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Knowledge Hub · Service & protection · Contracts · 6 min read

Extended warranties and VSCs, explained

The difference between a manufacturer extension and a third-party service contract, and which one is worth buying.

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A factory extended warranty is sold by the manufacturer and honored at any franchised dealer; it is the simplest and often the best value if you can get it near cost. A vehicle service contract (VSC) is sold by a third-party administrator, with tiers from powertrain to exclusionary, and it is only as good as the administrator and the fine print.

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