How do I check whether a car still has a warranty?

If you’ve run into a problem with your car or you are looking to sell it, you may be searching for the warranty information. Thankfully, it’s easy to learn how to check if a car is still under warranty and you don’t need a lot of time. 

This guide will walk you through how to find out your car warranty information. This guide will also help you decide if an extended warranty for your car is worthwhile. 

How to check if your car is still under warranty

Locate the VIN for your car first. To reach the dealership to find out if there is any coverage, you can use that information. You can also find the warranty information on the CARFAX report for your vehicle if it is difficult to contact the dealership.

1. Find the VIN

Before you can get any information, you must find the car’s VIN. The vehicle identification number acts as a serial number, giving the car a unique code, so it’s easier to differentiate from others. It’s similar to how every person has a social security number, thereby identifying them.

The VIN can be found in many places on the car. The easiest to spot is on the windshield from the driver’s side. The metal plate is located above the windshield, right where the glass meets it. The VIN is also found inside the driver’s side door. You can also check your documentation, including the title, registration and insurance papers, if all else fails. VIN is made from both numbers and letters. 

You do also want to check your car’s odometer and write the mileage down on paper to have it ready for the next step.

READ MORE

2. Contact Dealership/Automaker

You can now contact your dealer with the VIN. The team will be able to look up warranty information if you provide the VIN. After the sale of the new vehicle, the factory warranty will begin. You may be eligible for warranty coverage for your pre-owned car, depending on the terms of sale. 

You might find the necessary information online if you don't want to call the dealer. You can find warranty information on many auto makers' websites. For this to work, you may need an account. 

3. CARFAX Vehicle History Report

If you can’t get the information from your local dealership or you need another avenue, consider getting a CARFAX vehicle history report. This is a helpful option if you plan to sell the vehicle anyway because it’s a great selling feature.

It might include information about the factory warranties that are still valid on the vehicle's history report. This report can provide useful information, such as the name of the company that provides car warranties. 

RELATED: The Best Vehicle History Report – CarFax vs AutoCheck

There are many types of warranties for cars

1. Bumper-to-Bumper

You can count on the bumper-to-bumper warranty to cover almost everything. It’s going to pay for any parts that failed because of a defect. You can also count on coverage if the vehicle breaks down during normal use.

However, it’s not going to handle the maintenance items, so you can’t get an oil change or brake pad replacement with it. It also won’t cover any damage that occurs because of misuse of the vehicle. 

Many car companies offer a bumper–to-bumper warranty during the initial few years. You should be able to expect a minimum 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper guarantee. You can also sign up to an extended warranty that provides comparable coverage. 

2. Stated Component

The warranty covers only the parts that have been specifically mentioned. Some warranties only include the transmission, engine and suspension. They are usually offered as an option to existing factory warranties.

This warranty covers specific parts of the vehicle as it gets more miles. It’s a good option for protecting higher-mileage vehicles.

READ MORE: 7 Tips to Get the Most Expensive Extended Warranty Price

3. Motortrain

Only the engine, transmission, axles, and driveshaft are covered by the powertrain warranty. These warranties are included with new cars and can be extended if you wish. 

It’s not going to cover the same parts that a bumper-to-bumper warranty does. It usually lasts five to ten years from its initial service date. The warranty can be revoked if the vehicle is damaged or misused. 

4. Anti-Perforation

The corrosion and body warranty guarantees that no manufacturer defects will cause damage. Although not all companies provide this coverage, it is very popular among Kia and Hyundai.

Coverage is provided for any corrosion of body panels that may occur from the lowest window. Companies that offer it typically provide coverage for seven years. 

5. Batteries 

You should have protection for your battery if you bought an EV or hybrid. Considering how expensive these batteries are, it’s good to have the coverage to fall back on. Federal law mandates that automakers provide coverage for these batteries for at least eight years, or 100,000 miles.

Other automakers also offer additional protection. After the original term expires, you can sign up to extend your warranty coverage for your hybrid or electric vehicle. 

RELATED : How Long Can Electric Car Batteries last?

6. Extended car warranty

An extended warranty for your car is added on to factory coverage. The extended warranty can be bought when the car's original term is over to allow you to continue to use it after that. This coverage can be purchased directly through the dealer or by shopping around with the different third-party providers.

You can choose how much protection you need with an extended vehicle warranty. Many companies provide options for varying levels of protection, including coverage that covers specified components and powertrain protection. The terms can be chosen by you. You may have to look harder for companies who will accept your high-mileage vehicle, although they exist. 

Are Extended Car Warranty Benefits Worth it?

If you’ve gone through the entire factory warranty without a problem, you may wonder if it’s worth spending money to get an extended warranty. Some people may find the extended warranty a waste of money. If you can afford whatever repairs and malfunctions come your way and you would rather pay for them as you go, there’s no need to get a warranty.

However, most people don’t have this kind of money sitting around, so it’s easier to pay monthly or yearly for protection. Even if your car is maintained in the best possible way, it's still subject to mechanical breakdowns. The extended warranty coverage is similar to an insurance policy. It protects against costly repairs. You will pay less if you buy protection sooner rather than later.

FAQs about Warranty