Car Leasing and Warranty: What’s Covered?
If you lease a new car, it will almost always come with a manufacturer’s warranty included. That means you’re protected against mechanical faults for most—if not all—of your lease period, giving you added peace of mind.
At LeaseCar, all our new vehicles come with a manufacturer’s warranty as standard. In this guide, we’ll explain what that means, what’s covered, and where maintenance and breakdown cover fit in.
Key Takeaways
Most leased cars include a manufacturer’s warranty
Warranty covers mechanical and manufacturing faults
It usually lasts 3–5 years (often the full lease term)
Warranty is not the same as insurance or maintenance
Maintenance packages help cover servicing and wear and tear
What is a Car Warranty?
A car warranty is a guarantee from the manufacturer that covers faults caused by manufacturing defects or mechanical failures. If something goes wrong that isn't your fault, the warranty covers the cost of repair.
So, for example, if the engine develops a fault, an electrical component fails or a key system stops working, you won't usually have to pay for repairs.
Do leased cars come with a warranty?
Yes—almost all leased cars come with a manufacturer’s warranty included.
Because you’re driving a brand-new vehicle, the warranty typically:
Starts from first registration
Lasts 3 years or more (sometimes up to 5–7 years depending on the brand)
This means most lease agreements are fully covered from start to finish. One of the key advantages of leasing over purchase is that you usually enjoy a new car with a full warranty each time it comes to change your lease.
What does a car warranty cover?
Coverage varies slightly by manufacturer, but most warranties include major components such as:
Engine and internal parts
Gearbox and transmission
Electrical systems
Steering and suspension
Fuel and ignition systems
Cooling systems
In short, it covers things that shouldn’t fail under normal use.
What isn’t covered by a warranty?
Warranties don’t cover everything. You’ll usually need to pay for:
Tyres and wheel damage
Brake pads and wear items
Cosmetic damage (scratches, dents)
Windscreen and glass
General wear and tear
Damage caused by accidents
These are considered part of normal use or driver responsibility.
Warranty vs maintenance: what’s the difference?
This is where a lot of confusion comes in.
Warranty covers faults: things that go wrong unexpectedly due to manufacturing or mechanical issues.
Maintenance covers upkeep: routine servicing and replacement parts
Even with a warranty, you can still face costs for servicing and wear and tear items which is why many drivers choose to add a maintenance package onto their lease.
This helps you spread the cost into a single monthly payment, avoids unexpected bills and keeps your car in top condition (so there won't be any extra costs associated when it's time to return it).
Read more about leasing and maintenance here.
Is breakdown cover included?
In many cases, yes. Some manufacturer warranties include:
Roadside assistance
Breakdown recovery
Emergency support
However, this can vary by brand and model. If it’s not included, you can choose separate breakdown cover through providers like the AA or RAC.
Do you need an extended warranty?
Usually, no—especially with leasing.
Most leases last 2–4 years
Most manufacturer warranties last at least 3 years
You’re often covered for the full duration of your lease.
You might only consider an extended warranty if your lease is longer than the warranty period, or you plan to buy the car at the end.
Your vehicle will still need to be well-maintained and covered by a valid MOT if over three years old if you are looking for an extended warranty from the manufacturer.
How long does a car warranty last?
Most manufacturer warranties last:
3 years / 60,000 miles (common standard)
Some brands offer longer warranties (5–7 years)
The warranty usually ends when:
You reach the time limit
Or exceed the mileage limit (whichever comes first)
Warranty vs insurance: important difference
A warranty is not a replacement for insurance. You still legally need car insurance, which covers:
Accidents
Damage to other vehicles
Theft or fire (depending on your policy)
As a quick rule, Warranty deals wiht faults with the car
Insurance deal with accidents and external damage
Read more about leasing and insurance here.
Why leasing offers peace of mind
One of the biggest advantages of leasing is how predictable it is.
With a manufacturer’s warranty included and optional maintenance packages, you have fixed monthly costs. This avoids many of the unexpected costs that come with car ownership that can come from sudden mechanical bills from older vehicles.
Need help choosing the right lease?
If you’re looking for a lease with full peace of mind, we’ll help you find the right setup.
At LeaseCar, we:
Match you with vehicles that suit your budget
Explain exactly what’s included
Help you decide if maintenance cover is worthwhile
Browse our latest lease deals or speak to our team on 0344 745 1818 to get started.