Are You Prepared for a Repair Bill in Your First 12 Months of Ownership?

Buying a car is exciting.
Unexpected repair bills are not.

Warranties are often dismissed as an unnecessary extra, but for many drivers they turn out to be the most important part of the purchase.

The question is simple: could you comfortably cover a major repair in your first year of ownership?

The Reality of Used Car Ownership

Our data shows that 2 in 10 used cars suffer a mechanical or electrical failure every 12 months.

That risk is higher than most people expect.

At the same time, national research shows that one in four adults in the UK is not prepared for an unexpected bill of £850 or more. For many drivers, a single repair can cause real financial stress.

This is not about worst-case scenarios. It is about probability.

Modern Cars Are More Complex Than Ever

Today’s vehicles are packed with technology.

On average, a modern car has around 25,000 moving parts. Engines, gearboxes, sensors, turbos, control modules, and electronics all work together. When something fails, it is rarely cheap.

It is no longer a case of if something will go wrong. It is a case of when.

Why a Warranty Can Matter More Than You Think

A properly structured warranty protects you from sudden, unplanned costs.
A poorly structured one does very little.

That is why understanding what you are being offered matters.

What to Check Before You Buy a Warranty

Not all warranties are created equal. Before agreeing to cover, there are a few critical questions you should ask.

1. Are the essential parts covered?
At a minimum, check cover includes major components such as:

• Engine

• Transmission

• Turbochargers

If these are excluded or heavily restricted, the warranty may not offer meaningful protection.

2. What labour rate does the warranty pay?
Some warranties cap labour rates well below real-world garage costs. This can leave you paying the difference even when a claim is approved.

3. What is the claim limit?
Ask how much the warranty will pay per claim and whether that limit includes diagnostic fees. Diagnostics alone can be expensive on modern vehicles.

4. What is the provider’s track record?
Google reviews are one of the clearest indicators of how a warranty company behaves when something goes wrong.

Look for patterns around:

• Claims being paid

• Communication quality

• Speed of resolution

Reviews often tell you far more than marketing material.

A Warranty Should Reduce Stress, Not Create It

The right warranty gives peace of mind and financial protection.
The wrong one creates arguments, delays, and disappointment.

Understanding what you are buying puts you in control and avoids unpleasant surprises later.

If you want to learn more about how a warranty company should operate and what fair cover really looks like, explore our resources to make an informed decision.