How Submit a New Car Warranty Claim

• Posted on Autos.com Editor
• in Car Buying
• on October 7, 2013

If your vehicle is covered by a car warranty, and you need to submit a claim, you must be knowledgeable about the claim filing process to ensure it’s approved. If you possess a new car that is still under the new car warranty or the manufacturer’s warranty, it’s your responsibility to adhere to the requirements that would keep your warranty in force. You should also go through the manufacturer’s warranty booklet to be aware of the inclusions and exclusions on your car warranty. Moreover, you need to read the fine print on the warranty contract carefully, to become aware of the circumstances that can void your warranty. Further, adhere to the maintenance required on your car, to keep the warranty active.

Submitting a New Car Warranty Claim:

• As a general guideline, the new car limited warranty covers the car for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first). The complete vehicle is covered, including tires, towing the car to the nearest dealer and corrosion due to defects. Most warranty repairs will be free of charge. Wear and tear due to regular use, however, isn’t generally covered. To ascertain your claim is approved, your car shouldn’t be misused. In addition, the car shouldn’t be driven in competitive events and at no time should it be driven off the road.
• If your car breaks down or is in need of repairs, you should have it taken to the nearest licensed repair shop. Present them with your warranty service agreement and describe the problem clearly and concisely to the mechanic.
• Note down the gist of the discussion between the mechanic and yourself. You should also make note of the date of the discussion, in case there’s a dispute at a later date. Ensure the repairs are approved before the mechanic starts work on the car.
• Your car should be maintained as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. Proof of this maintenance, in the form of receipts, will be required by the manufacturer before they honor any claims for repairs.
• Along with these documents, you may have to furnish pictures of the car damage to the auto warranty company.
• If you’ve purchased an auto warranty from a third party company, you may have to make payments to the auto repair shop and then send your documents and receipts to the warranty company so they reimburse you. However, you need to make sure you have complied with all the requirements listed on your contract.
• The car manufacturer’s warranty covers the car for the first 36,000 miles and thus the odometer of your car should display the exact mileage. If the odometer is damaged or tampered with, so the exact mileage isn’t displayed, the entire warranty will be declared void.

Although it’s difficult to get a warranty that is a personal fit for your requirements, the above guidelines would help assure the approval of most claims. You should also know that environmental damage to your car isn’t covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Hence, claims for damage caused by floods, earthquakes, storms or fires won’t be honored.