rewrite this title 5 Steps to File a Car Warranty Claim – And Wrap It Up – NerdWallet

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.

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.

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.

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:

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:

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.