How To Get the Most Out of Your Warranty and/or Service Plan

Posted by Hippo on 4 November 2024

Mechanic pouring fresh oil during motor warranty service maintenance check

Most new cars come with a motor warranty or service plan that helps you pay for a certain number of services or repairs for a set number of years or kilometres.

However, if you have an older car this plan might have run out, meaning it’s up to you to foot these bills.

OR, you can be a smart cookie and extend or take out another motor warranty or service plan.

In this piece, we explained what these plans are and what to consider when getting one.

Now, we’re looking at how to get the most out of your plan once you have it. Let’s get into it.

Getting the Most out of Your Warranty or Service Plan

Knowing how to get the most out of your warranty or service plan can help you save money and extend your car’s life. Here’s how to do it:

Stick to the Maintenance Schedule

Your vehicle’s manufacturer will have a recommended service schedule. It’s important to follow this to keep your warranty valid. Regular maintenance like oil changes, brake inspections, and tyre rotations not only keep your car running smoothly but also ensure that your warranty claims will be honoured if something goes wrong.

Keep All Service Records

Document every service visit and repair. Hold onto all receipts, detailed invoices, and job cards from authorised dealers or service centres. This proves that you’ve maintained your ride according to the manufacturer’s standards, which is often a condition for warranty claims.

Know Your Warranty and Plan Details

Understand what your warranty and service plan cover and, just as importantly, what they don't cover. This includes the duration of the coverage, kilometre limits, and exclusions.

Use Authorised Dealers and Service Centres

For services and repairs, especially when they might be covered by your warranty or plan, use authorised service centres. This ensures that the parts and service used meet the manufacturer's standards and won’t jeopardise your coverage.

Be Proactive with Repairs

If you notice something off with your vehicle, don’t wait for it to possibly get worse. Tackling issues early can stop larger, more costly problems down the road, and it often keeps you within the terms of your warranty.

Professional mechanic conducting authorized motor warranty service inspection

Understand the Claims Process

Know beforehand who to contact, what documents you’ll need, and the steps to follow. This can speed up the process and bring down your stress when you actually need to make a claim.

Communicate Well and Keep Good Records

When making a claim, be clear and give all the needed documentation. Keep copies of all interactions with your warranty or service provider, as this can be useful if there are disputes or delays.

Applying for an Extended Warranty and Service Plan

Don’t have a warranty or service plan yet? Here’s a simple guide on how to apply, what you'll need, and tips for a hassle-free approval process:

Pick your product: Scroll to the ‘Car’ category in our top menu and select either ‘Motor Warranty’ or ‘Service Plan’.
Complete the steps: Enter your details into Hippo’s easy-to-use form. This will include your car’s year and make.
Get your quotes: Once you receive your quotes from several different providers, review the coverage options available to you. Make sure the plan meets your needs regarding what repairs it covers, deductibles, service limits, and additional benefits.
Take your pick: Once you’ve decided on the plan that looks the best for you, simply select it and the service provider will be in touch with you.
Finalise Your Purchase: The service provider will give you instructions on how to finalise your purchase. This may include submitting payment information and agreeing to the terms and conditions.
Confirmation and Documents: After your purchase, you should receive a confirmation email or message along with your policy documents. Review these documents carefully to understand your coverage details and how to file a claim.

Woman comparing motor warranty plans online in peaceful setting

Final word

Remember that when you’re comparing plans to not just look at the price—consider what’s included and what’s not.

Reading the fine print of any warranty or service plan tells you about the coverage limits, exclusions, deductible costs, and the procedure for claims.

That way you’ll know exactly what your plan covers and what it requires from you - like regular servicing at approved centres. If you want more details around this topic, please also have a look at this article.