Aftermarket extended warranties offer a variety of programs that cover repair costs for critical truck components and equipment beyond the initial term offered by original equipment manufacturers. Buying this coverage provides essential protection as trucks grow older and gives you peace of mind that when a failure occurs, you can be covered. But choosing the right warranty can be tricky so understanding the basics is very important.

Warranty protection can be simplified in three key areas:

For choosing the components you want covered, think of your truck’s age and miles, the history of previous repairs (if you know) and how you use it for work. You want to cover it for catastrophic failures that can cost you tens of thousands of dollars. Without that coverage, you could find yourself without a truck, and maybe without a business. Covering major equipment like engine, aftertreatment systems and critical components is a must.

The term you choose really depends on how old your truck is and how long you’ll keep it. One thing you should know is, buying a longer term warranty can save you thousands of dollars because a second or third year is much less expensive than the first year. So if you can, buy a 24 or 36 month warranty.

And finally, look closely at the conditions. What are your limits of liability on major parts? What deductible amount do you pay for each repair occurrence? And finally, how are progressive damage and wearout covered? Not all warranty programs are created equal. And understanding the options can get confusing. But always remember that a warranty is protecting your investment, your business, your livelihood. Don’t take the risk of not being protected