WARRANTY

Buying a quality used car is an excellent investment, but the thought of a sudden, expensive repair bill can cast a shadow over the excitement. When you're handed a policy document filled with technical jargon, it's natural to feel uncertain. Is this warranty trustworthy? Will a claim be difficult or rejected when you need it most? Understanding the protection you're being offered, such as a Handler Protect warranty, is the first and most important step towards driving with complete confidence.

Here at Biggleswade Car Sales, we believe in transparency. With over 35 years of experience, we know what separates a valuable warranty from an empty promise. This straightforward guide is designed to cut through the confusion. We will explain exactly what different levels of cover include, how the claims process works from start to finish, and help you determine if this is the right protection for your vehicle. By the end, you’ll have the clarity you need to make an informed decision and enjoy true peace of mind on the road ahead.

What is HandlerProtect and How Does It Work?

When you buy a quality used car, you want assurance that you're protected against unexpected problems down the road. This is where a vehicle warranty comes in. At Biggleswade Car Sales, we partner with HandlerProtect, one of the UK's leading providers of Mechanical Breakdown Insurance for used vehicles.

It’s important to understand that this isn't a manufacturer's guarantee; it's a dedicated insurance policy designed to cover the cost of unforeseen mechanical and electrical failures. Essentially, it's a form of extended warranty that provides a crucial safety net, giving you peace of mind long after you've driven away from our dealership.

Dealer Warranty vs. Auto Protect: What's the Difference?

Many used cars come with a basic, short-term "return to base" warranty, often lasting just 30 to 90 days. This typically requires you to bring the vehicle back to the selling dealer for any repairs. In contrast, an insured warranty from Auto Protect offers far more comprehensive and flexible protection. These policies provide a longer term of cover and, crucially, allow you to have repairs carried out at any VAT-registered garage in the UK. Because they are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), you can be confident in the level of service and protection you receive.

Why Do Dealers Like Us Offer These Warranties?

Offering a high-quality, insured warranty is a core part of our commitment to our customers. It's a clear signal that we stand behind the vehicles we sell. Here’s why we believe it’s so important:

• Commitment to Quality: A car must meet strict criteria to qualify for this level of cover. It demonstrates the vehicle has been thoroughly prepared to a high standard.
• Customer Confidence: It provides you with long-term protection and assurance, knowing you won't face large, unexpected repair bills for covered components.
• A Reliable Safety Net: Even the most reliable cars can develop faults. This warranty ensures that if an issue arises, you have a straightforward and dependable solution.

Decodin Handle Protect Policies: What’s Actually Covered?

When considering an Handlerprotect warranty, the most important thing to understand is that cover is not one-size-fits-all. The level of protection you recieve is the GOLD warranty which is often determined by your vehicle's age and mileage. It is crucial to read your policy schedule carefully to know exactly what is and isn't included. Reputable providers adhere to standards like The Motor Ombudsman's Vehicle Warranty Products Code of Practice, which ensures all terms, including claim limits and exclusions, are stated clearly.

Typical Levels of Cover Explained

Warranty providers usually offer a tiered system to match different needs and vehicle types. While names vary, they generally fall into these categories:

• Basic/Essential Cover: This entry-level protection is designed to cover catastrophic failure of the major mechanical components that are most expensive to fix. Think of it as a safety net for the engine, gearbox, and drivetrain. Parts typically covered include the engine block, cylinder head, gearbox internals, and differential.
• Mid-Level/Comprehensive Cover: A more popular choice, this level includes everything in the basic plan and adds cover for a wider range of parts. This often includes key electrical systems (alternator, starter motor), the braking system (ABS pump, master cylinder), and steering components (steering rack, power steering pump).
• Top-Tier/Ultimate GOLD Cover: This is the most extensive level of Handler protect cover. It is often described as an 'all mechanical and all electrical' policy. Instead of listing what is covered, the policy document will list a small number of specific exclusions.

Common Exclusions to Watch For

Even the most comprehensive policies have exclusions. These are parts and situations not covered by the warranty, and it's vital to be aware of them. Common examples include:

• Serviceable & 'Wear and Tear' Items: Parts that are expected to wear out and be replaced during routine maintenance are not covered. This includes tyres, batteries, exhaust systems, clutches, and brake pads or discs.
• Damage from Negligence or Accidents: A warranty covers unexpected mechanical failure, not damage caused by an accident, misuse, or failing to maintain the vehicle (e.g., not checking oil levels).
• Failure to Adhere to Servicing: You must follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. A gap in your service history can invalidate a claim.

Additional Benefits and Add-Ons

Many warranty policies include extra features that provide additional peace of mind. These can include breakdown recovery, a contribution towards a hire car while yours is being repaired, or onward travel expenses. Some providers also offer MOT Test Insurance as an add-on, which covers the cost of repairing certain components if your car fails its MOT. Finally, always check the claim limit. This will be a set amount per claim (e.g., £1,000) or limited to the market value of your car at the time of the fault.

The Auto Protect Claims Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Experiencing a vehicle fault can be stressful, but understanding the claims process in advance makes it far more manageable. This guide breaks down the procedure into simple steps, ensuring you know exactly what to do. The goal of your auto protect warranty is to provide peace of mind, and following the correct process is key to a smooth resolution.

Before detailing the steps, remember two critical rules. First, if you notice a fault or a warning light appears, stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so. Continuing to drive could cause more extensive damage, which may not be covered. Second, do not authorise any repairs until you have an official authorisation number from the claims department.

Step 1: Experiencing a Fault

As soon as you notice a problem, your first call should be to the claims department, not your local garage. Before you call, have your policy documents to hand. The administrator will need specific information to open your claim:

• Your policy or agreement number
• Your vehicle registration and current mileage
• A clear description of the fault you are experiencing

Step 2: Diagnosis and Repair Authorisation

The claims team will instruct you to take your vehicle to an approved, VAT-registered garage for a diagnosis. Once the garage identifies the issue, they will contact the claims department directly with a breakdown of the required parts and labour costs. It is essential to wait for the claims administrator to issue an authorisation number before any work begins. If your policy includes an excess (for example, the first £50 of a claim), you will be responsible for paying this portion directly to the garage.

Step 3: Payment and Getting Back on the Road

Once the authorised repairs are complete, payment is typically handled in one of two ways. In many cases, Auto Protect will pay the garage directly, minus any excess. Alternatively, you may be required to pay the garage yourself and claim the cost back via reimbursement. For this reason, it is vital to keep all detailed invoices and receipts for your records. If a claim is ever disputed or only partially covered, refer to your policy schedule to understand the specific component cover limits and terms.

Quality used cars for sale in Biggleswade Bedfordshire with a quality GOLD cover Handler Protect used car warranty