An extended car warranty, more accurately called a vehicle service contract, provides a financial safety net against expensive car repair bills. Unfortunately, however, there may be delays in the auto warranty claims process due to a variety of issues.

Unforeseen mechanical breakdowns are stressful enough, but a delayed claim can add additional frustration and is often avoidable. Find out some common reasons for claim delays and ways to help your claims process go smoothly.

What Are Common Reasons for Car Warranty Claims Delays?

The most common reasons for claims delays or initial claim denials are:

1. Incomplete documentation
2. Unauthorized repair shops
3. Unapproved car repairs
4. Vehicle maintenance history discrepancies
5. Miscommunication issues
6. Incomplete claim submissions
7. Repair shop issues
8. Incorrect diagnosis
9. Inadequate warranty coverage
10. Misunderstanding the vehicle service contract

1. Missing or Incomplete Documentation

One of the most common reasons for claims delays or initial extended car warranty claim denials is missing or incomplete documentation. Aside from taking the necessary steps to avoid causing more damage to the vehicle, one of the most important things you can do is to keep your vehicle service records. If your car appears to have a lack of maintenance or has pre-existing conditions, your vehicle warranty provider may not authorize any repairs or payment.

Solution:

To streamline your car warranty claims process, it is important to keep a complete set of service records. You’ll want to keep a paper trail of every step of the vehicle repair process, past and future, including:

• A repair cost estimate
• Proof of car maintenance records
• Any current vehicle repair invoices

2. Unapproved or Non-Certified Repair Shops

Each extended warranty provider has at least a few exclusions and limitations with their vehicle service contracts, such as wear and tear items or routine maintenance. One of the most common restrictions, though, is where you choose to have your car repairs completed. Limiting approved repair shops can ensure that your vehicle is done correctly with high-quality parts and reduce the risk of additional repair shop visits.

Auto protection providers like Endurance Warranty work with any ASE-certified mechanic, car repair shop, or auto dealership, though certain conditions may apply. However, many vehicle warranty providers only approve repairs done at limited locations. Repairs completed by an unapproved vehicle repair shop often result in delays and claim denials.

Solution:

Verify that your chosen repair shop is authorized by your provider before they begin any work, including inspections or diagnosis. If you don’t have a trustworthy car repair shop nearby, Endurance customers have access to the vetted RepairPal extensive network of mechanics.

3. Unauthorized Vehicle Repairs

Just like there may be restrictions on where your car repairs are taken care of, there are also limitations on included repairs. Although the Endurance Warranty Supreme plan offers protection most similar to the manufacturer’s warranty that accompanies a new car, almost no vehicle service contract is as comprehensive as a factory warranty, not even dealership extended warranties.

Solution:

Clear communication is especially helpful in avoiding delays and denials due to unauthorized car repairs. When you are discussing your concerns with the mechanic, let them know that you have an extended vehicle warranty and intend to use your benefits. They should always call your warranty provider to get a claim approved or authorized BEFORE beginning any repairs.

4. Discrepancies in Vehicle Maintenance History

Many vehicle service contracts include clauses that require protected vehicles to undergo regular maintenance. When a car owner neglects to keep up with the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, like oil changes, it puts unnecessary strain on all of the systems and components, potentially causing premature mechanical breakdowns. Missing or delaying these essential services can result in delays or denials.

Solution:

Maintaining a detailed vehicle maintenance log helps you to keep track of all of the maintenance and repairs completed on the vehicle. Keep a copy of all of your vehicle service records and, if there are any gaps in the service records, be honest and upfront with your warranty company.

5. Miscommunication Between the Vehicle Repair Shop and the Auto Warranty Provider

Miscommunications aren’t common, but they can and do happen. Every once in a while, a repair shop submits a valid claim, and it may get denied due to a minor misunderstanding. There’s no need to panic. If a component is covered, direct communication can help clear things up.

Solution:

Clear and direct communication is key to avoiding misunderstandings and denied claims. If a vehicle component is covered, direct communication can help clarify things. In these cases, car owners should speak directly to their service provider and the mechanic to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

6. Incorrect or Incomplete Claim Submissions

Car repair shops are busy, and mechanics often juggle many different hats while on the job. Unfortunately, mistakes during the claim submission can happen, which can delay the car warranty claims process. While we’ve discussed how unclear descriptions and miscommunication can hold up the process, sometimes a shop can miss a form or leave key details blank.

Solution:

Being proactive, advocating for yourself, and following up directly with both the shop and the car warranty provider can help ensure that nothing is missed and reduce potential delays.

7. Repair Shop Issues

Some car mechanics and repair shops don’t have significant experience working with extended auto warranties. If a shop isn’t familiar with how the warranty claims process works or has never done one before, it can delay the process with missed communications or paperwork errors.

Solution:

Choose a trustworthy local car repair shop that also has experience working with extended car warranties. Many auto protection plan providers, including Endurance Warranty, have a network of reliable repair shops to help. These shops may be more familiar with the process and handle warranty claims more efficiently, giving you peace of mind.

8. Unclear, Incorrect, or Insufficient Diagnosis

Occasionally, a claim may be denied due to an insufficient diagnosis. Complex car repairs may require additional testing to confirm a diagnosis. An extended car warranty company may request additional diagnostics for confirmation before approving a warranty claim.

Solution:

Make sure the car repair technician submits detailed information regarding the diagnosis on the initial claim. However, if the provider requests additional information, you may want to reach out to the provider directly for clarification about what they’re looking for before resubmitting.

9. Inadequate Auto Warranty Coverage

Although you can buy a comprehensive extended car warranty that is similar to the bumper-to-bumper warranty of the original factory warranty, they all inevitably have some restrictions and limitations. Claims may be delayed or denied if the requests fall outside of the vehicle service contract limits.

Solution:

Before submitting a claim, verify the terms and conditions of your auto protection plan. Review the list of covered items and systems to confirm eligibility. However, if you have any questions, it may be a good idea to call or reach out to your warranty provider before filing a claim to avoid any surprises.

10. Misunderstanding the Vehicle Service Contract

Perhaps the most common reason for delayed car warranty claims is simply misunderstanding the vehicle service contract.

Solution:

Thoroughly read through the fine print before signing any vehicle service contract. Some providers, like Endurance Warranty, offer sample contracts so you can compare other plans and providers before buying. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your provider for clarification. Endurance also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you decide your chosen plan isn’t the right fit after all, you can cancel your contract.

How Endurance Simplifies the Claims Process

The claims process doesn’t have to be stressful. At Endurance Warranty, each interaction is customer-focused, including our streamlined claims process. We’ve simplified our claims process with a dedicated, award-winning customer service team, a trustworthy RepairPal repair network, and efficient claims handling.

As a direct provider of most of our plans, you’ll speak directly to a member of the Endurance team if you have questions about your claim. The same great experience you had at signup is what you can expect at every interaction. From the moment your mechanic files your claim, our knowledgeable customer support team is available to guide you through the process and answer any questions, ensuring both clarity and peace of mind.

Access a nationwide network of ASE-certified car repair facilities nearby—or choose your own licensed mechanic, benefiting from both quality service and flexibility. Our system seamlessly expedites approvals and car repairs. Plus, bonus features like 24/7 roadside assistance and towing, rental car reimbursements, and direct payment to repair shops reduce delays and get you back on the road faster.

Experience the Reliability of Endurance Warranty

When it comes to finding the best extended car warranty or vehicle service contract for your needs, budget, and lifestyle, how a company handles its repair claims should be at the top of your list of comparisons.

Find out what makes Endurance Warranty claims stand out by contacting an auto protection plan advisor today at (800) 253-8203. You can also request a FREE email quote or see your price and plan recommendations right away on our online store.

Make an informed decision about auto protection! Visit our Learning Center blog for extended warranty provider comparisons, vehicle coverage FAQs, DIY vehicle maintenance, and other consumer protection tips.