Auto warranty services are the repair/replacement services provided at no charge to you as per binding warranty terms. Components, parts and even entire systems of your vehicle are either repaired or replaced when damaged. This damage could be due to original material or workmanship defects during the timeframe or conditions as set forth by your vehicle warranty coverage terms. Warranty services are provided for both small and large repairs as long as the issues are covered in your warranty terms.
Warranty services do not include most routine maintenance services such as oil changes and tire rotations. Warranty services are also not provided on parts and components subjected to common wear-and-tear damages such as brake pads and paint. Auto warranty services cover a wide variety of issues depending on the warranty type and provider.
A typical manufacturer’s warranty covers the many important parts on your vehicle including defective seat belts, exhaust systems, sensors, the heating/AC system and more.
A Warranty of Fitness for a Particular Purpose covers issues with RVs, tow ratings and trailer hauling. Corrosion warranties cover damage caused by corrosion to your vehicle due to weather, everyday driving environments or accidents.
Bumper-to-bumper warranties do not cover everything, but do cover important components pursuant to your suspension, electrical, transmission and safety systems.
Powertrain warranties cover your engine, drive shafts/components, timing chain and more. Emissions warranties cover sensors, catalytic convertors and nearly everything else having to do with your emissions and exhaust systems as state and federally regulated.
A used car warranty covers various issues based on the age of your car, warranty provider and whether you purchase extended coverage or not.
How does a car warranty work? Once damage is detected to qualified systems or parts it must be verified and costs estimated by any approved service center.
Claims are then submitted to the warranty provider and if approved, repairs must be conducted at provider-approved service centers only. High-quality warranty providers pay applicable service centers up front.
Some providers force service centers to wait for payment, or worse, require you to pay out-of-pocket and wait for reimbursement. For these latter reasons it is important to choose the best warranty provider with the best terms available for you.