Kia Extended Warranty. Is It Worth It?

Written by: Jen Wagner
Last updated: June 16, 2021

If you recently bought a new or used Kia or plan to do so in the future, you will have to decide whether to invest in an extended car warranty from your dealership or explore options elsewhere. The choice you make will depend on several factors, including the understanding that all vehicle owners face repairs and costly maintenance with time, and factory warranties eventually expire.

Before you sign on the dealership’s dotted line or choose to take your business elsewhere, research your options and weigh the benefits, limitations and costs. Make sure you understand Kia’s basic warranty information and  learn the terms of your contract

Knowing how these factors relate to your purchase can help you make an informed decision and potentially prevent you from having an extensive list of repairs in the future, as well as no budget to pay for them. After all, you want to get the best extended warranty for Kia or determine if a Kia extended warranty is even worth the investment based on your circumstances.

Understanding Kia’s Original Factory Warranty 

Kia boasts a  10-year, 100,000-mile factory warranty for all new vehicles, which aims to protect drives from expensive, unexpected repairs. Accordingly, the company describes its safety features as designed to help drivers “handle or avoid the unexpected.”

A new Kia car warranty includes:

• 10-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty.
• 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty.
• 5-year/100,000-mile limited anti-perforation warranty.
• 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan.

While the numbers are appealing, the coverage does have its limitations. For example, the 10-year/100,000-mile warranty solely covers basic powertrain components. Additionally, certain certified pre-owned vehicles may only qualify for Kia’s 5-Year/60,000-Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Also, Kia vehicles manufactured before 2009 do not qualify for this coverage.

And with any warranty, certain restrictions, limitations and/or exclusions may apply.

So, what are your options if you don’t meet the dealership’s extended warranty criteria, the coverage options are less than what you want, or your vehicle’s factory warranty expires? What if you want more protection in general?

If you aren’t buying a brand new Kia, the dealership’s options may lack the level of coverage you want or need—even if you buy a certified pre-owned vehicle. For instance, you might consider a Kia extended warranty because you intend to keep your car for ten years or more and your current coverage only lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.

The last thing you want is to pay for unexpended repairs out of pocket. Therefore, you need to decide when the best time to buy an extended car warranty is, especially if the factory warranty is about to expire or you’re buying a used vehicle.

But is a dealership’s extended warranty right for you? Let’s first explore the options Kia offers their buyers.

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Buying a Kia Extended Warranty From a Dealership 

Car dealerships offer extended service plans to give drivers greater peace of mind once the standard warranty expires. Kia’s extended warranty plan, the Kia Distinction Vehicle Service Contract, is exclusive to eligible new and used cars.

The Kia Distinction Vehicle Service Contract provides three coverage level options:

• Platinum—This level covers many vehicle assemblies, and it boasts the “Ultimate Peace of Mind” protection. Additional features include those of the Powertrain and Gold plans. Specific exclusions apply, including brake linings, brake drums and rotors, disc brake pads, and standard manual transmission.
• Gold—This level offers all the same features of Powertrain, plus engine, transmission, cooling, drive axle, brakes, air conditioning, front/rear suspension, electrical, and other hybrid/plug-in eclectic compressed natural gas components.
• Powertrain—This level offers protection against covered mechanical breakdowns of the engine, transmission, and drive axle.

Each level comes with extra features, including coverage for alternative transportation, towing, travel and fluids. In addition to the Kia Distinction Vehicle Service Contract, Kia also offers four Distinction Vehicle Protection Plans for tires, wheels, interior or exterior coverage. Each level adds to the coverage of the level below it, and all levels include Alternative Transportation and Towing/Roadside Assistance Reimbursement.

Will any of these options benefit you? Well, the answer will depend on your circumstances and what you can afford.

First, look at the typical maintenance schedule for your vehicle, any available recall information, reliability ratings, and the average cost of common repairs. Then, your decision to choose an extended warranty from a Kia dealership or a third party should reflect all of these factors.

Identifying Average Kia Repair Costs

Before deciding which level of coverage you should buy, you need to know how much money you can potentially save with a Kia extended warranty based on average repair costs for your vehicle.

Consider the following list of common Kia Sorento repairs and what consumers pay without a warranty.

Derived from repairpal.com

Anticipating the Price of a Kia Extended Warranty

When buying a warranty, one of the main concerns is how much it will cost you. Of course, you don’t want to pay more for the coverage than you would for the repair. But in general, several factors can impact the cost of an extended warranty, including:

• Any current coverage you have,
• The vehicle’s type,
• The vehicle’s age and mileage,
• The deductible rate, and
• Any extra benefits like roadside assistance.

Every plan comes with different options and prices. But it’s your policy provider’s job to consider these factors when giving you a quote because the numbers can vary. And remember, if you buy an extended warranty from your dealership and roll it into your car loan, you will pay interest on it.

Shopping for a Kia Extended Warranty From a Third Party Provider

Buying an extended warranty on a used car can help your peace of mind and your wallet if your Kia is older, has higher mileage, or doesn’t have a contract. Consider the following scenarios and how a third-party extended warranty may work in your favor:

I want to tailor my coverage to my needs.

Your concerns are legitimate—you want a plan that suits your needs best. Thankfully, most third-party providers offer multiple choices and levels of coverage to suit your budget. Ask the provider about the options available to you to get the best extended warranty for Kia. There are always options available, even extended coverage for a high-mileage car

I want to be able to transfer my coverage.

Shifting your coverage to a new owner is a nice perk because it adds value to the vehicle. Accordingly, factory warranties are transferable during the warranty period.

I want extra perks.

A third-party provider will likely include various incentives within their policies, such as emergency roadside assistance, car rentals, and lodging reimbursements. Review the extra features they provide and weigh how having those perks may benefit your circumstances.<

I want to choose my technician.

Being able to pick your auto repair shop is an important factor. You want a mechanic you trust working on your vehicle. But when you obtain an extended warranty through Kia, you have to take your car to a Kia dealership for repairs. However, you may be able to choose any certified mechanic when a third-party company provides your extended warranty.

Selecting the Best Extended Warranty for Kia

Before you sign up for any warranty, always do your homework and research your options. Look at the details of your provider’s contract and read the small print. Buying a car should be an exciting experience, not one that leaves you feeling cheated or deceived.

How do you know which one is worth it? The best extended warranty you can get will provide you with the protection you need and want and is the one you can afford. Check out our protection program reviews and top picks before making your final decision.