Like any reputable, well-established marque or automotive manufacturer, Porsche offers warranties as standard on all new vehicles, often against specific components and features. Extended warranties are optional but provide extra protection or last longer than the basic coverage period. 

While many drivers disregard the value and importance of a warranty, this can become incredibly important when dealing with a fault, malfunction or failure – and mean the difference between a costly repair or even writing off a vehicle altogether for more serious issues. 

Design911, a specialist provider of OEM, performance aftermarket and upgrade components for all Porsche models, explains how an extended warranty works, how long it lasts, and which Porsche parts it covers.

What Is a Porsche Extended Warranty?

First, we’d clarify that an extended warranty differs from a standard warranty and is usually an optional upgrade that each driver or buyer can choose. Depending on the warranty package and the provider, this might apply to: 

• Certain repairs after the expiry date on the Porsche factory warranty
• Aesthetic maintenance, such as repairs to the bodywork
• Replacement keys if they become lost or stolen

Extended warranties aren’t always provided or available directly from the manufacturer because they act more as insurance policy. You might, for example, buy a warranty from a showroom, whether an exclusive Porsche retailer or not, purchase the Porsche Approved Warranty product, or opt for coverage from a third party. 

The Porsche Approved Warranty is an individual product that covers protection for up to 15 years or 125,000 miles. It is redeemable only at official Porsche Centres. Like most extended warranties, this product has a list of inclusions and exclusions.

We advise comparing the costs and value of any extended warranty you are considering before making a purchase. For example, some independent warranties cover a broader number of repairs. In contrast, you might prefer a particular product if it covers most potential repair work at your usual garage, mechanic, or repair center.

How Does a Porsche Extended Warranty Apply to Components 

Like any other insurance product, extended warranties aren’t always equal. However, you’d expect to pay more for comprehensive coverage or an extended warranty that applies longer. Most focus on the age of the vehicle, so may state that: 

• A certain list of components is covered, and others are not.
• Only repairs linked to the age of the car or mileage are insured.
• Damage linked to anything but normal wear and tear is not claimable.
• Some repairs are covered, but you must contribute – usually a co-pay or excess.

The standard warranty you receive when you purchase a Porsche brand new from the showroom will typically last between three and five years and cover any costs of repairs or replacements within that period, assuming the problem isn’t your fault – such as damage caused by a collision.

 It is common for an extended warranty to only include parts and the cost of installing a replacement component if it isn’t categorized as a consumable or a part that will naturally require replacement after several miles or years. 

Extended warranties might, for instance, exclude windscreen wipers, tires, brakes, clutches, and batteries. This could mean that if the original part fails, you’ll still need to pay for any of these components regardless of the cost of the warranty.

Likewise, a warranty might pay for parts and labor where you have experienced an electrical or mechanical parts failure, but not if a standalone component has become worn but hasn’t otherwise contributed to a serious malfunction within the vehicle.

As always, the key is to read the terms and conditions carefully and ensure you’re completely happy you understand what is and isn’t covered.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Paying for a Porsche Extended Warranty?

Extended warranties are normally more relevant if you intend to keep the car beyond the standard warranty date. Plan to sell the car or upgrade it within three to five years. The warranty cost may not be beneficial since you’ll unlikely ever use the coverage since the standard warranty will already cover the components. 

There are also differences of opinion between whether Porsche drivers are better advised to purchase an extended warranty from the manufacturer – like the Porsche Approved Warranty product we’ve mentioned – or will get better value from a third party.

Ultimately, the choice is yours, but as a quick recap:

• Manufacturer-extended warranties are often straightforward and can sometimes be combined with repayments if you’re using a vehicle financing product from a showroom or Porsche retailer. However, they may still have limitations and are often only applicable to manufacturer-approved garages or service centers.
• Third-party warranties vary widely in price and may be more flexible since you can choose the product you want without necessarily being tied to a specific garage or service provider. However, you’ll also find that some policies have stricter exclusions and that some more comprehensive plans may be more expensive than an extended warranty from the manufacturer.

If you purchase an extended warranty, it’s always essential to check that the product is legitimate and sold by a reputable organization. All should comply with The Motor Ombudsman’s Vehicle Warranty Products Code.

How Does an Extended Warranty Differ From Porsche Vehicle Insurance?

Car insurance is a mandatory legal requirement, and you must have a valid insurance policy to drive any vehicle on public roads. Conversely, an extended warranty is an insurance product you can purchase, which covers some extent of the cost of repairs, including replacement components and labor, if a mechanical or electrical component fails past the original manufacturer’s warranty.

Most insurance products cover accidents, thefts, or damage to your vehicle but may not cover failures or component faults – these are normally costs you’d expect to pay for out of pocket rather than claiming against your insurance.

However, as a final takeaway, you might find that some high-coverage car insurance policies offer the option of adding some form of additional protection. This reiterates the importance of reviewing the terms of coverage, deciding how likely you are to make a claim, and making careful cost comparisons along the way.

Published by: Nelly Chavez