Exploring GM’s Extended Warranty Options | Autance

What IS Included

What sets GM’s extended warranty apart from many other automakers is that it is a true extension of the factory’s bumper-to-bumper warranty. Coverage is lengthened for several years and several thousand miles. Extended warranties from other automakers typically involve a service contract that replaces a factory warranty after it expires.

GM’s factory warranty covers defects caused by material or workmanship issues related to nearly everything on the vehicle, from the exterior to the interior. This includes problems with the engine and drivetrain. GM’s extended warranty extends this coverage.

New GMC and Chevy vehicles come with a three year/36,000-mile factory warranty, and the extended warranty covers them for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. Buick and Cadillac have four-year/50,000-mile factory warranties that can be extended to six years or 70,000 miles.

General Motors Protection Plans

Consumers also have the option of purchasing a General Motors Protection Plan (GMPP), which is comparable to most service contracts available industry-wide. Consumers can choose between two levels of coverage, Silver or Platinum, and can protect their vehicles up to 150,000 miles.

The Silver plan is inclusionary and covers repairs or replacements for specified components related to the transmission, transfer case, drive axle, turbocharger/supercharger, brakes, electrical, air conditioning, and seals and gaskets.

The Platinum plan is more comprehensive and exclusionary, which means nearly everything is covered unless it is in the exclusions section of your vehicle service contract. Excluded items include parts such as batteries, light bulbs, lenses, brake rotors, exhaust components, etc.

GMPP repairs are performed at GM-authorized dealerships and service facilities. The GMPP plans also provide roadside assistance. This includes towing/road services up to $150 per occurrence, key lockout services, and rental and trip interruption reimbursement.

What’s NOT Included

The extended warranty and GMPP plans do not cover general wear and tear and maintenance services, such as tune-ups, wheel balancing, brake pads, filters, lubricants, etc. Nor do they cover breakdowns related to collisions, weather damage, or alterations/modifications not recommended by the manufacturer.

The Good

What makes GM’s extended warranty stand out is that it’s a true extended warranty that expands the coverage of the factory warranty. This is beneficial if your vehicle doesn’t exhibit problems related to a factory defect until after the bumper-to-bumper warranty expires.

Another benefit is that consumers can choose between several types of protection, whether it’s an extended warranty or service contract (GMPP). While both types cost extra money, they provide peace of mind during an unexpected breakdown.

In addition, GM provides roadside assistance along with trip interruption perks. And while you pay for these extras, they are convenient, particularly if you don’t like to work on your own car (and change a flat tire, for example).

The Bad

GM’s extended warranty simply lengthens its factory warranty and only covers factory defects. Older vehicles are more likely to wear out or break down due to issues related to aging parts, not because of problems with materials or workmanship.

Also, the extended warranty and GMPP plans do not cover general wear and tear, maintenance services, or problems related to accidents, environmental damage, or modifications.

Takeaway Value

Car owners have mixed feelings about extended warranties, largely because of the additional cost to the bottom line. They can be beneficial if you want to protect your vehicle from factory defects after the bumper-to-bumper warranty expires. If your vehicle is a little older, the GMPP may be more desirable due to its breadth of coverage. Ultimately, it’s a personal decision.