Is car warranty worth the money?

The idea behind a car warranty is fairly simple - you receive cover on the cost of any repairs that are required on your car during the term of the policy.

Many car owners opt to take out such a policy, believing that warranties offer security, minimising the risk of having to spend more on keeping a car on the road.

Unfortunately, many consumers look to car retailers to provide car warranty policies. Policies purchased from car retailers are often sold at a much higher price than can be found by buying direct from independent car warranty specialists.

This is especially bad news for people with second hand cars. Paying over the odds for a used car warranty often means that it is very difficult to justify the cost - the whole idea of taking out a car warranty can seem like a bad idea.

Many choose to shun car warranty policies and just hope that their cars do not run into problems. It's unfortunate that expensive warranty policies have put consumers off purchasing them.

A better alternative is to try and buy the policies direct from the independent car warranty companies. By approaching these specialists direct, you can cut out the commission that would otherwise be taken by a car retailer.

With the cost of car warranty greatly reduced, you'll often see that what at first seemed an expensive luxury can now be seen as a vital part of owning a car.

Of course, car warranties won't suit all car owners. If you have an old used car then you may find that the costs are still prohibitive, when compared to the value of your vehicle. The ideal solution for one car owner may not be suitable for another.

The key is to shop around online and find a policy that suits your needs and your budget.