Warranty Direct review: is it worth it?
Warranty24 · Updated July 2026
Warranty Direct is owned by FirstBase (Future Marketing) Ltd and is FCA-regulated, with current policies underwritten by QBE UK Limited. It offers two tiers (Gold and Silver), covers vehicles up to 12 years old/120,000 miles, and includes AA Roadside Assistance and MOT Test Insurance as standard — but explicitly excludes batteries and cells from EV/hybrid cover.
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Warranty Direct is owned by FirstBase (Future Marketing) Ltd (FBFM), confirmed directly on Warranty Direct's own site. The brand has been operating in the UK extended warranty market for over 20 years, though its ownership and underwriting have changed over that time.
Warranty Direct is FCA-regulated. Current policies (confirmed directly in Warranty Direct's own Gold and Silver policy terms documents) are underwritten by QBE UK Limited, registered in England (No. 1761561), authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by both the FCA and the PRA.
Warranty Direct plan tiers and what's included
Warranty Direct offers two tiers:
| Plan | Cover level | Multimedia | Roadside & MOT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | Mechanical & electrical failures, comprehensive | Included (Sat Nav, camera equipment) | AA Roadside Assistance & Home Start, MOT Test Insurance |
| Silver | Mechanical & electrical failures, listed parts only | Not included | AA Roadside Assistance & Home Start, MOT Test Insurance |
Vehicles are eligible up to 12 years old and 120,000 miles. Wear and tear cover is included up to 70,000 miles. No pre-inspection is required to take out a policy, and you can choose your own excess amount when getting a quote.
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Warranty Direct covers electric and hybrid vehicles, but explicitly excludes batteries and cells from that cover on both types. If battery protection matters to you, check this carefully against providers that do cover the EV battery under a separate specific warranty.
Claims process
To start a claim, you call Warranty Direct on 0800 085 7389 to register it. You can then choose a repairer from Warranty Direct's network of around 2,200 repairers, or use your own VAT-registered garage. You pay the agreed excess at the time of repair, with the rest handled through the warranty, up to the value of the vehicle.
Keeping your policy valid
Your vehicle must be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, within 1,000 miles or 30 days of the specified interval, by the dealer you bought the vehicle from or another VAT-registered garage.
Cancellation
You have a statutory right to cancel within 14 days of the policy start date, confirmed directly in Warranty Direct's own policy terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Warranty Direct regulated by the FCA?
Yes. Current policies are underwritten by QBE UK Limited, which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the FCA and PRA.
Who owns Warranty Direct?
FirstBase (Future Marketing) Ltd (FBFM), confirmed directly on Warranty Direct's own site.
What's the difference between Gold and Silver cover?
Gold includes comprehensive mechanical/electrical cover plus multimedia components (Sat Nav, camera equipment); Silver covers only specifically listed mechanical/electrical parts and doesn't include multimedia cover. Both include AA Roadside Assistance, Home Start, and MOT Test Insurance.
Does Warranty Direct cover EV and hybrid batteries?
No — batteries and cells are explicitly excluded from cover on both electric and hybrid vehicles.