Dodge is known for building sturdy cars and trucks that stand the test of time. Even with that solid reputation, their cars can still have manufacturer’s defects. That’s why buying a Dodge vehicle service contract, also known as an extended warranty, can often be worthwhile…but is it right for you? Find out in our Dodge extended warranty review!
In this post, we’ll be going over the Dodge extended warranty program. We’ll discuss the coverage that comes with their different plans, explore any perks, and make our recommendation on whether this warranty is a good buy or not.
The Highlights:
- The Dodge warranty program is sold and managed by Mopar, which they readily state in their contract materials.
- There are limitations on where you can take your car, just like other automakers, which can make third-party options more attractive in some situations.
- Their plans are quite customizable, with four tiers of coverage and a wide selection of mileage options.
- We recommend the Dodge extended warranty program primarily due to the degree of customization available in their plans.
Is It Worth Getting a Dodge Extended Warranty?
All Dodge extended warranties are sold and managed by Mopar. This is clearly displayed throughout their materials, so we don’t hold that fact against Dodge.
Mopar offers four tiers of coverage to select from:
- Powertrain Care Plus: As the lowest plan in the Dodge extended protection program, all that’s covered is the powertrain, including the driveline, transmission, and engine.
- Added Care: This plan includes everything in the above tier, with the addition of some electrical systems, cooling systems, and brakes.
- Added Care Plus: Everything above is included in this plan, in addition to the luxury group of materials, expanded electrical systems, and instrument panels.
- Maximum Care: Sold with the slogan “if it’s mechanical, it’s covered,” this program boasts that it includes 5,000 components. Those components consist of everything in the above plans, plus manual interior mechanisms, body mechanisms, and safety systems.
Dodge makes a point of stating that their plans do not cover any maintenance services or any standard wear items, like brake pads and belts. We’d also like to highlight that all these plans only cover manufacturer’s defects. Abuse, neglect, and misuse issues are not covered.
For those looking to dive deeper into what’s covered, you can view the Mopar sales brochure. Coverage is discussed on page 5 of their materials.
When it comes to term lengths, there are multiple options available. You can even choose to have unlimited mileage covered. All these selections will play a role in the calculation of the final price for the warranty.
Mopar sweetens the deal with a selection of bonuses:
- Warranties are transferable with a $50 fee.
- Trip interruption coverage up to $1,000 to cover meals and lodging is provided.
- 24/7 roadside assistance, which covers flat tire changes (you have to bring the spare), battery jumps, and towing to a repair shop, is available.
- Allowance is given for a rental car while covered repairs are happening, up to $35 per day with a maximum of $175.
Bonuses are great, but we don’t think they should influence your decision to buy an extended warranty. Get quotes, compare coverage, and consider prices. Let any perks just be icing on the cake.
We aren’t talking about prices in our Dodge extended warranty review because, as we mentioned in another post about vehicle service contracts, prices vary from car to car. They are based on the VIN and mileage of the vehicle. You’ll need to ask for several quotes to compare prices and coverage.
It’s worth mentioning that coverage for all Dodge extended warranty plans begins when you buy the warranty. This means that there could very well be overlap with your existing manufacturer’s warranty.
Is the Dodge extended protection plan worth it? We think so. They have great coverage that is fully customizable, so it’ll fit most budgets. You’ll need to get a quote for your specific car to see if Mopar can give you a price that will win you over.
Dodge Extended Warranty vs. Third-Party Extended Warranty
Mopar might administer the Dodge warranty, but it’s not considered a third-party warranty. It’s actually more of a partnership between Dodge and Mopar. This means that all repairs must still be done at a Dodge dealership.
Conversely, third-party extended warranties will cover you for repairs done at most auto repair shops, as long as they are licensed by ASE, AAA, or RepairPal. Most third-party vendors will pay for repairs directly; you won’t have to pay for the repairs yourself and then get reimbursed.
With the Mopar warranties, covered repairs are reimbursed to you if you must take your vehicle to a shop outside of the dealership network. For example, if you’re on a road trip and your car breaks down, there might not be a Dodge dealership nearby. For covered repairs, you’ll have to obtain prior authorization, pay the bill yourself, and then file for reimbursement.
Third-party warranties are sometimes a better choice, depending your distance from a Dodge dealership. Keep this in mind when shopping around.
What is Covered Under a Pre-Owned Dodge Extended Warranty?
All Dodge certified pre-owned vehicles are eligible for a Dodge extended protection plan, but not all of Mopar’s plans are available to choose from. Only the top two tiers can be selected: Added Care Plus and Maximum Care.
If you’re financing your CPO vehicle, it’s worth taking note that Mopar also offers GAP insurance. Depending on the amount of equity you’ve put into the car, it might be worth bundling this with your Dodge vehicle service contract.
Do We Recommend a Dodge Vehicle Service Contract?
What’s the bottom line of our Dodge extended warranty review? We recommend Dodge extended warranties. We appreciate that they’re upfront and honest about their partnership with Mopar, instead of tucking that fact away in a contract like other automakers often do.
Mopar offers plenty of customization to their plans. The main drawback to working with them is that you are limited on where you can take your vehicle when repairs are needed. If you don’t have a Dodge dealership nearby, a third-party warranty might be a better option.
If you’re looking for more choices, we offer vehicle service contracts through our reputable vendors. With transparent pricing and clear coverage, we make things easy. We’ll even provide a completely free consultation to help you decide on the best extended warranty for you, even if it’s not the one we’re offering. You can reach out to us today to schedule a consultation call.
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