How To Make A Warranty Claim
In the event that your car breaks down, an extended warranty can serve as a floating device to keep you afloat from a potential major financial setback. Depending on the extent of the repair and car parts replacement, any unexpected repairs could end up costing you thousands of dollars. Therefore, it is important to secure an extended warranty to protect yourself and your car from unexpected events. You must also know how to make a warranty claim to ensure the process goes smoothly and for a fast approval process.
This guide shows you the step-by-step guide on filing a warranty claim and tips on how to ensure your approval.
Key Takeaways
• Keep a record of your warranty contract and other essential documentations as you will need them, in case you need to file a warranty claim.
• Call your warranty provider immediately when you experience any issues with your vehicle. You can ask them to pre-authorize your warranty benefits and recommend approved auto mechanic shops to perform your warranty work.
• Before filing a warranty claim, check the coverage of your warranty to ensure that your desired repair or replacement job is covered under your plan. Ensure that your warranty coverage is active to ensure approval.
• Pay any deductibles that are included in your warranty coverage.
• The common reasons for a denied warranty claim are misinterpreted warranty coverage, unauthorized repairs, expired warranty coverage, misuse of the vehicle, and a lack of vehicle maintenance.
What is a Warranty Claim?
Every time you buy a new product, it comes with a warranty. Some warranties are free, while others require additional purchase. Regardless, having a warranty is like a written agreement between you, the buyer, and the product manufacturer or warranty provider, that they will cover the cost of repair or replacement for any defect or malfunctioning components of a product, especially those specifically stated as covered in the warranty.
That said, you should make a habit of keeping a copy of your warranty booklet and reading the terms and conditions of your warranty. Each warranty is unique, so being familiar with these various terms and conditions ensure you know your right when it comes to protecting your investment, especially if it’s a big investment like a car.
Being aware of your warranty coverage and rights can avoid any frustrations in the long run because you will be able to enjoy the services that you need without paying out of your pocket. It also pays to know about the warranty claim process, or how to make a warranty claim. It ensures you can file the warranty claim correctly and get immediate approval.
When to File a Warranty Claim
Buying an extended warranty is crucial for your peace of mind. It means that whatever happens to your car, you won’t have to worry about paying for the parts that need to be replaced, or the repair that is required to restore its condition.
But filing a warranty claim can be time-consuming and confusing if you don’t know when and how to make a warranty claim. On the manufacturer’s side, their aim is to reduce warranty claims because it means reduced costs on their end. For the consumers, it can lead to frustrations and disappointments when your claim is denied.
The first thing you must do when determining if you should file a warranty claim is to check if the problem is covered by warranty. This information is available through your warranty booklet, so make sure to review the terms and conditions to check the extent of the coverage. Certain warranties exclude certain types of damage, especially damage because of specific causes.
Another thing to check when you file a warranty claim is the validity of the warranty coverage. Check the warranty period to decide when to file a claim and if it will be honored.
Next, consider the time frame of filing claims and the cost of the repair or replacement. Is it worth the hassle of going through the warranty claims process? Consider how much time and effort is required, especially the warranty claim requirements because you could waste your time and effort if you are denied.
How to Make a Warranty Claim: Step-By-Step Guide
When the worst thing happens, how do you file a warranty claim? Follow this detailed guide so you know what to do when you need to file a claim.
Step 1: Preparing to Make a Claim
So, your car has unexpectedly broken down or suffered a mechanical failure? If you must take your car to an auto shop for repair, or back to your dealer, the first thing you must do is check the validity of the extended warranty. If the repair or replacement is covered within your warranty plan, the warranty provider will cover your bills.
As mentioned, review that the repair or replacement is covered under your warranty terms and conditions. And make sure that your warranty status is active.
If you answered yes to both, it’s time to gather the required documents for filing a warranty claim. Keep a copy of your service records and your contract number for the warranty coverage as your warranty provider might require them. Ideally, keep these documents in your vehicle so they are easily available when you need them.
Step 2: Call Your Warranty Provider
Once you have reviewed that your warranty is valid and that your repair job is covered under that warranty, the next thing you do is to contact your warranty provider. The warranty provider can provide further instructions and even have pre-authorization for your warranty benefits. In some cases, if you have a stalled vehicle, they can offer roadside assistance to help bring your vehicle to a nearby authorized auto shop.
Working with your warranty provider from the start improves your chances of your warranty claim approval.
Next, check with your warranty provider about approved or authorized auto shops. It is crucial that you bring your vehicle only to authorized shops. For example, you must bring your car only to a Mopar dealership and other authorized mechanics. It is part of the warranty provider’s protection to ensure that certified auto technicians inspect and repair your vehicle to perform the warranty work to ensure the quality.
If you bring your car to a third-party auto shop or mechanic, it won’t necessarily mean that your warranty claim is denied, but it can add a layer of complexity to the claims process and it would take longer to get approval.
That is why it is crucial to call your warranty provider right off the bat so they can recommend the authorized auto shops and avoid any issues during the claims process.
Step 3: Maintain Documentation and Pay Any Deductibles
During the repair process, you must sign an authorization form that indicates you authorize the shop to tear down your vehicle to identify the cause of the issue. Keep a copy of all documentations during the repair process or warranty work. You might need it later when filing the warranty claim and avoid any charges.
Speaking of charges, some warranties have deductibles that you must pay for.
With all these taken care of, you can wait for the car repair to be completed before you can start driving your vehicle again.
Common Reasons for Warranty Claims Denial & How to Avoid Them
In an effort to ensure that you can have a successful warranty claim, it pays to know the common reasons that your claim is denied. Remember that warranty providers won’t deny a claim unless they have a valid reason for doing so.
1. Misunderstanding on Warranty Coverage
A common reason for denied claims is when the vehicle owner is unaware of the extent of their warranty coverage. For example, there are issues with the powertrain but their warranty covers other internal components that exclude the powertrain. Therefore, you will likely be denied if you file for a warranty coverage on a part or component that isn’t included in your plan.
2. Pre-existing Conditions
If your vehicle has an existing problem, it will likely be denied by the warranty provider. They will only honor problems or defects on your vehicle if it’s fresh from the production line or a manufacturer issue. Any other issues that arose from other circumstances won’t be covered.
Even if you choose not to disclose it, an expert auto mechanic will determine the cause of the damage and whether it was pre-existing or due to manufacturing error.
3. Unauthorized Repairs
If you bring your vehicle for a repair to an unauthorized repair shop, you will risk the denial of your warranty claim. Manufacturers and dealers specify approved repair shops to ensure the quality of the repair work and to avoid causing more damage to your vehicle. If your vehicle suffers more damage due to unauthorized repairs, they will likely deny your claim.
4. Misuse or Abuse of Vehicle
A common reason for denied warranty claims is when you use your vehicle in conditions that were not approved of by your warranty provider. For example, you drive your car to an off-road condition when it is not designed for off-roading, chances are you will be denied when filing a claim. The reason is that knowingly driving your car in conditions that it is not designed for could risk it suffering from damage. As a result, they will not pay for the repair or parts replacement due to your negligence.
5. Lack of Maintenance
Failure to keep up with your vehicle maintenance is another reason for a denied claim. For example, failure to change your oil regularly can result to engine problems. Therefore, your warranty provider could deny your claim if the damage is due to poor maintenance.
Final Thoughts
If you have a denied warranty claim, it’s not the end of the road as you can appeal this decision. You must understand the reason why your claim was denied so you can address the issue. Whether you are missing the required documents or failure to provide proof of your contract, it’s important that you understand why your claim was denied before appealing the decision.
Expect the appeals process to be time-consuming and frustrating at times. But if you know your rights and you have documents to support your appeal, it’s worth the effort to fight for the coverage you are entitled to.
