How do I use my warranty when repairing?
Posted by HREisGrrrrrrrreat@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 34 comments
Let's say my transmission broke at 20k mi, but my warranty covers bumper to bumper for 50k and I go to the shop, how would they know that my car is still under warranty or not? Is there something I need to have physically and show them in order for the warranty to work?
If so, what do I need?
ScaryfatkidGT@reddit
Idk why everyone is making fun of you…
The warranty is provided by the manufacturer, it is only honored at dealerships, the dealership will know the date the car was sold.
HREisGrrrrrrrreat@reddit (OP)
seriously, so many of these car guys are snobs
Upbeat_Analyst_9023@reddit
Shops usually just check your VIN to see if theres active coverage, especially for manufacturer plans. If its a third-party one, theyll ask for your contract info or provider and veriyf it from there.
Thats also why some people keep a vehicle service contract (like CarShield or similar), since the shop can just contact the provider directly when something major comes up.
El_Pollo_Del-Mar@reddit
Really?
twoManx@reddit
This person is on the road with the rest of us, and there are probably millions more like them.
EqualPassenger4271@reddit
Do you even need a drivers license to post online?
arkutek-em@reddit
You don't need a license to own a car.
TaylorSwiftScatPorn@reddit
Unfortunately
RemoteVersion838@reddit
If you bought the car new then they will have your info already but its worth checking. A more important reason to make sure you are the registered owner with the manufacturer, is to get recall notices. Even our 2008 Toyota had recalls in the past few years that I would have missed if I wasn't registered with Toyota. Call your local dealer and ask them to look up your car. The first time they will need the VIN to find the specific vehicle but after that they should be able to find you by name.
Fragrant-Cat-1789@reddit
Take it to the dealership no more worry
rudbri93@reddit
if youre talking about manufacturer warranty then the dealer will have the info.
HREisGrrrrrrrreat@reddit (OP)
but what if i take it to a local mechanic, how'd they know if my warranty is still valid?
arkutek-em@reddit
If using a manufacturer warranty you take it to authorized manufacturer service center. This is often the dealership. If you have a third party warranty you have to check who they want you to take the vehicle to.
turbski84@reddit
A local mechanic won't touch dealerships warranty
Final-Carpenter-1591@reddit
Do not go to a local mechanic while under warranty. They will not have the ability to look up or use your factory warranty, and they could end up voiding your actual warranty.
BouncingSphinx@reddit
Manufacturer warranty can only be honored at a dealership. If it’s a Honda, take it to a Honda dealership for warranty work. Fords go to Ford dealership, Jeep to Jeep.
ProJoe@reddit
If its a manufacturer warranty you have to go to a manufacturer approved dealer for repairs.
rudbri93@reddit
local independent shops generally arent approved for manufacturer warranty work, so youd have to go to the dealer.
Castrol-5w30@reddit
They wouldn't because they don't honour the warranty.
GrandMarquisMark@reddit
Jesus Christ.
AbruptMango@reddit
Yes. If you plan on having someone other than yourself paying, you need to let them know when they write you up. Mentioning your third party warranty afterwards is usually going to mean it's too late- you don't simply call them to pay after it's done, they tend to need to give approval before work gets started.
CakesForLife@reddit
You guys suck.
EqualPassenger4271@reddit
You need to go to a reputable dealership to have your warranty honored properly, or risk it sharing whatever service records you have with the manufacturer, they will direct you from there and it will not be nearby.
No_Educator_6376@reddit
Tell them when you get there and have the paperwork ready
Booyahshakeit1@reddit
Warranty work must be done at dealership prefer the one that the car came from
Bubbly_Pool4513@reddit
Are you seriously asking how does the dealer know your 50k warranty is still effective when you’re at 20k miles?
By looking at the odometer!
PossibilityTotal191@reddit
Nono even better, theyre asking how a 3rd party mechanic will know their warranty is still effective lolol
PossibilityTotal191@reddit
How have you survived this long…
One_Evil_Monkey@reddit
Really?
You didn't say whether you bought the vehicle new, what vehicle it is, are you the original owner or what?
A question like "I broke my shit at 20k but it has a 50k warranty" doesn't mean squat to us.
An indy (Independent) shop won't honor a manufacture's warranty. Some sort of extended warranty from manufacturer is still only covered by the manufacturer so off to dealer you go. If a 3rd party warranty like "car shield" or some other BS then it's an ASE ceritied indy shop.
We can't tell you much without vital info. And this isn't exactly the correct sub for this anyway.
BandiTToZ@reddit
You don't take your car to your local mechanic for repairs if thr car is still under warranty. You take it to the dealer. Your local mechanic should only be for maintenance like oil changes. Even then, make sure they document their work so you dont have issues for warranty items for using a 3rd party for repairs.
cptchnk@reddit
Ummmm...if a car is under manufacturer warranty, it should be serviced by the dealer and not at a 3rd party repair shop. The dealer would have all your warranty and service information in their system because they look it up by VIN. And that is in fact the only instance where you'd actually want to bring your car into the dealer for repairs. 🤣
Solomon_knows@reddit
2 answers, both are registered by your VIN
Realistic-March-5679@reddit
You would have to have all the information for the warranty and present it prior to service. Some warranty companies are an absolute nightmare to work with so don’t be surprised if a couple shops turn down going through the warranty and make you do the claim. Car shield for example is one for me.
Former_Mud9569@reddit
manufacturer warranty you go to the dealer. third party warranty you call them and go to one of their preferred mechanics.