Does Collision Repair Affect Your Warranty?
Dealing with collisions and accidents is never fun. It is especially made complicated when you have to process your warranty claim afterwards; the journey is physically and emotionally taxing. That is why we created this guide to educate you about what you must do after a collision and how it affects your warranty. In particular, does collision repair affect your warranty? And what are the steps you must take to ensure you get the services you need and invested for.
Keep reading to gain valuable insights that will help you navigate the complexities of dealing with warranties after a collision.
Key Takeaways
• A collision repair will not affect or void your warranty.
• When you suffer from a collision, make sure to take your car to a qualified auto repair shop to protect your warranty.
• If your car is totaled from the collision, your warranty is void but you can get a claim from your insurance company to cover the repair.
• When your car undergoes collision repair, make sure to use only approved parts and not OEM parts so as not to void your warranty.
Does Collision Repair Affect Your Warranty?
The short answer is NO. Getting into a collision or car accident and then taking your car to a dealership or other auto body repair shops after will not affect or void your warranty.
Therefore, getting into a collision and getting your car fixed means that you are still entitled to your warranty coverage.
The only time that your warranty coverage will be voided is if your car is totaled or completely damaged during collision. At this point, your insurance company will cover the repairs of your vehicle. The manufacturer will inspect the parts to ensure they meet the specifications or else the claim will be void.
Tips for Handling Your Warranty After a Collision
Did you just figure in a collision and you need repair for your car? If so, make sure you know what to do next to ensure you can maximize your warranty.
Review Your Warranty Terms and Coverage
The first thing you must do is to review your warranty terms and conditions. These warranties differ from one provider to another, so you should know the terms that are specific to your coverage, specifically about collisions and repairs. It will help you determine what to include when filing a warranty claim.
Talk to Your Warranty Provider
Aside from knowing what is included in your warranty, you must notify your warranty provider immediately after a collision. They can provide guidance on how you can proceed with claiming your warranty or help you determine the next steps to take. For example, they can inform you on where you can take your vehicle for a body repair or how to document your car’s damage.
Finding an Auto Repair Shop
Choosing the auto body repair shop for your vehicle is a crucial decision since warranties might specify where you can take your vehicle to keep your warranty from being voided. Some warranty providers specify which auto repair shops you must choose to repair your collision damage, such as those with certifications or have expert technicians.
In addition, using a qualified and approved auto repair shop ensures they will use original parts instead of OEM parts that could void your warranty. With these quality auto repair shops, you can guarantee that your vehicle can be restored to its pre-collision condition.
Does DIY Collision Repair Void Your Warranty?
The rise of the DIY movement might inspire you to take the DIY route when you experience a collision that causes minor damage to your car. However, DIY collision repairs could void your warranty, unless you are a professional or expert auto mechanic.
Doing DIY repairs not only risk voiding your warranty but it could also cause more damage to your vehicle.
Final Tips on Collision Repair and Warranty
If you have any questions about how collision repair affects your warranty, there is no better place to ask than your warranty provider itself. You should also spend time to review your warranty terms to ensure you don’t violate any terms that could void it, and it does not just apply to collision repair.
If you follow the warranty specifications about collision repair, you have nothing to worry about. In addition, you should also keep up with your car’s regular servicing and routine maintenance to avoid any issues. It is important to ask questions about your warranty coverage and terms, especially if you have an extended warranty.
FAQs
Does warranty include repair?
Yes. A warranty includes repair or replacement of damaged parts due to manufacturing issues or mechanical faults. However, if the damage is due to other causes outside of manufacturing error, you must pay for the repair out of your own pocket.
Is a collision covered under warranty?
A car warranty does not cover collision repairs. Instead, you can use your car insurance for that. Make sure the insurance covers repair for auto collisions to save on repair costs.
Does warranty reset after repair?
The short answer is no. A warranty coverage specifies a certain period of time when you are protected from the time of purchase. Your warranty coverage will specifically state which part is repaired or replaced.
