Can You Get A Warranty After An Accident?

If you’ve recently been in a car accident, you might be wondering, Can you get a warranty after an accident? It’s a fair question, and not one that always has a simple yes or no answer. If you were in a minor fender bender or dealt with more serious physical damage, the path to getting a car warranty post-accident comes with a few twists. Let’s walk through the realities of post-accident warranties, what might affect your warranty coverage, and what you should know before deciding to purchase one.  

Extended Warranty Rules After a Crash

Yes, in many cases, you can still get a warranty after an accident. However, there are a few important factors that may affect this possibility. These factors include the severity of the accident, the parts replaced, the type of repairs performed, and whether aftermarket parts were used, all of which can play a role.

The car warranty provider will review the warranty documentation you submit and your car’s current condition closely before deciding whether to offer warranty coverage. They might request a vehicle inspection or ask questions about the repairs to determine if they want to take on the risk.

How Accidents Affect Existing Warranties

Let’s say you already had a car warranty in place when the accident happened. Will your warranty claim be accepted for damages related to the crash?

The short answer: probably not. Most warranty terms don’t cover accidental damage. If you file a warranty claim for something that broke during an accident, it may be rejected outright.

However, unrelated issues (such as a failed battery or a broken A/C compressor) could still be covered, depending on the warranty terms and if the dealer or manufacturer considers the failure to be caused by the accident.

Common Reasons a Warranty Might Be Voided

Here’s where things get tricky. Even if the accident damage is repaired, a warranty may be void or denied if modifications are made to the vehicle afterward. Common red flags include:

• Use of aftermarket or non-OEM parts
• Use of improper fluids
• Repairs done by unlicensed shops
• Evidence of racing, abuse, or off-roading

If the warranty provider suspects that these played a role in the damaged parts, they can deny coverage.

For example, suppose you replaced a factory-installed radiator with an aftermarket version and it later fails. In that case, they may not cover it under the warranty, even if the failure seems unrelated.

What About Buying an Extended Warranty After an Accident?

This is where it gets more interesting. Say the car was in an accident, got fixed, and is now back on the road. Can you still purchase an auto extended car warranty?

In many cases, yes,  but you’ll want to:

1. Be upfront with the warranty provider
2. Know that your coverage could exclude specific parts that were involved in the accident
3. Expect a vehicle inspection before the contract is approved

Many dealerships and third-party companies will still offer you a service contract or extended warranty, especially if the vehicle is newer or was repaired using OEM parts by a reputable shop.

What to Ask Before Buying a Warranty Post-Accident

If you’re thinking about buying an extended warranty after an accident, ask the warranty provider or dealership the following:

• Will the contract cover repairs to parts replaced after the accident?
• Are there any exclusions related to accidents?
• Will they need to inspect the vehicle first?
• Are aftermarket parts acceptable under their warranty terms?
• How are warranty claims handled in cases of previous damage?

These questions can offer valuable insights and help you avoid wasting time or money on a contract that won’t actually work for your situation.

Example: Minor Fender Bender vs. Major Collision

Let’s say you were in a minor fender bender. The bumper was replaced with an OEM part, and no structural damage was found. Most companies would still consider offering you a warranty as long as the car is in good working condition.

Now, let’s say your car was totaled and rebuilt, or the accident damaged major systems, such as the transmission, steering, or electronics. That’s a different story. Some providers might still offer a warranty, but it would likely be limited, exclude specific parts, or come with a higher cost.

Can a Warranty Help After an Accident?

While most warranties don’t cover the immediate impact of an accident, they can still help cover related repairs that arise later. For example, if a replacement part fails due to a manufacturer defect rather than the crash itself, you could still file a warranty claim.

Some warranties also offer benefits like roadside assistance and trip interruption coverage, which can be particularly helpful after an accident when you’re back on the road.

Your Next Steps After an Accident

So, what should you do if you want to get a warranty after an accident? Here’s a quick rundown:

1. Get the car fully repaired using a certified shop and OEM parts whenever possible
2. Keep all warranty documentation, repair receipts, and photos
3. Decide if you want a dealership warranty or one from a third-party company
4. Request an inspection if required
5. Read the warranty terms before signing

It might require a little extra effort, but if you love your car and plan to keep it for a while, purchasing a warranty after an accident could be a smart move.

Wrapping Up: Can You Get a Warranty After an Accident?

Yes, you often can, but not always. It depends on the accident, the repairs, and the warranty provider. If you’re working with a dealer, they may offer an extended warranty right at the time of purchase. But for everyone else, it’s all about the details.

Make sure your vehicle is in solid condition, and that you understand what is and isn’t covered. Some things won’t be part of the deal, especially if aftermarket parts or questionable repairs were involved.

The key is to ask the right questions, know your warranty terms, and only purchase a plan that actually fits your car’s history.

So, next time someone asks, “Can you get a warranty after an accident?” you’ll know the answer isn’t just “yes” or “no.” It depends on the car, the crash, and how you handle the road ahead.

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With our comparative analysis, you can find the best extended warranty for your car. Contact us today to get a free extended warranty quote for your car.