The majority of used cars sold by franchised dealers fall under the umbrella of their used approved programme - 'approved' because the scheme will carry the endorsement of the manufacturer. The range of cover will vary from scheme to scheme, but most manufacturers aspire to offer a similar level of mechanical and electrical cover on used cars as they do on their new ones, as well as breakdown cover, money to fund the cost of a hire car or hotel bills, and the possibility of extending the period of cover. Moreover, they guarantee the car's history and condition by having carried out specialist history checks and a rigorous pre-sale inspection. All manufacturers set limitations on which cars qualify for cover depending on age and mileage, and some also cover other manufacturers' cars. What is and isn't covered again varies between the schemes, but the best ones are those that list exclusions, instead of simply things that are covered - clarity is king here. Major mechanical items will be covered, but not bodywork, glass, headlights, and in-car entertainment or items likely to suffer wear and tear - although some are more generous than others in this respect. Notably, Network Q covers batteries, brakes and clutches for 12 months, while Audi even covers catalytic converters. Many warranties cover unlimited mileage, but meaner manufacturers impose a limit. More importantly, if there is a mileage limit that your car is fast approaching, make arrangements so that your cover will continue. In order to maintain cover, there is usually a list of conditions concerning how the car is used and maintained. All warranties stipulate that a car must adhere to its service schedule, but check who must do the servicing as some will insist that their workshop does the work even if it is different marque. Either way, if the car breaches the terms of the warranty, claims may be rejected. Meanwhile, you will also be required to keep the car in a good state of repair - running around with a known fault which may worsen or affect other parts of a car will invalidate your policy. Likewise, fitting non-standard parts or modifying your car may also render the warranty null and void. Items such as towbars and bike racks may also come into this, so never assume. You will also be limited as to use. None of the approved schemes will cover use in competition or track events, or cars being hired out for profit. Go to our Car Warranty Links page to see the cover available from leading providers.