When shopping for a car, one of the most important factors to consider is the warranty.
Most people are familiar with the standard factory warranty that comes with a new car.
However, many people don’t know about extended warranties, which can provide additional coverage beyond the standard warranty.
While it’s important to read the fine print and understand what is and isn’t covered by an extended warranty, this type of coverage can be invaluable in certain situations.
So when does an extended warranty become available and how soon can you use it?
The biggest complaint about a long vehicle warranty is the delay.
We all understand how weary we are when we have to wait.
Who likes to wait?
Similar to internet shopping, you’ve paid for your goods and are eager to use them, but you can’t really do anything until they arrive in your hands.
You won’t be able to use your warranty until it arrives in the mail and you have time to review the terms.
Once you’ve received your warranty, it’s important to take some time to understand the coverage.
Be sure to read over the entire document so that you know what is and isn’t covered.
It’s also a good idea to keep a copy of the warranty in your car so that you can refer to it if needed.
If you have any questions about the coverage, be sure to contact the warranty company for clarification.
In most cases, an extended warranty will become available on the date of purchase.
However, there may be some situations in which the coverage doesn’t begin until after you’ve taken delivery of the car.
For example, if you buy a new car and then decide to add an extended warranty later on, the coverage may not begin until the date of purchase for the warranty.
Read on to find out.
When Can I Start Using My Extended Warranty?
After signing up and finalizing your vehicles extended warranty, you are most likely anxious to start using it!
Depending on the provider and plan you choose, there is usually a waiting period before your benefits “kick in”.
This waiting period is designed to protect the provider, in case any pre-existing conditions or damages occur to your vehicle during this time.
Most providers have a standard waiting period of 30 days, but this can vary depending on the specific plan you choose.
It’s important to note that some providers may offer a shorter waiting period for an additional fee.
It’s important to be aware of your provider’s waiting period policy before signing up for a plan.
This way, you can be prepared in case you need to use your benefits sooner than expected.
If you have any questions about your specific plan, be sure to contact your provider for more information.
How Do Pre-Existing Conditions Effect my Extended Warranty?
If your vehicle has any pre-existing conditions or damages, these will not be covered under the warranty.
Many people believe that an extended auto warranty will cover any pre-existing damage to their vehicle.
However, this is not the case.
If your vehicle has any pre-existing conditions or damages, these will not be covered under the warranty.
In some cases, you may be required to have the damage repaired before the extended warranty can be valid.
It’s important to be aware of this before you purchase an extended warranty, so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for you.
This is why it’s important to be aware of your provider’s waiting period policy before signing up for a plan.
Otherwise, you may be left without coverage when you need it the most.
What Can I Do if My Car Has Pre-Existing Conditions?
Some providers may offer a shorter waiting period for an additional fee.
This is a great option for those who have pre-existing conditions or damages on their vehicle.
By paying the additional fee, you can start using your warranty sooner and get the coverage you need.
If you’re not sure whether or not your provider offers this option, be sure to contact them directly.
If you’re interested in this option, be sure to contact your provider for more information.
It’s also important to keep in mind that most extended warranties have a deductible that must be paid before coverage kicks in.
This is typically a set dollar amount or a percentage of the repair cost.
Be sure to ask your provider about their deductible policy before signing up for a plan.
Why is there a waiting period?
The waiting period is designed to protect the provider, in case any pre-existing conditions or damages occur to your vehicle during this time.
This way, the provider can be sure that they are not covering damages that occurred before the extended warranty was in place.
Extended warranty providers want you to be covered for any and all issues that may arise with your vehicle.
However, they also understand that not every issue is foreseeable.
That’s why they have a process in place for customers who have pre-existing conditions on their car when they purchase an extended warranty policy.
If you are concerned about having a pre-existing condition on your car, don’t worry – there are steps you can take to ensure that you are still covered by your warranty.
Contact the provider before you buy the policy, if you’re experiencing issues the first day of your policy, and see what options are available to you.
Most companies will work with you to find a plan that fits your needs and gives you peace of mind knowing that your car is protected.
As you can see, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to extended warranties and pre-existing conditions. Let’s list them to recap.
-There may be a waiting period that is designed to protect the provider, in case any pre-existing conditions or damages occur to your vehicle during this time.
-Most companies will work with you to find a plan that fits your needs and gives you peace of mind knowing that your car is protected.
-In some cases, you may be required to have the damage repaired and inspected before the extended warranty can be valid. often times, modern companies will accept photos or videos of the vehicle sent to them as digital copies.
Keeping these few things in mind can be the way you can be prepared in case you need to use your benefits sooner than expected.