Is Buick’s Extended Warranty or Protection Plan Worth Buying?

What IS Included with the Buick Extended Warranty

The extended limited warranty goes beyond the automaker’s bumper-to-bumper manufacturer’s warranty and lasts five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. This equals the duration of the powertrain warranty. The extended limited warranty is basically an extension of the bumper-to-bumper warranty.

Warranted repairs are made using new, remanufactured, or refurbished parts, and there is no deductible for the repairs. If you decide to sell your Buick while it’s still under warranty, the coverage is transferable to a private party.  You can cancel the coverage and receive a full refund if you do so within 60 days of purchase. After that, you will receive a prorated refund.

The extended limited warranty is not available for vehicles sold in California, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, and Minnesota.

Protection Plan Coverage

Buick’s protection plan has varying terms of service: two years/24,000 miles, three years/36,000 miles, four years/48,000 miles, or five years/60,000 miles. This plan is available in two tiers, Silver or Platinum. Silver provides basic component coverage, while Platinum covers nearly all mechanical and electrical components. You choose a deductible between $0 and $100.

Buick protection is comparable to what other automakers provide in their extended warranties. Parts covered include the engine, transmission, drive axle, turbocharger/supercharger, transfer case, steering, electrical, brakes, adaptive cruise control, air conditioning system, ride control suspension, heated seats, video display screen, reverse warning systems, seals and gaskets, etc.

Extra Coverage

If you require roadside assistance, Buick will cover towing or road service charges up to $150 per occurrence. If your vehicle breaks down due to warranted repairs, the automaker also provides rental car reimbursement or alternative transportation of up to $40 per day, up to a maximum of $280.

Another perk is trip-interruption benefits. If your vehicle breaks down more than 100 miles from home and a Buick dealership or authorized facility keeps your car or SUV overnight, you will be reimbursed up to $200 per day for up to four days. And if you lose, break, or lock your keys inside your car, the automaker will pay up to $35 for locksmith services.

What’s NOT Included with the Buick Extended Warranty

Since the extended limited warranty is an extension of the standard bumper-to-bumper warranty, it doesn’t cover the engine, transmission, or drivetrain. However, these components are already covered under the powertrain warranty, which runs concurrently with the extended warranty. Both expire at the same time.

The protection plan has several exclusions. It doesn’t cover items such as the battery, lenses, light bulbs, key fobs, tire pressure sensors, brake rotors and drums, exhaust components, trim items, tires, wheels/rims, and various emission components.  Regular maintenance services are also excluded.

Damage caused by collision, road hazards, fire, theft, vandalism, chemicals, and acts of nature (i.e., lighting, windstorms, and floods) are not covered. The protection plan won’t cover vehicles that have been improperly serviced or modified with parts not approved by Buick.

The Advantages of the Buick Extended Warranty

The protection plan, particularly the Platinum tier, provides nearly comprehensive coverage on hundreds of components. It provides some peace of mind after the factory warranty expires and can potentially save you from costly repair bills.

Another appealing factor is the added benefits, such as roadside assistance, rental car, and trip interruption reimbursement, and lost key/lockout services. If you’re not mechanically inclined and/or travel frequently, it’s comforting to have these services within reach.

Also, the extended warranty and protection plan is transferable to a subsequent owner, which can increase the vehicle’s resale value. Plus, if you decide to cancel it, you can do so at any time.

The Drawbacks of the Buick Extended Warranty

The extended limited warranty and protection plan offers varying types of coverage, but they both share the same restrictions. They do not cover regular maintenance or damage related to environmental conditions, accidents, vehicle misuse, etc. These limitations are common in the industry, so Buick is not alone in this practice.

Another downside is that Buick’s extended limited warranty is simply an extension of the factory bumper-to-bumper warranty. While roadside assistance is included, there are no extra perks like those provided in the protection plan. Plus, vehicles in California, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, and Minnesota don’t qualify for the coverage.

Takeaway Value

Buick’s extended warranty and protection plan are an extra expense that you may or may not want to add to your bottom line. The Platinum protection plan, in particular, is fairly comprehensive in what it covers, and it can come in handy if your car breaks down due to a factory-related defect and you don’t want to get stuck with a hefty repair bill.

If you don’t drive that much or don’t mind working on your own car, an extended warranty/protection plan/vehicle service contract may not be critical to your vehicle’s health. Ultimately, it’s a personal decision based on the money you have to spend and the protection level you choose.

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