Filing a car warranty repair claim can be complicated. For starters, there are multiple parties to coordinate with: the mechanic, the warranty provider, and sometimes a claims adjuster or dealership. And how quickly the process goes can depend on the type of warranty you have. For example, factory warranties typically approve claims instantly, while extended warranties might require an inspection.
Before you submit a claim for a repair or replacement part, make sure you’re prepared for the process with the right information — and a plan in case your claim is denied, delayed or only partially covered. Here’s what to know to improve your chances of a no-hassle car warranty claims process.
Read through the coverage details and policy exceptions in your warranty contract. This can give you some understanding of whether a repair may or may not be covered. For example, you may find that your warranty doesn’t cover wear-and-tear items like brake pads and tires.
Original factory warranties tend to cover the cost of most mechanical repairs, but some may only pay for “powertrain” repairs — issues with the engine and transmission — after the first three years.
Extended warranties, more accurately vehicle service contracts (VSC), vary in the elements they cover. Many plans have “exclusions” that might be hidden in the fine print, such as damage to a covered part by a non-covered part, and vice versa. If you’re not sure whether a part is covered, contact your warranty provider to double-check.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
What you think is covered may not always be covered. For example, a part that’s covered under warranty may have been damaged by a non-covered part, which could void the repair coverage. You can prepare for a warranty claim by reading your policy so you have all the information possible and to manage your expectations.
Call your warranty company’s claims department or the dealership you purchased the car from. Some warranty companies allow you to submit a claim online or through an app. Have your policy number ready. Not all warranty companies offer 24/7 claims submission, so check the customer service hours.
Submitting a claim before you drive your car further or take it to a repair shop can help ensure that you don’t do additional damage that could void your warranty coverage. Your warranty company may even include roadside assistance that can help you start the process immediately.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
Lack of maintenance is a common reason for claim denial, so make sure you have records ready of oil changes and other routine maintenance. Factory warranties might be less strict, but extended warranties are notorious for requiring evidence of maintenance before approving a repair.
3. Get the issue diagnosed at a licensed repair facility
Before your claim can be approved, the mechanic or dealership service advisor needs to diagnose the issue and send a price estimate to your warranty provider.
If your car is under a manufacturer’s warranty, you’ll likely need to get your car repaired at an authorized brand dealership. If you’re paying for an extended warranty, you can typically get repairs done at any Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)-certified repair facility.
Asking your warranty provider what shops they recommend and work with regularly can send you in the right direction. Either way, it’s helpful to double-check and ask a shop whether they work with your warranty provider.
If the repair is complex or expensive, the warranty company may send an inspector to verify the issue and adjust the claim. Claims can be processed within a day or two in some cases, but could take longer in others. Factory warranties don’t tend to require inspections except in extreme circumstances.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
For the inspector to determine the exact problem with your car and the cause, you might need to authorize the repair shop to conduct a “teardown.” A teardown means disassembling part of your car to get to the issue. However, if the inspector finds that the issue isn’t covered (or was caused by a non-covered part), you may have to pay for the teardown and repair out-of-pocket.
5. Confirm the repair and plan for payment
Once your claim has been processed, you can proceed with the repair. Make sure to write down the claim authorization number, who approved the repair, and any other key information.
Verify with the warranty company how the mechanic will be paid, and whether you may have to pay for anything yourself. There are a few different ways your warranty might pay for the parts and labor involved, depending on the type of warranty:
Factory warranty: The car manufacturer typically pays the dealership internally within their system. You may have to pay for any non-covered parts that are involved in the repair, such as fluids or filters. Factory warranties tend not to have a deductible.
Extended warranty:
Some warranties have an hourly labor rate cap adjusted to a state or national average. If your shop charges more than that cap for labor, you may have to pay the difference.
Some extended warranties might reimburse only for refurbished or “aftermarket” parts, and not brand-new replacements.
With some warranties, you might have to pay upfront and file a receipt online or via mail to get your money back.
Extended warranties often have a deductible of $100 to $250 (sometimes more for luxury vehicles).
What do I do if my car warranty claim is denied?
Car warranties come with exclusions that limit coverage for certain parts or under certain conditions. Extended warranty companies, like insurance providers, may try to minimize the amount that they pay.
If your warranty claim is denied, don’t give up. You can appeal the claim. Here are some steps to take:
Ask for a written explanation of the decision, including the specific exclusion clause in the contract.
Share this information with the mechanic to see if they agree with the decision, and get a written explanation from the shop, if possible. If you think you’re not getting an accurate assessment, take your car to another repair shop for a second opinion.
Call your car warranty provider and request to appeal the claim denial. There may be several steps to this process, but stay patient and persistent. In extreme cases, you may choose to escalate and seek legal guidance.
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About the author
Dalia Ramirez writes about home and car services for NerdWallet. She has previously written about estate planning, cryptocurrencies, small business software and other personal finance topics. Dalia has a B.A. in science and technology studies from Wesleyan University. Her work has appeared in publications including The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, Bloomberg and The Associated Press. She is based in San Francisco.
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