Three kinds of coverage
People often use the word warranty for several different things. Knowing which one you have is the first step, because each works differently.
- Manufacturer warranty: included by the vehicle maker when the vehicle is new, covering defects in materials or workmanship for a set period. Repairs are normally done at the maker's authorized dealers.
- Extended service contract: often sold as an extended warranty, by a manufacturer, a dealer or a third party. It is a contract that pays for certain repairs under its own terms.
- Insurance: auto or RV insurance covers damage from events like collisions, weather, theft or vandalism under your policy. It generally does not cover normal wear or mechanical breakdown.
Manufacturer warranty repairs
When a covered part fails during the manufacturer's warranty, the fix is normally handled by an authorized dealer for your brand, with the manufacturer paying for the covered work. An independent or mobile mechanic usually cannot bill the manufacturer for warranty repairs.
Safety recalls work the same way: the manufacturer's dealers do the repair for free. See vehicle recalls explained for how to check.
Before paying anyone to fix a problem on a newer vehicle, check whether it may be covered. Paying for a repair elsewhere may mean you cannot get that cost back.
Routine maintenance and your warranty
Under US federal law, a manufacturer generally cannot void your warranty just because you had routine maintenance done somewhere other than a dealer, or because you used aftermarket or non-brand parts, unless the service or parts are provided free. The manufacturer can deny a claim if it shows that improper maintenance or a faulty part caused the damage.
This means a mobile mechanic can do your oil changes and other scheduled maintenance. What matters is that the work follows the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual and that you keep records to prove it.
Extended service contracts
Service contracts vary widely. Some allow repairs at any licensed repair facility, some require a dealer or a specific network, and some have rules that a mobile mechanic may or may not meet. Almost all require authorization from the contract administrator before any work begins.
Before a mobile mechanic starts, read your contract or call the administrator.
- Find your contract and the claims phone number.
- Ask whether a mobile or independent mechanic can do the repair.
- Ask what the administrator needs: diagnosis, photos, a written quote, a claim number.
- Share those requirements with the mechanic before any teardown.
- Get the authorization and claim number in writing before repairs begin.
- Ask what your deductible is and what is not covered, so you know what you will pay.
Insurance claims
For damage from a collision, a fallen branch, hail or vandalism, start with your insurance company. Insurers usually want to inspect or approve the damage and the repair estimate before work starts. Ask whether they allow you to choose the repair provider and what documentation they need.
Keep records and photos
Good records make every kind of claim easier. Keep a folder, paper or digital, for your vehicle.
- Receipts for maintenance, with date, mileage and parts used
- Written quotes and final invoices for repairs
- Photos of the problem before work, and of damaged parts
- Claim numbers, authorization numbers and names of people you spoke with
- Copies of your warranty booklet or service contract
How a mobile mechanic can still help
Even when a repair must go to a dealer, a mobile mechanic can often help with maintenance, repairs to items that are not covered, and diagnosing a problem so you know what to tell the dealer or the contract administrator. Be upfront about any coverage when you request a quote, and ask the mechanic whether they have worked with your type of service contract before.
On Trackara Find, the mechanic quotes before starting and you pay the mechanic directly. Trackara does not handle warranty claims or payments for the work. For more on reading a quote, see how to read a repair quote.