and let us handle the rest.

  In many cases, an extended auto warranty can pay for itself in one repair. And just having a quality, transferable warranty in place can raise the resale value of your car.

• Do I need an Extended Auto Warranty if I am still covered by the manufacturer?

  Manufacturer coverage lapses over time, but you can protect your car throughout its life by buying an extended auto warranty. Many such warranties can pay for themselves in a single costly repair, and continue to cover you far beyond that. When you buy an extended auto warranty that is transferable, you also increase the resale value of your car and make it more attractive to potential buyers. If given the option, wouldn't you choose a car that came guaranteed against repair costs?

  It is less expensive to purchase an extended auto warranty early in the life of your car. Extended warranties begin after the manufacturer's warranty expires, protecting your vehicle for as long as you own it. To avoid interruption in coverage, and to get the lowest price, you should purchase an extended warranty early. The more coverage you have left on the factory warranty, the less you have to pay for extended coverage.

• Why are your prices so much lower than what my dealer is offering?

  Put simply, we cut out the middleman. Auto dealers buy warranties from companies just like Continental, and then turn around and sell them to people like you—after adding $600 or $1000 in commissions.

  By buying directly from the source, you can save up to 60% on the cost of your extended auto warranty.

• Where should I look for an Extended Auto Warranty?

  Although dealerships offer warranties, they often do so at increased prices to make a profit. By dealing directly with the warranty company, customers can save a good deal of money and get the added reward of flexibility. To avoid unnecessary charges and inflexible contracts, purchase your warranty from a company like Continental Warranty that specializes in providing extended vehicle warranties at competitive prices as their primary business, rather than a company that offers warranties as an afterthought.

  Request A Quote

• How do I buy an Extended Auto Warranty?

  At Continental, we've worked hard to make the process of choosing and buying a warranty as easy as possible. To get started, simply go to the Request a Quote page on this site. One of our associates will contact you to help you make the right choice for you, your vehicle and your family. The whole process takes less than an hour and pays off right away in protection and peace of mind.

• I've found lower prices on the Internet. Why should I buy coverage from Continental Warranty?

  Consider both price and quality when shopping for an auto warranty. Both are important. Look for a company that offers competitive rates, but do not be fooled by competitors whose prices are far below the market standard. Such companies may rely on Risk Retention Groups as underwriters rather than insurance companies that have a much longer history of paying claims and must adhere to strict government standards designed to protect consumers.

  If the price is too low, it may signal that the company has not set enough money aside to guarantee that your claim gets paid when you need it. Select a warranty company that has a strong reputation and long history like Continental Warranty, in business since 1988.

• How do I use my Extended Warranty?

  If you break down, get a flat tire, run out of gas or even lock your keys in the car, all you have to do is call our 800 number. We'll dispatch help right away, no matter where you are in the U.S. or Canada. If your vehicle can't be repaired on the spot, we'll help you get it to a licensed mechanic of your choice.

• When does an Extended Auto Warranty take effect?

  Pay attention to the start date of the warranty you select. Some extended warranties take effect on the “in-service” date, when the vehicle was first purchased and reported to the manufacturer as sold. Others begin on the day you purchase the plan. A knowledgeable sales representative can help you select the warranty that is right for you.

• How does Continental Warranty pay claims?

  With an extended auto warranty from Continental, claims are paid up front for ALL covered repairs. No waiting for reimbursement. No high out-of-pocket expense. We get you back on the road fast.

• Where can I go for repairs that are covered by my Extended Auto Warranty?

  Unlike most extended warranties, Continental plans are honored anywhere in the nation that you find a licensed, authorized repair facility. If you move, or are away from home, when you need repairs, your vehicle will still be covered.

  With dealer warranties or those valid only at specified shops, you might find yourself needing to pay for repairs without assurance or pay additional fees because you are not at your regular dealership. With Continental Warranty, you get the peace of mind of knowing your auto warranty will be honored nationwide.

• Will my repair facility honor a Continental Warranty plan?

  Dealerships often make a good percentage of their revenue from repair services. It is in their interest to accept consumer-direct warranties, especially from such companies as Continental Warranty, which can pay repair facilities directly over the phone. With a long reputation of financial stability, the insurance companies backing Continental have the credit dealerships can trust. Should your dealer make the rare decision not to accept a consumer-direct warranty, you may want to investigate the reasons and evaluate your relationship with that dealer in the future.

• Which vehicles does Continental Warranty cover?

  We cover most vehicles up to 10 model years and up to 150,000 miles. It’s easy to find the right extended auto warranty plan for your make, model and budget. Our trained staff is knowledgeable and friendly. They’ll make sure you find just what you need.

• Are Continental Warranty plans insured?

  Our extended auto warranty plans are 100% insured by some of the largest and most respected insurance companies in the nation. Our insurance providers have been in this business for a very long time, and are guaranteed to be there when you need them.

• Can I cancel my warranty?

  At Continental we believe both in our products, and in the wisdom of purchasing an extended auto warranty. That's why every truck and car extended auto warranty plan we sell comes with a full 30-day unconditional money-back guarantee.

  Our return policy is simple. We consider your first 30 days with a new extended auto warranty a "review period." Take your time, read through your policy and discuss it with your spouse and family. We're confident that you—like so many other Americans—will be happy and satisfied with your extended auto warranty. But if you decide—for any reason—that this isn't the extended auto warranty for you, simply call our customer service line. As long as you haven't used your policy during those 30 days, we'll be happy to refund your money and cancel your extended warranty.

• Why does Continental Warranty strive to enroll vehicles on the initial contact?

  To reduce the risk of enrolling vehicles with pre-existing conditions, Continental Warranty strives to enroll all vehicles only on the initial contact. By enrolling on the initial contact with Continental Warranty, you can take advantage of wholesale pricing, which can save you up to 60% on the cost of your extended auto warranty. The incentives such as Roadside Assistance, Trip Interruption, Car Rental, waiver of the vehicle inspection, and 0% financing are only available on the initial contact. Continental Warranty can offer great coverage at great prices simply because we do not enroll vehicles with pre-existing conditions. Low risk for us equals low rates for you!

• How do consumer watchdogs rate auto warranty companies?

  Consumer publications often recommend warranty companies to customers as a way to cut out the cost of a middleman, understanding that dealerships typically purchase their policies from other companies and offer them to customers at a higher price. Warranty companies offer contracts that are often both better and less expensive than what the dealer offers, and they can be purchased anytime that your car remains within a certain mileage limit.

  If the price is too low, it may signal that the company has not set enough money aside to guarantee that your claim gets paid when you need it. Select a warranty company that has a strong reputation and long history, like Continental, in business since 1988. By skipping the middleman, you can buy a reliable warranty at a significantly lower price than you would pay at a dealership.

• What is a VIN number?

  A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-digit number unique to your vehicle. Look in any of the following places to find yours: The vehicle registration or title, your insurance card, or the dashboard on the driver's side.

• Can I reach Continental Warranty 24 hours a day?

  Absolutely. Email us at: info@continentalwarranty.com. Our roadside assistance program offers you emergency help—24 hours a day, 365 days a year—no matter where you are in the U.S. or Canada. If your vehicle breaks down, has a flat tire, needs a jump or water, or even if you just lock your keys in the car, just call our toll free number and someone will be there to help.