Extended warranties are an option sold by many dealerships to cover your vehicle for mechanical, electronic, or electrical failures beyond the usual warranty period. Some of these warranties may also cover items not covered by the original factory warranty. A third-party insurance company handles these warranties in most cases, and you can work with third-party mechanics for repairs.

While this offers more flexibility, it also means that the question of where you should take your car for repairs is a little more complex. If you're choosing a mechanic to handle your third-party warranty, it's worthwhile to find one that meets these three requirements.

1. ASE Certifications

ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) offers gold-standard certifications for the automotive repair industry. Many shops have multiple ASE-certified mechanics, and most will have at least one ASE Master Technician. These certifications help guarantee that the technicians working on your car have up-to-date knowledge and skills.

Extended warranty companies may also require these certifications (or other qualifications) to cover repairs. Check your warranty contract for requirements such as these and confirm that the shop you're working with meets those eligibility conditions.

2. Manufacturer-Specific Experience

Extended warranties may place limits on coverage for diagnosis or incorrect repairs, so it's always a good idea to work with a shop that's more likely to get your car fixed correctly on the first try. When you're searching for a mechanic, look for one that has experience dealing with your car's manufacturer. This knowledge can help them diagnose issues more quickly and reliably.

You can also look for shops with technicians who hold manufacturer-issued certifications, but these tend to be less common outside dealership service departments. However, these certifications aren't as critical as ASE or other industry-standard qualifications for most common makes and models.

3. Extended Warranty Experience

Your mechanic will need to work with your extended warranty company to handle your claim so you can avoid paying anything out-of-pocket. Mechanics who have experience dealing with extended warranties can handle this process more efficiently. They'll also know how to interpret your warranty agreement and determine if it's likely to cover your repairs.

Extended warranties can save you time, money, and frustration once your factory coverage expires, but using them effectively means choosing the right mechanic. Keep these three factors in mind when searching for a shop to cover your repairs, and you'll have the best chance of getting your claim covered quickly and easily. Contact a mechanic for extended-warranty cars to learn more.

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