Which one pays, in a real situation
- Engine seizes with no warning. warranty, if the component is listed and the car's been serviced properly.
- Engine damaged in a collision. insurance.
- Alternator fails and the battery stops charging. warranty.
- Car stolen from outside your house. insurance.
- Turbocharger fails. warranty, subject to the age and mileage limit on turbos.
- Brake pads worn down after 30,000 miles. neither — that's routine maintenance, excluded from both.
Car insurance covers sudden external events — a collision, a fire, a theft, or damage you cause to someone else. A vehicle warranty covers things that break on their own — a mechanical or electrical component that fails without anything hitting it. They're not alternatives: insurance is a legal requirement to drive on a UK road, a warranty is optional protection against repair bills, and having one does nothing to cover what the other is for. A ClearPath warranty is a Mechanical Breakdown Warranty — a vehicle service contract, not a contract of insurance — so making a claim doesn't affect your premium or no-claims discount the way an at-fault insurance claim does.
The numbers, in full
£3,000Per claim
UnlimitedEligible claims
£100/hrLabour rate covered
15 yrs/ 150,000 miles eligibility
14 daysTo change your mind
UK-wideGarage network
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a car warranty cover accident damage?
No. Accident damage is what motor insurance is for. A warranty covers mechanical and electrical failure — a component that stops working on its own, without an impact, collision or external event causing it.
Will making a warranty claim increase my premium?
No. A warranty is not insurance, so there's no no-claims discount to lose and no premium recalculation. There's no set limit on the number of authorised claims you can make during your period of cover.
Is a car warranty regulated by the FCA?
A ClearPath warranty is a Mechanical Breakdown Warranty — a vehicle service contract rather than a contract of insurance — and is provided on that basis. Motor insurance is a different product, regulated differently.
Which pays out faster, a warranty or an insurance claim?
It depends on the claim, but warranty claims are usually simpler because there's no fault to establish and no third party involved. Once a ClearPath claim is authorised and we have the itemised invoice, our aim is to release payment within 24 hours.
Do I need both a warranty and insurance?
Yes, and most people should. They cover different risks and don't overlap. Insurance is a legal requirement; a warranty is optional protection against repair bills that insurance was never designed to pay.
How much does a car warranty cost alongside my insurance?
Cover starts from £21.67 a month with code CP25 at checkout on a 3-year plan — a fixed cost alongside your existing insurance premium. Get an instant online quote for your exact car.
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Important information. This page is general information only. Warranty eligibility, covered components, exclusions, waiting periods, claim limits, excess, labour-rate limits and claim procedures are governed by the applicable ClearPath Protection terms and conditions. Pricing shown is indicative and your actual price depends on your vehicle's age, mileage, fuel type and the cover length you choose.
