Have you ever taken your car in for repairs thinking you were covered by a warranty only to be handed a large repair bill? There are ways you can prevent your claim from being denied by your factory warranty or extended auto warranty and also prolong the life of your vehicle.
If you purchase a used car, ask about any previous or current problems. If there was a problem before you bought the car, then a warranty may not cover it. Also, if you buy it from a private owner, ask if there are any existing warranties on the vehicle and whether they are transferable.
Make sure you perform preventive maintenance and follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Also, keep maintenance records and all receipts. *Some extended warranties will not allow handwritten receipts and all work must be performed by a certified professional. 3
Be good to your car. The road is not a NASCAR track, so drive your car gently. Some warranties cover only mechanical breakdowns and wear and tear items. If your car needs a repair due to abuse, your claim will be denied.
Be sure to check your warranty before you install any accessories on your car. Most accessories that are not manufacturer approved and installed at a certified service center will void your factory or extended warranty.
If you suspect that there is a problem with your car, stop driving it. Your claim might be rejected if you were aware of a problem but continued to drive it. The good thing is that many warranties will cover the cost of towing to the nearest service center.
When a problem arises, take your car to a certified service center that you trust. When you explain the problem, be clear and concise so there is no confusion.
Write down the date you bring your car in for service and also write down what you and the mechanic or service advisor discussed. This will be of use in case there is a dispute later.
Make sure that work on your has not begun until your claim is approved by the warranty company.
You can contact the warranty company directly to explain the situation. This will allow the warranty company to have a better understanding of what is going on with your car.
Find out if the service center will file the claim for you. Many warranty companies deal with service centers directly which will save you don't have to go through the hassle of making phone calls and sending paperwork. All you have to worry about is paying the deductible if you have one.