When an issue comes up with your vehicle, getting the best possible care should be your top priority. A knowledgeable and honest mechanic can go a long way when it comes to keeping your vehicle running and saving money on car upkeep.

If you have ever had to take your new or used car in for a repair, though, you know how difficult it can be to find a shop with a good reputation and the expertise needed to provide quality service after a mechanical breakdown. You have a lot of different options, and sorting through them to find the perfect choice for your needs can be tough.

One of the best ways to make sure that you are working with an experienced and well-regarded mechanic is to go to a certified shop. Certified shops have to go through rigorous training for both technical know-how and customer service. This is especially true if you have an extended warranty, which is more accurately called a vehicle service contract (VSC).

Many VSC providers have networks of certified shops that they work with to ensure that the repair process goes as smoothly as it can. While you may be able to use a non-certified mechanic for your repairs or routine maintenance, that might not be your best option. Knowing your warranty coverage options when looking for a shop will help you make the right choice and protect your car as well as your bank account.

Understanding the Role of Certified Mechanics in Warranty Coverage

A certified mechanic is a technician who has gone through the process of becoming certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). This organization has stringent requirements for anyone who wants to go through the certification process.

Applicants must take a rigorous exam that presents everything from technical problems to customer service issues. This exam is designed to ensure that anyone who passes is fully prepared to give the best possible service to customers. In addition to passing this exam, applicants must also maintain that certification every five years. This requires them to either retake the exam or participate in continuing education to stay on top of technological advancements. By going to a certified mechanic, you can be sure that you are getting the best possible technical know-how and experience on the market.

This dedication to excellence is the main reason why many VSC providers require customers to get repairs done at a certified facility. Providers want to be sure that warranty repairs are done right the first time and that the instances of needing to go back to have repairs done multiple times are reduced as much as possible.

This is why many providers have a network of certified shops that they work with to provide repairs to their customers. The provider can be sure that repairs will be done to the highest standard of quality and that your vehicle is getting the best care. This saves them money and cuts down on the amount of time that your car spends in the shop.

One of the most important things to look for in a mechanic is the ability to repair your car and get it as close to the standards of the manufacturer as possible. Many ASE-certified mechanics have certifications with specific automakers as well. This means that they are thoroughly trained to meet the standards laid out by those companies when it comes to the condition and specs of their vehicles. If you are looking to get your car in as close to new condition as possible, a certified shop is going to be your best option.

Can You Use a Non-Certified Mechanic for Repairs?

While using a certified mechanic is almost always going to be the best choice for you and your vehicle, there are some circumstances when it is possible to use a non-certified shop. Not every shop will have an ASE certification, and there could be a variety of reasons for that beyond a simple lack of quality. However, when choosing a non-certified shop, it is crucial that you know the risks.

The chances are good that a shop is not certified because it did not want to go through the process of getting the certification. This could mean that the owners did not have the income to do i,t but it could also mean that they do not regularly hold themselves to the high standard of quality that it requires. If you choose to get your vehicle repaired at a non-certified shop, you could void your car warranty and may end up on the hook for a large repair, even if it is supposed to be covered in your policy.

In some specific instances, there could be valid reasons for going to a non-certified shop. Minor repairs like tail light replacements, for example, are relatively inexpensive and can easily be paid for out of pocket if a non-certified shop is the only one that is available. If you need to get a repair done that your auto warranty coverage doesn’t include, this could also be done at any shop of your choosing since it will not be included in your policy. It is always important to read the fine print of your coverage, though. Be sure to know what can potentially void your extended car warranty and whether or not using a non-certified shop under these circumstances is allowed.

The Consequences of Using Non-Certified Mechanics

It is possible to get your vehicle repaired by a non-certified mechanic, but you may run into some issues in the process that might cause more trouble than it is worth. Some VSC providers allow you to get repairs done outside of their network of certified shops as long as you document everything and submit a claim after the fact.

Once the claim is processed, you will be reimbursed for the repair. It is important to keep in mind, though, that it is easy to void your vehicle warranty and get unapproved auto repairs done without knowing it. When this happens, you might find that your claim gets denied, and you end up having to pay for the repair yourself. If you want to be sure that you don’t end up with out-of-pocket repair costs, using a pre-approved certified mechanic is always going to be your best option.

You may also want to avoid using non-certified mechanics for the simple fact that they might not be able to provide quality car repairs. When you spend money on repairs for your vehicle, you want to be sure that they are done properly. This way, you won’t find yourself back in the shop for the same problem or a bigger problem down the line. Certified shops have the knowledge and equipment necessary to provide excellent covered repairs that you can have confidence in. If this peace of mind is important to you, a certified shop will always be the right choice.

Best Practices for Ensuring Warranty Coverage on Repairs

The extended warranty claims process can be difficult to navigate, especially if you are trying to get reimbursed after a repair has already been done. Your best option will always be to get repairs done at a certified shop that is in your warranty company’s network.

Some aftermarket warranty providers have networks of pre-approved shops that they work with on a regular basis to make the claims process as easy as possible. These shops understand the ins and outs of the different plans offered by the providers and will be sure to do everything they can to keep the repairs in compliance with your coverage. By working with these shops for all your repair needs, you can lower the possibility of having your claim denied while also getting all the benefits of a certified shop.

No matter what kind of shop you work with for your vehicle’s repairs, it is essential that you keep detailed records. Receipts, work orders, and documentation are all important for your own records and will help create a paper trail of the work done on your car. When you work with an in-network certified shop, all of this paperwork and documentation will be handled by the shop and your VSC provider. If you are going to go to a non-certified shop that is not within your provider’s network, though, this documentation will be necessary. It will allow you to show the provider what work was done and help them determine whether or not it is covered by your plan.

If you want to make sure that the shop you go to is in your provider’s network, be sure to contact them before you take your car in for a repair. Your provider should be able to offer you a list of acceptable shops in your area so you can choose one that will be in-network and easy to work with. If your provider allows you to go to any ASE-certified shop, all you have to do is look for the ASE logo on the shop’s website or at the shop itself. From there, you can follow the claims process laid out by your provider and get the repairs you need.

How Endurance Auto Protection Plans Ensure Proper Coverage with Certified Mechanics

Endurance is dedicated to making sure that the claims process is as easy as possible so you don’t end up having to do any extra work when the time comes to get a repair done. Endurance has a partnership with RepairPal that gives customers access to a network of over 3,500 certified repair facilities around the United States, all of which have the expertise and education necessary to give you the best possible warranty service and technical know-how.

When the time comes to get a repair done, all you have to do is go to a certified shop and present your Endurance contract. From there, the shop’s service manager and Endurance will make sure that the repair is covered and take care of everything, so all you have to do is pay your deductible, wait to get your repair done, and get back out on the road.

The benefits of working with a repair shop or dealership in Endurance’s network are massive and can make the process of getting your car fixed as simple as possible. By getting your car serviced at an in-network shop, you can rest easy knowing that everything will be taken care of for you. From the claims process all the way down to the repair itself, you don’t have to worry about a thing.

This eliminates the need to gather documentation, read extensive reviews on shops, and fret about the quality of the workmanship you are getting. You can count on the shop being up-to-date with equipment and knowledge and be sure that your repair will be covered and you won’t have to pay anything but your deductible. This streamlines the whole process and takes away the stress that usually comes with car trouble.

Protect Your Vehicle with Certified Repairs and Endurance

Having confidence in the people working on your car is essential, and finding a repair shop you can trust will give you that sense of well-being when you need it most. With Endurance’s network of certified repair facilities, you don’t have to do any guesswork when getting your car fixed.

In addition to a robust network of experienced shops, Endurance offers a wide range of plans for vehicles and drivers of all kinds. Whether you have an older high-mileage vehicle or a top-of-the-line exotic car, there is a plan that will work for you, and they are all customizable to meet your exact needs. Endurance also covers vehicles that other providers won’t, such as cars with a salvage title, cars used for commercial purposes, and Canadian Gray Market vehicles.

While a network of certified shops and comprehensive coverage is important, Endurance also offers a large collection of standard benefits to every customer. These benefits include 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, rental car coverage, and trip interruption protection. For a small activation fee, you also get access to Endurance’s Elite Benefits, including tire repairs, key fob replacement, up to $1,000 in total loss coverage, and more.*

If your manufacturer’s warranty is about to expire and you’re ready to get the best possible coverage, contact our plan advisors at (800) 253-8203 to request a FREE quote. You can also head over to our online store to get an instant price preview.

If you want more automotive resources, be sure to check out the Endurance Warranty blog. There, you can find helpful DIY tips, provider comparisons, and much, much more.