“What Does ‘No Fear’ Used Car Warranty Cover? (And What It Doesn’t)”

Our No Fear Used Car Warranty is like a safety net for big, surprise repairs on your pre-owned ride. It helps pay to fix covered parts when they fail from normal use. It’s not a magic “fix anything” card—routine maintenance and wear-and-tear stuff still live on your side of the fence. Always read your specific contract and make sure you have a complete understanding of the warranty terms and coverage; coverage varies by vehicle and plan.

When choosing a warranty provider, it's important to consider the business practices and reputation of the company to ensure reliability and value.

There are different types of used car warranties, and a service contract is an optional agreement that can supplement or extend manufacturer coverage.

Shopping for a used car? One of the smartest moves you can make is understanding how used car warranties work—and how they can save you from unexpected repair costs down the road. Used car warranties, sometimes called service contracts or extended warranties, are designed to provide peace of mind by covering certain repairs and vehicle parts that might otherwise hit your wallet hard.

There are a few main types of used car warranties to know about. Extended warranties (also known as vehicle service contracts) kick in after the original manufacturer’s warranty expires, offering extra protection for your vehicle’s most important components. Certified pre-owned vehicles often come with their own warranty coverage, provided by the manufacturer, especially if the car has low mileage and a clean maintenance history. Powertrain warranties focus on the big-ticket items—like your engine and transmission—helping you avoid expensive repairs on the parts that keep your car moving.

When you’re comparing used car warranties, pay close attention to what the warranty covers. Some plans are comprehensive, including coverage for the engine, transmission, and electrical system, while others are more basic. Always check the warranty company’s reputation, read reviews, and ask about the claims process before you sign any contract. Keeping up with your maintenance records is also crucial—these can be the difference between a covered repair and a denied claim.

Extended warranty cost can vary widely, depending on your vehicle’s make, model, age, and mileage, as well as the level of coverage you choose. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 for an extended warranty, but prices are often negotiable—especially if you’re buying from a dealer. It’s a good idea to get quotes from several providers and review the contract details carefully so you know exactly what’s included.

Thinking about selling your car in the future? Many service contracts allow for warranty transfer to the new owner, which can boost your car’s resale value. Just be sure to contact the warranty company to confirm the specific terms and get permission if needed.

Before you purchase any used car warranty, check if your vehicle still has any manufacturer’s warranty left. If so, you might not need extra coverage right away. But if the original warranty has expired, an extended warranty can provide valuable protection against unexpected expenses and help you budget for future repair costs.

Bottom line: Used car warranties are a smart way to protect yourself from surprise repair bills and keep your vehicle on the road longer. By understanding the different types of warranties, what they cover, and how the process works, you’ll be better prepared to choose the right coverage for your needs—and drive with confidence, knowing you’re protected.

(exact components depend on your plan/vehicle—these are common buckets)

• Powertrain heroes:Engine (internals, oil pump, timing components), transmission/CVT (internals, torque converter), drivetrain (front/rear diff, transfer case, axle shafts). Powertrain coverage is a key part of the warranty, protecting against major mechanical breakdowns in these components.
• Cooling & HVAC: water pump, radiator (leaks from failure), condenser, compressor, HVAC control head (if included).
• Fuel & ignition: fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, ignition coils/module.
• Electrical systems: alternator, starter, window/door lock motors, major control modules when specified.
• Steering & suspension: power steering pump/rack, control arm bushings/ball joints if part of covered assembly.
• Braking hydraulics: master cylinder, ABS module/pump (pads/rotors are wear items—see below).
• Seals & gaskets: often included when tied to a covered failure (not for seep/sweat).
• Added perks on many plans:Roadside assistance, towing to an authorized shop, rental car/alternate transportation during covered repairs, and trip interruption help.

Depending on your plan, the warranty covers certain defects or malfunctions, and helps pay for repair work related to covered failures.

TL;DR: big mechanicals and mechanical breakdowns = usually covered. Cosmetic/consumables = usually not.

• Maintenance & wear: oil/filters, wiper blades, tires, brake pads/rotors, clutch discs, bulbs, fuses, belts (unless specified), fluids (unless required for covered repair).
• Cosmetic items: paint, glass chips, upholstery, trim, squeaks/rattles.
• Pre-existing conditions or failures found before purchase/contract start.
• Damage from neglect or mods: skipped maintenance, wrong fluids, racing/overloading, tuner mods that fry parts, off-road abuse outside normal use.
• Environmental/road hazards: hail, flood, rodent damage, rock chips, curb rash (that’s what insurance is for).
• Diagnostics without repair approval or repairs done without prior authorization, or if the vehicle is not repaired according to the contract.
• Shop fees outside coverage: some diagnostic time, taxes, disposal, or shop supplies may not be covered—depends on plan. Other costs, such as out-of-pocket payments for non-covered items, may also apply.
• Deductibles: Many extended warranties and service contracts require a deductible per claim, which is an additional out-of-pocket expense for the owner.

1. See a symptom? Call us first at Kunes Nissan of Davenport.
2. Authorize diagnosis. Our techs confirm the cause.
3. We contact the administrator for approval—photos/estimates get sent.
4. Repair work is completed with approved parts; you pay any deductible and any non-covered items. If you are required to pay upfront for covered repairs, you may be reimbursed by the warranty provider after submitting your claim. Only the costs not covered by the warranty need to be paid by you; covered repairs are either paid directly by the provider or reimbursed to you.
5. Perks kick in (towing/rental/trip interruption) if your plan includes them.

Pro tip: keep your maintenance receipts. They’re your best friend if the administrator asks for proof of care.

• Winter = severe service. Follow the time part of the maintenance schedule even if you drive light miles.
• CVT love: use the exact Nissan-spec fluid and intervals. CVTs are picky; the warranty is, too.
• Battery & corrosion: Midwest salt means more terminal checks and underbody rinses—cheap insurance.
• Tires matter: AWD systems hate mismatched tread depths; uneven tires can create drivetrain issues that aren’t “sudden failure.”

• Term & mileage: when does it start/expire (in-service date vs when the vehicle was purchased)? How many miles are covered, and does the number of miles on the odometer affect eligibility or coverage?
• Price: what is the price of the warranty, and what factors influence it (such as vehicle age, coverage level, deductible, and how many miles are on the car)?
• Deductible: per visit or per repair?
• Limits: per claim or aggregate caps? labor rate caps?
• Extras: roadside, towing, rental—what are the daily/total limits?
• Transferable? If you sell the car, can the next owner keep the plan (often boosts resale).
• Network: can I use any licensed shop, or only specific dealers or a network of authorized dealers? (We recommend us, because Nissan parts + trained techs.)

Manufacturer warranty are standard on new cars and typically cover major mechanical failures for a set period or mileage. When cars are sold as certified pre-owned through a franchised car dealer or dealership, these new car warranties and powertrain warranty may transfer to the new owner, providing additional peace of mind. Vehicle manufacturers back these warranties, and only franchised dealers can sell genuine factory-certified cars. Used cars and used vehicles may have different warranty coverage depending on where and how they are sold, so it's important to understand what is included when purchasing from a dealership or independent seller.

• Store your contract & roadside number in the glovebox/phone
• Keep maintenance receipts (dates, mileage, VIN, fluids used)
• Report issues early—don’t wait for “it got worse”
• Approve diagnostics before repairs
• Ask for OEM parts when available (plays nice with Nissan systems)