What You Need to Know About Your Car Warranty After a Collision
When you have a collision, it can be an emotional and stressful time. As you deal with the aftermath of your accident, among the many things you will be addressing, one more thing to consider is how it might affect your car warranty. Your warranty agreement is a contract between you and the manufacturer, so it’s important to know what coverage is provided. Here’s what you need to know about car warranties after a collision:
Manufacturer Warranties Typically Exclude Collision Damage
Most manufacturer warranties don’t cover damage caused by a collision, no matter who was at fault. This means that you won’t be able to use your car warranty to cover repairs that were caused by the accident. If your car is newer and under warranty you should consider having higher coverage insurance for this purpose.
Some Insurance Policies Cover Collision Damage
If you have an insurance policy that covers collision damage, you may be able to use it to pay for repairs. Check with your provider to see what type of coverage you have and how much it will cover. Ask detailed questions to your insurance provider and make sure you know exactly what is covered and what is not on your current policy.
You May Have Additional Warranty Coverage
Depending on the specifics of your warranty, you may be entitled to additional protection for accident-related repairs. Check with your car’s manufacturer for more information about what types of coverage you may be able to access. The details of your warranty are hardly ever completed disclosed to you upon purchase, so make sure you ask warranty specific questions to be informed.
You May Need to Pay Out-of-Pocket for Repairs
If you don’t have any warranty coverage or insurance for the repair, you will likely need to pay out-of-pocket. This could include paying for the cost of parts, labor and deductible fees. This is not uncommon with the majority of insurance plans and warranty agreements, however these types of out of pocket costs are typically reduced by a considerable amount.
Warranty Coverage Varies by Provider and Vehicle Make
Different car manufacturers have different warranty policies when it comes to collision damage. Some may provide limited coverage while others may not cover any repairs at all due to the accident. Additionally, each insurance provider will have its own policies for covering collision repairs.
Warranty Lapse or Termination After an Accident
Another important thing to consider is that your car warranty might be voided or terminated after the accident. Before you have any repairs done, make sure to check with your car’s manufacturer and insurance provider to ensure that your warranty is still in effect. Depending on the severity of the accident and the damage done, some manufacturers may have the contractual ability to retract the warranty agreement completely.
Knowing about your car warranty after a collision can help you make decisions about how to pay for repairs and protect yourself from costly out-of-pocket expenses. There are many factors involved in dealing with an accident so make sure to research the specifics of your warranty, as well as any insurance coverage you may have, before making any decisions. This way, you can maximize your coverage and minimize the financial impact of an accident.
