Do you remember back to when you were purchasing your car at the dealership? Did the sales representative mention a manufacturers warranty? Like most people, we get sucked into the moment of signing paperwork and we forget all about the warranty. But, what exactly does that warranty cover and will it replace damaged parts if you are in an accident?

Typically, the manufacturer’s warranty covers a span of 3 years or 36,000-60,000 miles depending on the brand. According to a report on CBS, the basic, bumper-to-bumper warranty covers virtually everything in the car-including air conditioning, the audio system, and electrical components. There is also a powertrain coverage built in to that warranty featuring engine and transmission repairs, which can be high-ticket items to repair. Under federal law, manufacturers also must provide an eight year/80,000-mile warranty for defects in catalytic converters and other components of the emissions control system.

What would eliminate your warranty?

• If your car is given a salvage title. This means that your car is totaled and no longer deemed roadworthy by your insurance provider.
• Misuse of the vehicle. If racing, overloading the vehicle or off-roading, causes damage the warranty will be voided.
• Floods, fires, twisters and earthquakes fall into the category of environmental damage, which is not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
• Any sort of tampering with the odometer will void the warranty since the warranties are based off of mileage.
• Lack of upkeep/ neglect to the vehicle will cancel the warranty. An example of neglect to a car would be driving around for years without replacing the oil. Regular servicing is recommended to keep up the warranties.

So would being in an accident void your warranty?    

If your vehicle is repairable, an accident should have no result on the warranty. According to industry experts, the only way the accident itself can void a warranty is if the vehicle’s been given a title salvage designation after being declared a total loss by the insurer because the damages sustained would cost more in collision repairs than its assessed market value. Kelly Blue Book states that these are a few of the factors that influence your vehicle’s assessed market value include:

• Age
• Color
• Condition
• Make and model
• Mileage, especially when it’s been excessively driven
• Non-standard and aftermarket features
• Transmission type (manual vs. automatic)
• Vehicle history, including past collision repairs and maintenance

To be sure what is covered and not covered by the manufacturers warranty, check your owner’s manual closely, especially when you need a major repair. At Bumpers Etc. Auto Body & Collision, we take care of all your auto body and collision repair needs. Our repair process is defined by keeping a streamlined production promise of setting a delivery timeline and keeping our lifetime warranty on paint and workmanship, as long as you still own the vehicle serviced.

Contact Bumpers Etc. Auto Body & Collision for more information on how we can erase and repair any collisions your car may have been in.

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