For many, a van is more than just a mode of transport: it’s an essential part of earning a living. From electricians to window cleaners, builders and couriers, vans are an indispensable tool of the trade.
But they’re usually taken for granted. They typically live hard lives and, even if they’re well looked after, they’re bound to require some kind of mechanical attention beyond regular servicing. This is where warranties come in.
Instead of being hit with a nasty repair bill out of the blue, with a warranty you’ll instead pay monthly to cover the cost of any future repairs that are required. Good van warranties will cover all kinds of different components, from the engine to the electronics – and if something fails, you’ll be able to claim on your warranty instead of having to foot the bill yourself.
That’s the theory, anyway. But if you end up with the wrong type of warranty or don’t read the small print carefully, you may end up inadvertently paying for a warranty scheme that’s about as useful as a chocolate teapot. To help you navigate through the minefield of different warranty options available, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide that tells you everything you need to know. From the different types of warranties to the extent of their coverage, we’re going to run through all of the essentials so you don’t get caught out.
What are the different types of van warranties?
To kick things off, let’s look at the different types of van warranties and the differences between them. The first of these is a manufacturer warranty, which is included as standard with the purchase of a brand-new van. It doesn’t matter which brand you choose, your new van will come with a warranty of some description – though the quality of these schemes does vary.
Generally speaking, manufacturer warranties last for between three and five years which, if you’re leasing, will probably be enough to see you through until you come to purchase another van. With that said, some manufacturer warranties have mileage limitations and won’t cover components you might expect them to – so reading the small print is key here. To give you an idea of what to expect, brands like Citroen, Nissan and Toyota each offer five-year warranties with varying mileage limits, while others (notably Vauxhall, Volkswagen, Peugeot, Fiat and Ford) only include three-year warranties as standard.
If you’re buying second-hand, a manufacturer warranty might not be an option. Typically, the only used vans to come with one are those supplied through the manufacturer’s own approved used schemes – but there are other options available for second-hand vans. The first of these is an independent dealer warranty, which is commonly included with the purchase of a used van from a local, third-party dealership. Make no mistake, though: these warranties aren’t as robust as the ones you’d get on a new vehicle. They usually only last for three months at most, and tend not to cover as many mechanical components either.
Still want to purchase a used van but want lasting, comprehensive warranty coverage to go with it? You’ll need to take out an aftermarket extended warranty from a third-party specialist like MotorEasy or Warrantywise. The level of cover you’ll be able to get depends on the age and mileage of your van; older, higher mileage models often aren’t eligible for aftermarket warranties at all. However, if your van is younger than 15 years old and has done less than 150,000 miles, you should find it easy to get coverage.
As you’d expect, these third-party used vehicle warranties are rarely as comprehensive as those offered on new vehicles – but they’re the next best thing. Buying a quality used van and investing in a warranty is a great way to save money and enjoy some of the peace of mind you’d expect when buying new.
How much does a van warranty cost?
When it comes to new vans, warranties come at no extra cost. The same usually applies to used vans bought at independent dealerships too, but you may be given the option to extend this warranty at additional cost.
Aftermarket extended warranties are the only type you’ll have to pay monthly or yearly for, with costs varying depending on the level of cover you choose, the make and model of your van and its age and mileage. It’ll be more expensive to get a warranty on an older, higher mileage van than a younger equivalent, simply because older vans are more likely to go wrong (statistically, anyway).
That’s why this isn’t a simple question to answer – warranty costs are so variable, just like insurance. In order to find out how much an extended warranty will cost you, you’ll need to get personalised quotes online. Warranty providers will typically want to know the registration number of your vehicle, how many miles it’s covered, its engine size and fuel type, date of manufacture and approximate retail value. Make sure you have all of this information handy before you go shopping for quotes.
What is and isn’t covered by a van warranty?
Again, this is a tricky one to answer. Some warranties cover more than others, so you’ll need to think carefully about your choice of warranty scheme before you sign on the metaphorical dotted line.
A good warranty should cover all of the key areas listed below:
- Engine and transmission
- Suspension and steering components
- Braking system
- Cooling system
- Fuel system
- Electrics
It’s worth noting that most warranties don’t cover ‘wear and tear’ items – things like brake discs and pads, exhaust silencers, catalytic converters, batteries and tyres. They typically won’t cover cosmetic damage to the bodywork or interior, either.
In order to claim on your warranty and get any remedial work done without footing the bill yourself, you may have to use one of your warranty provider’s pre-approved workshops. So, if you have a favourite local garage you trust, it’s worth checking whether they’re on that list of approved businesses. If they’re not, you may be able to get the work done and claim the cost back from your warranty provider after the fact.
Do I need a warranty for a new van?
A warranty is by no means a legal requirement like insurance is. You don’t have to have a warranty by law, but the question is, should you?
Well, if you use your van daily and depend on it to put food on the table, we’d argue that investing in a warranty makes a lot of sense. If you’re buying a new van, you’ll get a warranty thrown in anyway – but if you’re buying second-hand, taking out an extended warranty will give you added peace of mind should disaster strike.
Ask yourself this: what would happen if your van suffered an engine or gearbox failure? Would you have the spare cash to get it fixed and back on the road straight away? If not, a warranty is a sound idea. Even if the worst happens, all it takes is a call to your warranty provider: you won’t have to worry about shelling out thousands of pounds to get your van moving again.
You should also ask yourself how much faith you have in your van. If your chosen model performs well in reliability surveys and has never let you down, you might feel less inclined to take out an extended warranty. On the flip side, if you own a van with a less enviable reputation, a warranty starts to make even more sense.
What else should I be aware of when buying a van warranty?
The main thing to remember is that not all van warranties are equal – not by any means. Don’t be fooled by glitzy promotional material or celebrity endorsements: read the fine print and make sure you know exactly what you’re getting before you take out an extended warranty.
If you’re not convinced by one brand’s offering, there are plenty of other options available. Extended warranties are pretty popular nowadays so you won’t be short of choice, no matter the age, make and model of your vehicle. You can even look at price comparison sites to see which warranties come out on top in terms of value, helping you narrow down your options and saving you valuable time.
If you’re struggling to decide between different warranty providers, look out for additional perks like roadside assistance and recovery, the provision of a courtesy van and the coverage of any onward travel costs. Combined, these little extras could save you a whole lot of money when your van lets you down.
Don’t forget your van insurance
While you’re on price comparison sites, don’t forget to get insurance quotes for your new van. Unlike a warranty, insurance is a legal requirement, so make sure you don’t get caught without it! If you do, you could be facing a £300 fine and six penalty points on your licence, pushing your renewal cost up significantly.
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We hope our guide has helped demystify the world of van warranties for you. At Cars2buy, we’re in the business of demystifying van leasing too: we offer the hottest finance deals on new vans from dealerships across the UK, bringing them all to you in one, convenient place.
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