How to buy the right car warranty

As the average age of cars and the cost of fixing them rise, aftermarket cover is growing in popularity

The nation’s cars are getting older. According to the RAC Foundation, their average age is almost 10 years, an increase of 2.5 years on 2015.
A couple of reasons: it’s becoming more expensive to change from an older car to a newer one and the rising cost of living is forcing household budgets to be diverted elsewhere. Another is the perception that cars are now more reliable and better made.
However, while they may no longer rust so quickly, modern cars do break down, no matter how well serviced they are. Common failures include the traditional weak spots of timing chains, differentials, gearboxes and shock absorbers.
And there are some newer villains too, including diesel particulate filters, wet belts, mechatronic systems and high-voltage coolant heater and air conditioning pipes – and this is before we include EVs, with their own fallibilities.
At the same time, parts are becom