Updated: What to do when your motor Service Plan expires

New cars, or relatively new cars, typically come with a service plan that lasts either for a certain number of years or up until a pre-determined number of kilometers. The service plan covers the cost of regular scheduled services which are outlined in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Once these plans expire, you’ll need to decide what to do.

There are many different options, each with their own pros and cons:

Firstly, you could decide to trade in your vehicle and buy a new one, which would then come with its own service or maintenance plan.

Alternatively, if you’re planning on keeping your current car and want to remain covered by a service or maintenance plan you have the option of extending your current plan through your dealer, who will quote you on an extension for a number of years and/or kilometres.

Cover from your auto dealer should be similar to what you’re used to but may be more expensive than purchasing a service plan from a third party which cover all brands of cars. It pays to shop around and get the best deal. When you ask for a quote through MotorHappy, our expert agents will shop around for a selection of the best plans for your needs. They will also help you make sense of each offering, to help you select the option that suits you best.

A service plan through MotorHappy comes with the following benefits:

• Roadside assistance
• Towing in the case of a mechanical breakdown
• Car hire or overnight accommodation
• Tyre change assistance
• Fuel delivery if you run out of petrol
• Jump start
• Locksmith assistance

You could also choose to cover these costs yourself rather than purchasing a service or maintenance plan. It’s then important to shop around and ensure you get the best quote for services or any work that needs to be done. Different dealerships from the same manufacturer may have different labour rates.

If you choose to pay-as-you-go, our advice is to put some money aside every month so when you do have to pay for your annual service or other work to be done you have this available.