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Back to Basics: Exclusion in Your Car's Warranty

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Published on February 26, 2022. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

It is a great joy and privilege to have a car. When you buy a car, you get luxury, convenience and independence. This is why your car becomes a precious asset and you take very good care of it. You make use of the warranty and get the parts repaired or restored if there is a requirement. You also run a car insurance comparison and find the best plans with which you keep your vehicle suitably protected. But did you know that both insurance, as well as the warranty, have exclusions? Take a look at this article to know what terms aren’t included in your car manufacturer’s warranty and how you can make use of your insurance plan to cover those.

Here are some exclusion in car warranty

1. Regular maintenance

Your vehicle requires servicing from time to time. It is important for you to take the car to the garage and have the oils and lubricants changed. Also, you need to check whether the other consumables such as the radiator coolant or the steering fluid are still in place. Regular maintenance also allows you to spot and repair flaws in the windshield wipers, brakes, etc. This is why regular maintenance is important and needs to be carried out.

Regular maintenance is not included in the car manufacturer’s warranty. Most car insurance policies also do not offer this cover. However, with some riders, such as the consumables cover rider, you may get protection up to a certain degree.

2. Damage to the exterior or body panels

The exterior panel of the car includes the bumpers, hood, windshield panel, wheel arch panel, firewall, etc. When there is damage to any exterior component of the car due to weather conditions, accidents, man-made calamities, etc, you cannot wait for the manufacturer to pay for the repairs as this is a permanent exclusion in the list of warranties. You can get insurance cover for these damages. The importance of car insurance comparison becomes all the more important here as you need to compare and find the best plan that can help you out when you need to get the car exterior repaired.

3. Interior deterioration

Over time, or simply due to rough handling, the interior components of the car begin to deteriorate. You may notice the steering wheel leather peeling off, or there may be some cracks on the gear knob. The door-pad fabric may start to peel off and the AC vents may break. Your manufacturer doesn't offer any warranty on the interior deterioration of the vehicle.

4. Loss caused by poor automobile maintenance

Buying a car is thrilling, but it is a big responsibility too. You need to be careful with the car and ensure it is maintained well. Apart from being cautious while on the streets, you also need to take the car for regular servicing, repair the minor and major dents and flaws, and ensure the car is maintained well. If you do not do so, your car won't function properly and that can lead to accidents. Any loss resulting from such a situation will not be covered under your car’s warranty.

5. Accidental damage

The manufacturer’s warranty is nothing but an assurance that the various components of the car would function properly and without damage for the specified period of time. This is assumed and understood to happen under regular circumstances. However, when the car gets involved in an accident and there are damages to the parts, it is seen as a shift from the regular circumstances. This is why the warranty coverage is not extended to any accidental damage sustained by the car. You can however get this cover under a comprehensive motor insurance policy. Almost every car insurance provider in India covers accidental damages and so you can make a claim on your car insurance policy.

6. Damage caused by environmental factors

No matter how careful you are, some damages are impossible to avoid. These include the damage caused by environmental factors. If there’s terrible flooding in your area, you cannot prevent the water from seeping into the engine. If there is a sudden hailstorm while you’re driving, your windshield may get cracked. These damages, unfortunately, are not covered under the car manufacturer's warranty. You will have to rely on your insurance coverage for these so run a car insurance comparison and find a good plan that offers maximum coverage.

7. Changes or alterations

As per a Supreme Court ruling, an owner is not permitted to make any major structural changes to the car. However, minor changes such as a change of the paint colour, change of wheels, change of the fuel kit, etc are allowed.

Nevertheless, the manufacturer doesn't allow any warranty if alterations or changes are made to the car. Any loss, repair or damage needed due to these alterations are not entertained by the manufacturer.

Conclusion

Read the owner’s manual carefully to understand what is covered in the car manufacturer’s warranty and what is left out. Then, take a look at your motor insurance policy to understand the scope of coverage and how it can help you over and above the warranty offered. Keep your car safe with the highest level of protection as that will help you drive it in a better way for a longer period of time.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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