Inclusion or exclusion cover
An inclusion warranty lists the parts covered in the policy document; bearing in mind an average car has thousands of parts these inclusive lists can be long and reassuringly impressive, but a closer look can reveal the absence of items you might reasonably expect to be covered such as turbochargers or catalytic converters.

An exclusion warranty lists only the items that are not covered. In some respects these policies are easier to understand and they tend to be offered on newer, lower mileage cars.

Consequential loss cover
Regardless of whether the warranty is inclusion or exclusion you need to check for a consequential loss clause. Consequential loss is when a part not covered by the warranty, such as a cooling hose, fails and causes damage to a component that is covered, such as the engine. With consequential loss the engine will be paid for but not the hose. Without consequential loss neither is paid for. It’s a subtle clause but a mightily important one.

Maximum claim limit
Make sure this limit is not so low that it would leave you with a large additional bill.

Pre-warranty inspection requirement and cost
Some warranty companies insist that you have a pre-warranty inspection. This inspection can take up to two hours and the bill that accompanies it can weigh in at anything from £150 to £250 before you have even paid for the new policy.

Flexibility on servicing schedule
As with new cars.

Page two: Drivers who fought for compensation()Continued from page one

DRIVERS WHO FOUGHT FOR COMPENSATION

Alice Beckett, Land Rover Freelander

Alice Beckett, an artist from west London, bought a new Land Rover Freelander five years ago. The warranty ran out after three years and she did not extend it.

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