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.
From paying for gas and car insurance to getting oil changes and tire rotations, car maintenance costs can really add up. The last thing you want to do is pay for unexpected repairs and replacements.
When it comes to protecting your Volvo, you’ll want to find the best comprehensive coverage out there. The Volvo warranty doesn’t cover every repair or replacement—and it doesn’t last the car’s lifetime.
Volvo New Car Warranty
Every owner of a new Volvo gets the standard Volvo New Vehicle Warranties that protect you from paying for repairs or replacements due to defective materials or workmanship. Terms are measured in years or miles, whichever comes first.
Volvo Warranty |
Term and Mileage Limits |
Description |
|---|---|---|
New Vehicle Limited Warranty |
4 years/ |
Starting on the purchase date, almost your entire vehicle is protected through this warranty, known as “bumper-to-bumper” coverage. It also includes any Genuine Volvo Accessories. Powertrain coverage is wrapped into this. Any exceptions are specifically listed in your owner’s manual (see below). |
Battery Warranty |
4 years/ |
This warranty offers full coverage for defective batteries. |
Volvo Lifetime Parts & Labor Warranty |
Unlimited time and miles |
This warranty covers a long list of parts that are covered if installed at an authorized Volvo dealer, such as batteries, brake pads, timing belts, filters, wiper blades, spark plugs, and more. Keep in mind that it doesn’t cover accessories, wear items, or consumables, and isn’t transferable. |
Adjustments |
1 year/ |
Minor repairs that don’t require full replacements are covered. |
Seat Belts and Supplemental Restraint Systems |
5 years/ |
This covers defective seat belts or related parts. |
Corrosion Protection |
12 years/ |
Defective or perforated (rusted-through) painted body sheet metal panels are covered. |
Tow For Life |
Unlimited |
This complimentary service provides towing to any Volvo dealership within a 25-mile radius. It will apply to your Volvo even after the factory warranty expires. |
Volvo Roadside Assistance Plus |
4 years/ |
This emergency service gives you access to an operator and other perks, like fuel deliveries, battery jump-starts, flat-tire changes, and more. |
Factory Scheduled Maintenance |
3 years/ |
The first three maintenance services at 10,000, 20,000, and 30,000 miles are included free of charge. The major stipulation is that you must schedule your maintenance services with an authorized Volvo dealer. |
Emission Defects and Performance |
2 years/ |
These required Federal warranties cover a long list of emissions control parts such as the:
See your specific warranty to understand the term difference for each part. |
California Emissions Warranty |
3 years/ |
Cars registered in certain states follow these warranties, which cover similar emissions parts, but for slightly different terms. Here are the states where this warranty applies:
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Hybrid Volvo vehicles have additional hybrid battery protection, lasting 8 years/100,000 miles. The terms are even longer with the California Hybrid Battery Warranty at 10 years/150,000 miles.
If you decide to sell your Volvo while it’s still under warranty, the remainder of the coverage can be transferred to the new owner.
What’s Not Included in a Volvo Warranty?
As with all warranties, there are a few select items, issues, and systems that won’t be covered. Volvo’s exclusions are standard for the industry, excluding some things that would often be covered by car insurance, for example. Below are the major items/systems your Volvo warranty won’t take care of:
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How Does Volvo’s Warranty Compare?
Unlike many manufacturer warranties, Volvo’s new car warranty doesn’t have a long powertrain warranty. Coverage is wrapped into the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, lasting only 4 years/50,000 miles. This is short for powertrain coverage and relatively average for bumper-to-bumper coverage.
However, the included factory–scheduled maintenance is a bonus for Volvo owners. Outside of these differences, the rest of the warranty is pretty standard across new car warranties.
Common Costs of Volvo Repairs and Replacements
Your Volvo warranty will cover many repairs, but it’s not a reliable long-term solution. Even reliable cars are more likely to break down as they age, and many times, that’s after the warranty expires.
Common problems associated with Volvos are transmission shifting issues and transmission failure. Costs vary depending on the make, model, and mechanic, but to give you a quick look, here are the average repair costs per year for various Volvo models, according to RepairPal*:
- Volvo 940: $467 per year
- Volvo XC90: $851 per year
- Volvo V40: $547 per year
- Volvo V60: $1,057 per year
- Volvo S90: $522 per year
On average, Volvo cars cost an annual $769 in repairs, which is more expensive than some of the best extended warranty options.
*RepairPal is a trusted repair and maintenance research site for the automotive market.
What Is Volvo’s Extended Warranty?
Volvo’s extended warranty is called Volvo Increased Protection (VIP). Depending on your vehicle, make, and model, you could get up to seven years or 150,000 miles of coverage, whichever comes first.
VIP has three coverage levels:
- Platinum VIP Plan: This Volvo Platinum contract is a bumper-to-bumper plan and covers everything in the Gold and Powertrain plans, but excludes dozens of parts, such as solar powered devices, heater and radiator hoses, the exhaust system, and more.
- Gold VIP Plan: This plan covers everything in the Powertrain plan plus steering, brakes, air conditioning, front/rear suspension, and electrical.
- Powertrain VIP Plan: This is Volvo’s extended warranty plan for powertrain parts, including the engine, transmission, transaxle, transfer case, drive axle, and additional hybrid components.
All three plans also include:
- Towing reimbursement of up to $100 per breakdown
- Rental car coverage from up to $40 per day for up to 10 days
- Travel coverage up to $100 a day (maximum of $500 per occurrence) for food and lodging if you’re more than 100 miles from home
The Volvo extended warranty is transferable and can be financed along with your vehicle. However, this can mean you’re paying interest on your extended warranty. Exclusions are similar to the new car Volvo warranty. Like most extended warranties, you select a deductible.
Volvo recommends that you only use authorized Volvo dealerships for repairs. Keep in mind that means you’re limited to Volvo mechanics and replacement parts.
Why Buy Protection Plans Through Third-Party Providers
As an alternative to purchasing a manufacturer extended warranty, it’s worth considering additional coverage from a third-party vehicle service contract provider.
- Can you go to any repair shop? Many VSC providers require pre-approval on repair shops. This can be restricting, especially if you have a preferred mechanic that’s not on the list. Also, you don’t want to end up in the middle of the countryside, unable to get coverage because the only repair shop isn’t approved.
- What parts can you use? If you’re limited to Genuine Volvo parts and accessories, you may be paying more than what you would for an aftermarket or used parts.
- Do you get 24/7 roadside assistance? You want to make sure your service plan includes roadside assistance that’s available at all hours. Like Volvo plans, CARCHEX and other third-party providers have roadside assistance and other perks like rental car reimbursement.
- Is your contract renewable? Many manufacturer’s VSCs have a set term length and end long before your car’s lifespan. VSCs from third parties typically include longer terms and can be purchased at any point, even if your original warranty is expired. The best VSCs allow you to renew your contract, so you don’t have to drive without coverage.
- What’s covered and for how much? Make sure you’re getting comprehensive coverage at a price that fits within your budget. Some manufacturer plans may be more restrictive and expensive than coverage from a third-party provider.
Why to Choose a CARCHEX Extended Vehicle Protection Plan
With an A+ customer service ranking by the Better Business Bureau, CARCHEX is a reputable vehicle service contract company that’s been around for more than 20 years. From powertrain to bumper-to-bumper coverage options, we aim to provide the best affordable, flexible coverage that fits your needs.
Our five coverage options include:
- Titanium Coverage: This is the highest level of coverage offered and includes everything but a list of excluded systems and components.
- Platinum Coverage: Our platinum plan covers most of your vehicle’s major systems.
- Gold Coverage: This is a reliable coverage option for high-mileage vehicles.
- Silver Coverage: This covers your powertrain and a few other major systems.
- Bronze Coverage: Basic powertrain coverage, this covers your vehicle’s most essential systems like the transmission and engine.
Terms are available for up to 10 years for most coverage levels. When you call our experts, they can talk you through which plan fits the needs of your specific vehicle. To learn more and get a free quote, call CARCHEX and discuss the options for your Volvo vehicle today.
With an Extended Vehicle Protection Plan from CARCHEX, you don’t have to stress about paying high repair bills out of pocket. You have an affordable monthly payment and a deductible, which can be as low as $0.
Extra Volvo Protection from CARCHEX
In addition to your choice of coverage, CARCHEX customers enjoy these perks:
- On-the-Road Protection: 24/7 assistance is available to all CARCHEX plan owners and includes emergency tire placement, lockout service, and more.
- Financing Options: When you speak to one of our experts, make sure to ask about different discounts, but also about CARCHEX’s financing options. We promise a No-Haggle, Low-Price Everyday Guarantee™, meaning we won’t pressure you into an expensive contract. You’ll get a competitive price up front.
- Trusted Service: With our extensive experience, CARCHEX is a leader in the industry and considered one of the best extended vehicle protection providers. We’ve partnered with some of the best, trusted companies out there, including Kelley Blue Book, CARFAX, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and more.
- 30-Day Money–Back Guarantee: If you’re not happy with the extended protection for your Volvo within 30 days of signing your contract, we’ll give you a refund. That’s how much we back our products and services.
At CARCHEX, we make it easy to stay protected after your Volvo warranty expires. Our representative can talk you through the contract options and the best payment plans for you. Find out what protection plans are available to you, and get the coverage you need before your next breakdown.
Sources:
Volvo:
https://www.volvocars.com/us/l/factory-scheduled-maintenance/
RepairPal: https://repairpal.com/volvo/940
RepairPal: https://repairpal.com/volvo/xc90
RepairPal: https://repairpal.com/volvo/v40
RepairPal: https://repairpal.com/volvo/v60
RepairPal: https://repairpal.com/volvo/s90
RepairPal: https://repairpal.com/volvo
Better Business Bureau: https://www.bbb.org/us/md/hunt-valley/profile/extended-warranty-contract-service-companies/carchex-0011-23015869