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Motorpoint Extended Warranty Explained

21/01/2009

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When purchasing a vehicle from Motorpoint, you're not just getting a car; you're investing in reliable transportation. To ensure that reliability extends well into your ownership, Motorpoint offers an optional Motorpoint Extended Warranty. This comprehensive cover is designed to protect you and your vehicle against a range of potential issues, offering significant peace of mind and potentially saving you substantial amounts on unexpected repair bills. Whether you've opted for a zippy electric vehicle (EV), a robust petrol model, or an efficient diesel car, Motorpoint has an extended warranty solution tailored to your needs.

What is a vehicle warranty?
Every brand new car and van we sell comes with a manufacturer warranty of at least three years, although some manufacturers offer longer warranties. This covers you against the parts and labour costs associated with repairing any faults caused by a manufacturing defect.
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Understanding the Motorpoint Extended Warranty

Every car sold by Motorpoint comes with a complimentary three-month warranty, provided it's no longer covered by the manufacturer's original warranty. The Motorpoint Extended Warranty is an additional, optional product that builds upon this initial cover. It's specifically crafted to shield you from the financial impact of mechanical and electrical failures, unexpected breakdowns, and even failed MOT tests. This means you can drive away from the dealership with confidence, knowing you have a robust support system in place.

Key Benefits and What's Included

The Motorpoint Extended Warranty is designed to be as inclusive as possible, covering a wide array of components and services. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

  • All Mechanical and Electrical Parts: This is the core of the warranty. It covers a vast range of mechanical and electrical components. Crucially, VAT is included in the cover, and there is no cap on labour charges, meaning you won't face unexpected extra costs for the labour involved in fitting replacement parts.
  • Unlimited Claims: You can make as many claims as you need throughout the warranty period. This offers true security, as you won't be limited if multiple issues arise.
  • High Claim Limit: The maximum you can claim for any single warranty item is the cost of the vehicle itself. For example, if you purchased your car for £17,000, the maximum payout for a single repair would be £17,000.
  • Repairs at VAT-Registered Garages: You have the freedom to have your car repaired at any VAT-registered garage across the UK. This provides flexibility and ensures you can use a trusted local mechanic.
  • European Cover: Enjoy peace of mind when travelling abroad, with 60 days of European mechanical and electrical cover included.
  • Consequential Damage Cover: This is a vital benefit. If a covered part fails and, as a direct result, damages another part of your car, the warranty will cover the repair or replacement of both the original failed part and the subsequently damaged part.
  • MOT Test Guarantee: For added reassurance, the warranty includes £750 of cover to help your car pass its MOT if it fails. This benefit can be claimed once per year.
  • 24-Hour Breakdown Assistance: Receive round-the-clock breakdown support, including priority assistance for vulnerable travellers.
  • Hire Car Contribution: Up to seven days of hire car contribution is available, helping you stay mobile while your vehicle is being repaired.

It's important to note that while the warranty is extensive, wear and tear is generally excluded from the cover. This is standard practice for most automotive warranties.

Warranty Duration and Start Dates

You can choose to purchase a Motorpoint Extended Warranty for 1, 2, 3, or 4 years. The warranty period commences the day after your car's initial three-month Motorpoint Warranty expires, or immediately after the manufacturer's warranty concludes, whichever is later. This ensures continuous cover. Consequently, on your invoice, you might see terms like 15, 27, 39, or 51 months, reflecting the initial free period plus the extended warranty duration.

Breakdown Cover Details

The included breakdown assistance is a comprehensive service designed to get you back on the road quickly and efficiently. It covers:

  • Roadside Recovery: This includes assistance if you run out of fuel. Your vehicle will be repaired at the roadside if possible. If not, it will be transported to the nearest suitable garage, your home, or your intended destination.
  • Home Assist: If your car breaks down at home or within a mile of your home, it can be repaired on-site. If not, it will be taken to the nearest garage.
  • Overnight Accommodation: A contribution of £25 per person for one night is provided for you and up to five passengers if you are stranded more than a specified distance from home.
  • Caravan and Trailer Towing: If you're travelling with a caravan or trailer up to 23ft long, it will be towed along with your vehicle at no additional cost.

Both your warranty claims and breakdown cover can be initiated immediately after you collect your car, offering instant protection.

Covered Parts: Petrol, Diesel, and Electric Vehicles

Motorpoint provides detailed lists of covered parts in their Terms and Conditions. However, here’s a general overview of the types of components included for different vehicle types:

Petrol and Diesel Cars:

The coverage for petrol and diesel vehicles is extensive and includes, but is not limited to:

Component CategoryExamples
Engine InternalsCrankshaft, camshafts, pistons, cylinder heads
Fuel SystemFuel injectors, fuel pump, fuel lines
Cooling SystemRadiator, water pump, thermostat housing
TransmissionManual and automatic gearboxes, clutch (mechanical issues only, excluding wear and tear), torque converter
Braking SystemABS components (factory fitted), brake callipers, master cylinder
Electrical SystemStarter motor, alternator, ignition system, central locking motors, electric window motors, multi-function stalk switch, sunroof switch
Suspension and SteeringCoil springs, shock absorbers, steering rack, power steering pump
Air ConditioningFactory-fitted A/C components
TurbochargerFactory-fitted turbochargers
DiagnosticsUp to 1 hour of diagnostic time covered in the event of a valid claim
Working MaterialsIncluded in repair costs

Electric Cars (EVs):

The warranty for EVs is specifically adapted to their unique components and includes:

Component CategoryExamples
PowertrainElectric motors, gearbox, inverter, torque reducer, high voltage traction battery (with a £1,500 claim limit for overhaul/repair due to failure or severe degradation), battery cooling system, charging module, charging cables
Transmission ComponentsGearbox sensors and wiring, torque reducer and gearbox gaskets
Electrical SystemsHigh voltage/low voltage convertors, power distribution units, control units, engine (electric) gearbox sensors and wiring
Suspension and SteeringAll steering components, suspension system components, wheel bearings and hubs
Ancillary ElectricalsNavigation systems, audio and phone systems, mobile charging units, instrument panels, multifunction displays, parking lane assist, reversing cameras, cruise control systems, airbag systems
OtherWindscreen wiper motors, rear windscreen wiper motor, heating pump, motor & gearbox cooling system, central locking motors, braking systems

Note: Clutch coverage for both petrol/diesel and EV models typically covers mechanical issues only and excludes problems arising from general wear and tear, such as worn clutch plates.

Making a Claim on Your Warranty

The process for making a warranty claim is designed to be straightforward. You can find detailed instructions on Motorpoint's 'how to claim' page. For MOT insurance claims, you need to submit them within 30 days of the MOT failure. For all other warranty claims, it is important to report the fault no later than 14 days after you discover it.

Maintaining Your Warranty Validity

To ensure your Motorpoint Extended Warranty remains valid, adherence to a few key conditions is essential:

  • Regular Servicing: You must keep your car serviced in line with the manufacturer's recommended schedule and guidelines.
  • Service History: If your vehicle has no prior service history, or if the history is incomplete, the car must undergo its first service at a VAT-registered garage within 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first) from the date of purchase. Subsequent servicing must also adhere to the manufacturer's specifications or be carried out every 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever is sooner).

Failing to maintain the correct service history can invalidate your warranty, so it's crucial to keep all service records organised and up-to-date.

Cost of the Motorpoint Extended Warranty

The cost of the Motorpoint Extended Warranty varies depending on the vehicle type and whether it has existing manufacturer warranty cover. The good news is that the cost can often be incorporated into your finance agreement, allowing you to spread the payments. Here are the indicative costs:

For Vehicles WITHOUT Manufacturer's Warranty:

Term (Extended Warranty)Cost
1 year, 3 months (Total Cover)£499
2 years, 3 months (Total Cover)£699
3 years, 3 months (Total Cover)£899
4 years, 3 months (Total Cover)£1,199

*Includes the free three-month Motorpoint warranty.

For Vehicles WITH Manufacturer's Warranty:

Term (Extended Warranty)Cost
1 year£499
2 years£699
3 years£899
4 years£1,199

Cost for Petrol and Diesel Cars (Varies by Vehicle Value):

Term (Extended Warranty)Cost
Vehicle Value
below £10k
Vehicle Value
above £10k
1 year, 3 months (Total Cover)£399£499
2 years, 3 months (Total Cover)£599£699
3 years, 3 months (Total Cover)£799£899
4 years, 3 months (Total Cover)£1,099£1,199

*Includes the free three-month Motorpoint warranty.

Cost for Electric Cars (EVs) (Varies by Vehicle Value):

The pricing structure for EV extended warranties follows a similar pattern to petrol and diesel cars, with costs varying based on vehicle value and whether manufacturer warranty is still active. Please refer to the general tables above for indicative pricing, as the core terms and durations are consistent.

Is the Motorpoint Extended Warranty Worth It?

Considering the potential cost of modern car repairs, a Motorpoint Extended Warranty can represent excellent value for money. For instance, a one-year warranty starts from around £399. Compare this to the cost of a gearbox repair, which can range from £1,500 to £6,000, or an alternator replacement, which could cost upwards of £1,500, and the savings can be substantial. Even a starter motor repair can set you back between £240 and £1,570. By investing in an extended warranty, you are essentially hedging against these potentially crippling repair bills, ensuring your budget remains stable and your driving experience is uninterrupted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between the free three-month warranty and the extended warranty?

The free three-month warranty offers basic cover for a limited period. The Motorpoint Extended Warranty is an optional, paid product that significantly extends the duration and scope of cover, including more components, longer terms, and additional benefits like the MOT test guarantee and enhanced breakdown assistance.

Can I purchase the extended warranty at any time?

The Motorpoint Extended Warranty is typically purchased at the time of vehicle sale. It's best to discuss your options with your sales advisor to ensure you get the cover that best suits your needs from the outset.

What is not covered by the warranty?

As standard, wear and tear items are excluded. Specific exclusions will be detailed in the policy's Terms and Conditions, so it's always advisable to read these carefully. Common exclusions can include routine maintenance parts (like spark plugs, filters), cosmetic damage, and damage caused by misuse or lack of maintenance.

How do I keep my warranty valid?

The key is to ensure your vehicle is serviced regularly according to the manufacturer's schedule and to report any faults promptly. Failure to maintain the service history can invalidate the warranty.

Does the warranty cover my electric vehicle (EV)?

Yes, Motorpoint offers specific extended warranty cover for electric vehicles, which includes the unique components of EVs such as the high-voltage battery, charging systems, and electric motors. A specific claim limit applies to the traction battery.

In conclusion, the Motorpoint Extended Warranty is a valuable addition for any car buyer seeking long-term protection and financial security against unexpected mechanical and electrical issues. Its comprehensive coverage, flexible terms, and added benefits like breakdown assistance make it a worthwhile consideration for ensuring your motoring remains smooth and worry-free.

If you want to read more articles similar to Motorpoint Extended Warranty Explained, you can visit the Automotive category.

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