Who Pays for Repairs if Something Goes Wrong After the Warranty?
23/04/2024
You've owned your new car for just over three years, and unfortunately, it's now in need of a costly repair. It might seem unfair for such a young vehicle to encounter issues, especially if it's a luxury model from a prestigious brand.
Shouldn't the manufacturer cover the expenses?
Once the warranty expires, the manufacturer is no longer obligated to assist with repair costs.
Warranties
Warranties have evolved significantly over the years. In the past, cars required major engine rebuilds after relatively low mileage. Today's cars, equipped with advanced electronics, can last much longer without major repairs. However, when repairs are necessary, they can be quite expensive due to the complexity of modern vehicles.
While older warranties often provided coverage for only the first year, newer warranties extend for three, five, or even seven years, reflecting improved durability and reliability. Nevertheless, given that cars consist of numerous components from various suppliers, issues are bound to arise eventually, even in reliable or high-end vehicles.
Goodwill
In some cases, manufacturers may offer goodwill contributions towards repair costs, especially if the problem arises shortly after the warranty expires. This is more likely if the car has been regularly serviced by an authorized dealer. If you find yourself in this situation, ask the service department to submit a post-warranty claim to the manufacturer on your behalf.
It's important to note that manufacturers are not obligated to provide assistance in these cases. Displaying anger or aggression could result in the rejection of your claim or the withdrawal of any offer already made.
Recalls
Exceptions to this rule include faults that prompt official vehicle safety recall campaigns, which manufacturers are required to address free of charge at any time.
This article is designed to offer general advice and may not apply to every insurance, broker, insurer, cover or policy. You would need to check the individual policy benefits of each cover with your insurer or broker.
