RAC warranty on a used car: what is actually covered?

When buying a used car, getting warranty cover is an important consideration. Not all used cars come with a warranty as a matter of course.

Here at Zoomo in Newcastle upon Tyne, all our used cars come with a three-month RAC maintenance and repair warranty. And for a bit extra, you can extend the insurance term to up to 48 months (four years).

Getting a used car warranty is a sensible idea in almost all cases. It helps cover any unexpected repair bills and gives you peace of mind if critical components like the engine, gearbox or electronics fail.

The alternative is to shoulder the cost of major failures – costs that can go into the thousands.

All used cars benefit from a warranty, but it's especially important to get one if you buy an older vehicle with high mileage.

Some warranties also give you handy extra perks like roadside assistance, towing and recovery.

It's also a good idea if you're thinking of reselling your vehicle. A transferable policy can make the car more appealing to prospective buyers.

The RAC warranty that comes with our used cars is a third-party policy covering mechanical and electrical breakdown. It provides coverage for parts and labour as well as complimentary roadside assistance.

Let's break it down in more detail.

What does the RAC warranty cover on a used car?

RAC used car warranties cover the cost of the parts, labour and VAT needed for the repair or replacement of mechanical and electrical components. It comes in different tiers.

These range from basic to comprehensive protection.

Silver Cover is the basic tier. It focuses on core components – the engine, gearbox and core mechanical systems.

Next is Gold Cover. This middle tier covers a detailed list of mechanical and electrical components. That includes high-tech parts that may apply to older vehicles with higher mileage counts.

Finally, there's Platinum and Platinum Plus. These are the highest tiers, which cover most mechanical and electrical components against failure.

Whichever tier you choose will cover core components. These typically include:

The engine, including pistons, camshafts, valves and the oil pump
Gearbox parts, torque converters and clutch components
The steering rack, power steering pump and suspension joints
The water pump, radiator, thermostat and fuel injectors
The alternator and starter motor

If there's a particular part you need covered, check before you take out the warranty cover.

What level of cover does Zoomo provide?

Platinum	Platinum Plus
Covers most mechanical and electrical parts.	Covers most mechanical and electrical parts, plus wear and tear on eligible components.

You'll also benefit from:

12 months of RAC Breakdown Cover
Car hire support during longer repairs
Up to 60 days of European use
Zero excess to pay

Learn more about our RAC Warranty.

What doesn't RAC warranty cover on a used car?

RAC warranty cover doesn't always cover wear and tear – for instance, brake pads, discs, clutch friction material, wiper blades and tyres. However, the Platinum Plus tier does cover wear and tear on eligible components.

Cosmetic damage to the bodywork, paint, glass, upholstery and interior trim is also excluded from the warranty.

Last but not least, you aren't covered for failures caused by driver neglect. For instance, any damage or failure that happens after the warning light has appeared or because of late servicing must be repaired out of pocket.

How do claims work?

To make an RAC warranty claim, there are a number of steps to take. You'll need to find an approved garage or mobile mechanic and book a diagnostic test. Once the garage has checked with the RAC that you have coverage, the RAC will carry out the repair.

The garage needs to be an RAC-approved repairer or VAT-registered. When you book the diagnosis, you should drop the vehicle off so the garage can identify the fault.

It's important to check coverage before you make a claim. RAC warranties come in different tiers, and each tier covers different sets of components. You should keep in mind that wear and tear is generally excluded.

You should also make sure to maintain service records. If you haven't serviced the car in a timely fashion, your claim can be invalidated.

You should also be aware of payout limits at your policy level. Otherwise, you could be disappointed by the amount you get.

Why does it matter when buying a used car?

A used car warranty matters because it protects you from the unexpected – and the costs that come with it.

In particular, it protects you against the money you'd otherwise have to pay for mechanical and electrical repairs. For many drivers, this peace of mind is indispensable.

If you're buying from a private seller, getting a used car warranty reduces anxiety. If you've been sold a car with problems you didn't detect, you're financially covered.

And if you're buying from a dealer, complimentary warranty cover is a vote of confidence. It shows the dealer has done the relevant checks on the vehicle and is confident it's roadworthy.

Finally, used warranty cover helps you budget effectively for your new vehicle. This can be useful when trying to tot up the various costs of your purchase.

Who else provides warranty cover on used cars?

Other warranty cover providers include the AA, Warrantywise, ALA Insurance and MotorEasy. You can also get it through many used car dealerships. At Zoomo, for instance, we offer Zoomo Protect – an extended warranty that helps protect you from unexpected costs for up to 48 months.

Is warranty cover the same as insurance?

Both warranty cover and insurance offer financial protection for used car owners.

However, a warranty covers mechanical or electrical faults or breakdowns, while insurance provides protection against things like accidents, theft, loss and fire.

Zoomo is a car dealership in Newcastle that specialises in securing finance for just about anyone – regardless of credit history. Learn more about our RAC Warranty cover or the Zoomo Protect extended car warranty.