What Voids a Car Warranty?

What could void your warranty?

There are several actions that can void an auto warranty or lead to denied claims, but not every mistake cancels your entire warranty. In many cases, coverage stays in place, but related claims can be denied.

For example, if you skip oil changes and your engine fails, the provider might reject that claim but still cover unrelated issues. A full warranty cancellation usually only happens in more serious situations, like odometer fraud or a salvage title.

To keep your vehicle’s warranty intact, avoid the following:

1. An altered odometer

Manufacturers and warranty providers often consider odometer fraud a breach of the warranty terms and may void your warranty as a result. Additionally, altering an odometer can have legal consequences.

If you suspect that an odometer has been tampered with or altered on a vehicle, report it to the appropriate authorities, seek legal advice and contact the manufacturer or warranty provider to understand how it may affect the coverage for your vehicle.

2. A salvage title

There are two instances in which you might be issued a salvage title: if your state requires it after severe damage or if your insurance company declares your car a total loss. In either case, a salvage title can void your warranty.

That’s why it's smart to avoid vehicles with salvage titles when shopping for used cars, especially if you want an extended auto warranty to help with future repairs.

Keep in mind that warranties don’t cover collision damage. That’s what car insurance is for.

» COMPARE: Car warranty vs. car insurance

3. A flood title

A flood title doesn’t automatically void a car's warranty. However, it can complicate warranty coverage.

If the flood damage is severe and has led to extensive issues, the warranty provider may choose to void the warranty on a case-by-case basis. (Typically, a car's warranty remains in effect unless the manufacturer or warranty provider explicitly voids it for reasons related to the flood damage.)

Review the terms and conditions of your car's warranty, and contact the manufacturer or warranty provider to understand how flood damage may affect warranty coverage for your vehicle.

4. Vehicle misuse

Off-roading, racing or competing with your car — generally, any actions outside of normal day-to-day use — could be interpreted as misuse. The same goes for towing beyond your vehicle’s rated capacity. If your car shows signs of abuse from such activities, your warranty provider will usually deny any related claims.

Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule to avoid warranty issues.

Even if your car or truck was designed for off-roading (or if advertisements feature the vehicle in off-road conditions), the terms of your warranty may exclude repairs due to "excessive wear," so read your coverage details carefully before you leave well-traveled roads in pursuit of off-road adventures.

» LEARN: What does a car warranty cover?

5. Neglected maintenance

Failing to take your car in for routine maintenance often results in denied claims, so make sure to adhere to the maintenance schedule created by the manufacturer and published in your owner's manual.

6. Aftermarket modifications

Though putting aftermarket parts on your car or modifying it may not automatically void your warranty, it could complicate matters when you need coverage for a repair. According to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975, a dealer must provide proof that the aftermarket part or system caused the need for repairs before it can deny a warranty claim.

This may also show up in ways that you don’t expect, as a reviewer from Iowa learned the hard way:

“[W]hen my transmission blew, I didn't realize that the tire people had put on slightly undersized tires, which voided my warranty. So, I was rather pissed about that in general, but I couldn't blame Endurance. I blamed the guys that put the tires on my car.”

This is why it’s important to be aware of what might affect your coverage and get your car serviced by well-respected, attentive mechanics and service providers.

How to get the most out of your car warranty

Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your car warranty:

• Read your warranty documents: Pay special attention to the coverage section to make sure you understand exactly which repairs you'll pay for on your own.
• Maintain your car and document everything: When you have your car serviced at a dealership, the mechanic may recommend fluid changes and other maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer's schedule. Many people have an independent repair shop they like, which may not be tapped into a specific manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. Take the recommended maintenance schedule seriously and keep receipts and other forms of documentation for each service appointment.
• Remember that warranties are often open to interpretation: If your claim is denied, don't panic. Ask questions, and go through the process outlined by your warranty company or manufacturer to appeal the decision. A service advisor may have made a simple clerical error, or a customer service representative may have unfairly denied your eligible claim.
• Set up a separate auto maintenance fund: One of the most common reasons for a denied claim is improper maintenance. If you’re on a budget, plan for regular maintenance by building the costs into your plan. If you set aside a bit of each paycheck in a separate account, when it's time to pay for an oil change, timing belt replacement or new tires, you won't be tempted to put it off due to a lack of funds.

» IS IT WORTH IT? Should I buy an extended warranty for a used car?

What if your claim is denied?

If your warranty isn't honored, talk with the mechanic or service advisor to make sure the repair was properly labeled and the reason for the repair was explained in the paperwork you submitted to your warranty provider.

Call the customer advocacy number in your car's manual if your claim was denied by the manufacturer. If you have a third-party warranty, resubmit the claim with a letter detailing why you believe your claim is valid. Include paperwork that proves you've kept up with the manufacturer's routine maintenance schedule.

If you suspect you've purchased a useless warranty or if you think you’re working with a company that routinely denies claims, look into canceling your coverage and getting a prorated refund.

» MORE: How do you get your car warranty claim approved?

Bottom line

If you’re fortunate enough to have a manufacturer's warranty or a good third-party auto warranty, it can help you avoid the financial stress associated with high car repair bills.

For you to get the most out of your warranty, it's crucial to understand your coverage limits, how to make a claim and what actions void your warranty. Read your warranty details to get insight into what to do and what not to do to get the maximum value from your warranty.