Disclosure: This content was produced by an independent editorial party for the purposes of educating our customers, and is not influenced by the other business operations of CARCHEX.
An extended car warranty is protection from the vehicle manufacturer against mechanical breakdowns. This term is sometimes incorrectly used to describe coverage from third-party providers, which offer similar protection plans called vehicle service contracts. CARCHEX is a vehicle service contract provider.
Each new Volkswagen comes with four years or 50,000 miles of new vehicle limited warranty coverage, but after that, you’ll have to cover repairs on your own. The alternative is to purchase a Volkswagen extended warranty from the company or a vehicle service contract from an independent provider—both of which can provide protection for your vehicle long after its original coverage has expired.
In this article, we’ll explain various details about Volkswagen’s extended coverage options. We will also highlight how CARCHEX can offer quality protection for your Volkswagen.
How Long Is the Volkswagen Factory Warranty?
Most new Volkswagen vehicle owners will receive a four-year/50,000-mile manufacturer’s warranty that includes comprehensive and powertrain coverage. While bumper-to-bumper coverage is slightly longer than the industry average, you’ll receive a somewhat shorter powertrain warranty than the average driver.
Most automakers offer the following factory warranty coverage terms:
- Bumper-to-bumper coverage: 3 years/36,000 miles
- Powertrain coverage: 5 years/60,000 miles
Because the Volkswagen warranty isn’t especially generous, a Volkswagen extended warranty might be a strong choice for new VW owners.
Volkswagen Extended Warranty Coverage
Volkswagen dealerships offer extended warranties known as Volkswagen Drive Easy Vehicle Service Protection Plans. You can receive up to 10 years or 150,000 miles of coverage that includes mechanical repairs along with parts and labor.
There are three options for Volkswagen extended warranties from the automaker. We’ve outlined some key details of each below:
Platinum |
Covers everything except a small list of exclusions as outlined in the Customer Agreement |
|---|---|
Gold |
Powertrain coverage plus climate control, front and rear suspensions, fuel system, and electrical components |
Powertrain |
Covers the engine, transmission, drive axle, and hybrid or electrical system |
While you’ll receive relatively strong coverage through the VW coverage plan, there are a few exclusions. The Volkswagen extended warranty doesn’t cover pre–existing conditions or mechanical breakdowns caused by lack of maintenance, accidents, weather-related issues, or vandalism. Issues with upholstery, paint, tires, and glass aren’t covered, either.
Volkswagen Extended Warranty Benefits
The plans above are part of the Volkswagen Drive Easy Program and include perks like 24/7 roadside assistance, towing services, rental car reimbursement, trip interruption benefits, and fuel and fluid deliveries. While VW extended warranties are transferable, there’s a fee of $50 when doing so.
Used cars and certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles receive similar coverage to what’s offered by these Volkswagen extended warranty plans.
Volkswagen Extended Warranty Cost
While there’s no set cost for Volkswagen vehicle protection plans, it’s typical for drivers to spend between $1,500 and $2,500 in total for coverage. Actual rates may vary based on your car’s make and model year, its reliability, and the scope and length of the coverage you desire.
Note that Volkswagen extended warranties are often more expensive than protection from the best vehicle service contract companies. You’ll also be limited to Volkswagen’s three choices rather than the flexibility and accessibility of third-party providers.
Volkswagen Extended Warranty Deductibles
If you purchase Volkswagen extended warranty coverage from the dealership, you’ll select a coverage level and pay a deductible rather than repair costs. The VW warranty deductible options are $0, $100 disappearing, $100, or $250 per visit, but you’ll get charged $50 if you’re part of the CPO Service Protection program.
How to Get a Deal on a Volkswagen Extended Warranty
To find the best car warranty for your Volkswagen model, follow the tips outlined below:
- Buy an extended warranty before factory coverage ends—Your vehicle service contract will likely cost less if you buy it early. That’s because your car has less miles and years on it, giving it a lower rate for coverage than down the line.
- Perform extensive research—Doing research on each Volkswagen extended warranty option will almost always give you a lower final rate. That’s because Volkswagen dealers could offer higher prices if you don’t know what a competitive rate looks like.
- Consider third-party providers—You’ll often pay higher rates if you head to the dealership for a Volkswagen extended warranty. After all, your coverage will be rolled into your car payment, causing you to pay interest on the warranty. Some dealers pressure buyers to select warranty coverage right when purchasing the car, but this isn’t necessary and is rarely a good idea.
Is the Volkswagen Extended Warranty Worth It?
When your factory warranty ends, a Volkswagen extended warranty or vehicle service contract is the easiest way to cover costly repair bills. That’s because it replaces steep and unexpected upfront payments with a low monthly rate for auto repairs. Many Volkswagen owners believe that extended coverage is worth it due to this added peace of mind.
Determining whether extended coverage is worth it for you boils down to how comfortable you are paying for sudden expensive repair costs out of pocket versus paying for service coverage consistently over a few years.
Volkswagen Average Repair Costs
The longer you keep your Volkswagen, the more likely that costly vehicle repairs become. According to RepairPal*, the cost of maintaining and repairing Volkswagens averages out to $676 per year when considering all the models. The average repair cost across all models is $652.
Below are some common Volkswagen replacement cost ranges for different car parts, based by model:
Volkswagen Model |
Vehicle Part Replacement |
Cost Range Average |
|---|---|---|
Tiguan |
$140–$175 |
|
Touareg |
$472–$586 |
|
Atlas |
$661–$742 |
|
Beetle |
$708–$889 |
|
Cabrio |
$1,570–$1,701 |
|
Jetta |
$1,791–$1,816 |
*All cost data comes from RepairPal, an automotive repair service and maintenance research site.
Remember that each model has its own parts, so the repair bill for a Volkswagen Atlas may look different than for a Golf, for example.
A Volkswagen extended warranty from the automaker itself will cover most of these costs, but only if you head to a licensed VW dealership and use genuine company parts. On the other hand, third-party providers like CARCHEX let you have repairs done by any mechanic using whichever parts you prefer.
Tips for Buying a Volkswagen Vehicle Service Contract
Many companies offer vehicle service contracts*, so it can be tough to learn which extended protection plans are reputable. Below are features to look for in the contract’s fine print as you shop for coverage:
- Your plan shouldn’t have exclusions for major mechanical repairs.
- You should receive a 30-day or 60-day money-back guarantee.
- Deductibles should only be charged during eligible repair visits.
- A good vehicle protection plan covers the costs of towing, rental cars, and meals and lodging during mechanical breakdowns.
- Avoid plans that only cover repairs at the dealer of purchase or a single brand.
- Your Volkswagen service contract should pay the repair shop directly.
- The contract provider should be backed by reputable automotive industry leaders.
*Plans offered by third-party vehicle repair service companies are not extended warranties, but are often referred to by consumers as such. Independent companies (like CARCHEX) that aren’t car manufacturers (like Volkswagen) offer vehicle service contracts (also called “protection plans”). These contracts serve the same function as extended warranties and provide repair coverage for mechanical breakdowns after factory warranties expire.
Why Choose CARCHEX?
CARCHEX is the market’s best vehicle service contract company due to its combination of quality coverage, reasonable rates, and stellar customer service. Below are a few data points that reveal how CARCHEX compares to the competition:
Updated September 2024
CARCHEX Customer Service
CARCHEX puts “Customer Experience Above All” and emphasizes both value and flexibility. Below are a few examples of how we place our policyholders first:
- Affordable payment plans—Our monthly payment plans and lack of down payments help you to avoid pricey out-of-pocket repair bills.
- Your choice of repair shop—There’s no need to head to a specific dealership with CARCHEX, as we’ll let you take your car to almost any mechanic.
- Direct payments to repair facilities—You won’t be required to foot the bill and wait for claims reimbursements with CARCHEX.
- 30-day money-back guarantee—We stand behind our products and services, so you’ll get a full refund if you aren’t fully satisfied during the first month.
- Exceptional customer service—CARCHEX holds an A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and policyholders usually give us high marks for responsiveness.
- Trusted industry partners—CARCHEX has been endorsed by industry leaders such as the Vehicle Protection Association, Edmunds.com, and CARFAX.
- Low prices every day—Our agents will give you our lowest price upfront, so you won’t need to haggle for the best rates.
- Included benefits—All of our extended vehicle protection plans come with 24-hour roadside assistance, gas deliveries, trip interruption benefits, and towing services.
- Free, customized quotes—CARCHEX will tailor quotes to your budget, vehicle make and model, and coverage preferences when you give us a call.
CARCHEX Extended Vehicle Protection Plans
When you get a vehicle service contract from CARCHEX, you’ll be protected from unexpected mechanical breakdowns. The table below explains our five customizable levels of coverage, which range from coverage for just your car’s most vital components to the entire vehicle (with a small list of exclusions).
CARCHEX Coverage Level |
Description |
|---|---|
Titanium |
This covers all components of the vehicle except a small list of exclusions outlined in the contract. |
Platinum |
As the highest level of stated-component coverage*, this service plan covers hundreds of components across all major systems in the car. |
Powertrain Plus |
This mid-tier level covers the powertrain of your vehicle and adds on some major systems and parts, such as the A/C, and the electrical, cooling, and fuel systems. |
Powertrain |
One of the cheaper plans, the CARCHEX Powertrain plan will cover your car’s most vital and expensive components, such as the engine, transmission, drive axle, and transfer unit. |
Extra Care |
Working outside of the powertrain of your vehicle, Extra Care provides protection for other components and systems, such as steering, suspension, and the electrical and braking systems. |
*Stated-component coverage refers to any car warranty or vehicle service contract that states everything it covers within the contract—so if you don’t see the car part listed, it isn’t covered. This is in contrast to exclusionary coverage, which only lists the vehicle components it doesn’t cover in the contract.
Sources:
RepairPal:
https://repairpal.com/volkswagen
RepairPal:
https://repairpal.com/estimator/volkswagen/tiguan/stabilizer-bushing-replacement-cost
RepairPal:
https://repairpal.com/estimator/volkswagen/touareg/window-regulator-motor-replacement-cost
RepairPal:
https://repairpal.com/estimator/volkswagen/atlas/fuel-level-sending-unit-replacement-cost
RepairPal:
https://repairpal.com/estimator/volkswagen/beetle/engine-front-cover-gasket-replacement-cost
RepairPal:
https://repairpal.com/estimator/volkswagen/cabrio/clutch-replacement-cost
RepairPal:
https://repairpal.com/estimator/volkswagen/cabrio/clutch-replacement-cost
Volkswagen:
https://www.vw.com/en/owners-and-services/ownership-benefits.html
Volkswagen:
https://purchase.vwdriveeasy.com/pdf/vw-brochure.pdf