Tip #5: Address Mechanical Issues as Soon as Possible
If you notice a problem, take your vehicle to a repair shop and begin the claims procedure. Check your contract to verify which repair businesses are covered by your policy. Most extended warranties require you to take your vehicle to a dealership for repairs.
Third-party warranties frequently require the repair facility to be certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®). In many circumstances, dealing with problems as soon as they arise is a contractual requirement. Even if your contract doesn’t cover your problem, getting your car mended as soon as possible is a good idea. Failure to do so may result in more costly repairs in the future. When you take your car to the shop for repairs, you should first request a tear-down service to diagnose the problem.
Tip #6: Verify Your Coverage
Following the mechanic’s diagnosis, double-check your contract to verify if your repair is covered. If you are unsure, it is worthwhile to file a claim to find out. However, you can save yourself a lot of trouble and time if you already know whether your repair is excluded or covered in your contract. Start the claims process if you’re convinced your repair is covered. Usually, your mechanic will contact your warranty provider to check repair coverage and authorize work.
Tip #7: Wait for Authorization
After making a claim, you must wait until your warranty administrator approves your repairs before any work on your vehicle can begin. This process should be quick if you use a reputable extended warranty supplier. The authorization and claims procedure can be time-consuming, especially if there is a disagreement concerning coverage. It is critical to be patient and take the necessary steps to guarantee that your claim is ultimately approved.
Tip #8: Keep All Documentation
Keep all documents from your mechanic and interactions with your warranty administrator. If your claim is refused, this documentation may be useful in arguing your case in court. In general, the more paperwork you have, the more likely your claim will be approved.
Tip #9: Obtain a Written Denial of Any Claim
Our final two suggestions are helpful if you believe your claim has been denied unfairly. If you believe your repair should have been covered, but your claim was refused, your first action should be to get a written explanation for the claim decision. If necessary, this document will be valuable to your lawyer or in claims court.
Tip #10: Submit A Complaint
If your claim is denied and going to court is not an option, you have one last alternative. You can file a complaint through a variety of channels. At the very least, this may warn future clients about a subpar warranty administrator. To file a complaint against an unethical warranty provider, try contacting:
- Your neighborhood consumer protection office
- The attorney general of your state
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (FTC)
- The BBB page for the provider
You can also acquire free quotes from a few reliable extended warranty companies in the future to get better service and coverage.