Before buying an extended car warranty, one crucial question is usually asked: Will it cover issues your car already has? If your alternator is failing or your check engine light has been on for weeks, you might be facing what’s known as a pre-existing condition on a vehicle, and that can make all the difference when it comes to auto warranty coverage.

Unfortunately, pre-existing conditions are often excluded from an extended warranty or vehicle service contract (VSC) because these types of service agreements generally provide financial protection against future breakdowns. If extended auto warranty covers pre-existing conditions, it would be like calling to add medical insurance on the way to the hospital or buying car insurance after a car accident. It simply isn’t a financially sound decision for the provider.

Let’s take a deeper look at what having a pre-existing condition really means and how it affects your auto protection plan.

What Is a Pre-Existing Condition in an Extended Car Warranty?

When it comes to extended auto warranties, a pre-existing condition is any issue your vehicle already has before your extended warranty coverage kicks in. If your car is making strange noises, has warning lights on, or you already know something’s not working right, that problem likely counts as pre-existing, which often tops the list of warranty exclusions.

Here are some common examples:

• Your alternator is failing, and the lights have started to dim
• The check engine light has been on for weeks (but you’ve been ignoring it)
• There’s a leak in the transmission, and it’s been slipping gears
• Your AC stopped blowing cold air last summer, and it still hasn’t been fixed
• The starter motor has been acting up, and sometimes your car won’t start

If the issue was there before your vehicle protection plan started, or shows clear signs it was, it probably won’t be covered. That’s why it’s so important to get coverage before problems pop up.

Can You File a Claim for a Pre-Existing Condition?

Most extended auto warranty providers draw a hard line: if the problem existed before your coverage began, it’s not eligible for a claim. But as with anything in the automotive world, there are a few shades of gray.

Here’s what can influence whether a claim gets approved:

• When the issue started: If a mechanic can prove the problem developed after your contract started, it may be covered. But if it’s obvious the problem has been around, such as signs of ongoing wear and tear, it isn’t likely to get approval.
• Inspection results: Some extended warranty companies require a vehicle inspection before coverage begins. If your car passes the thorough inspection, this extra step could work in your favor when filing a claim.
• Waiting periods: Many plans, including from Endurance Warranty, have a waiting period. This is good because it gives you time to make sure the plan you chose is the best one for your lifestyle and budget. However, if a mechanical breakdown happens during this time, it could be flagged as pre-existing, even if it wasn’t obvious before.
• Maintenance records: Good vehicle service records can help show that your vehicle was in good working condition before coverage began. It’s just another way to protect yourself when making a claim.

Bottom line? If the issue was present before you signed up, the odds are that it won’t be covered.

How Do Warranty Providers Know if an Issue is Pre-Existing?

Car warranty companies have a few reliable ways to look into your car’s history before approving or denying a warranty claim.

1. Vehicle Inspections

Although Endurance Warranty doesn’t, some warranty providers do require a pre-coverage inspection, especially for older vehicles or high-mileage cars. Their ASE-certified mechanic scours your vehicle for evidence of existing wear, damage, or signs of trouble. The good news is that if everything checks out and something goes wrong later, that initial clean inspection report can work in your favor. However, anything they find won’t be covered.

2. Auto Service and Car Maintenance Records

A vehicle service history tells a detailed story. If your records show that you kept up with your routine maintenance, such as regular oil changes and no signs of past issues, they can help support your claim. But, what if there’s a notation about any concerns that were never repaired? That’s a red flag for a pre-existing condition.

3. Waiting Periods

Almost every auto warranty plan includes a waiting period before your coverage officially kicks in. For example, Endurance has a 30-day money-back guarantee before your vehicle service contract becomes active, giving you the opportunity to thoroughly read the vehicle service contract, ensuring that you choose the best plan for your needs and budget. However, if something breaks during that window, it’s usually considered a pre-existing condition, since it’s too soon to tell if the issue was already there.

4. Diagnostic Reports

When you file a warranty claim, the provider might request a diagnostic report from an auto repair shop. Reports can include details like fault codes, signs of long-term damage, and vehicle technician notes—all of which can help determine whether a mechanical breakdown was new, preventable, or something that was lingering.

Vehicle warranty providers don’t expect your car to be in new car condition, however, they just want to make sure they’re only covering new problems—not ones that have been ignored or left untreated.

How to Avoid Claim Denials Due to Pre-Existing Conditions

No one wants to buy an extended vehicle warranty only to find out their expensive car repairs aren’t covered at checkout. Here’s how to protect yourself and increase the likelihood of approval:

1. Get a Car Inspection

When you’re buying an extended car warranty, you may consider getting a current car inspection for more accurate information when you sign up. While a pre-inspection isn’t necessary for Endurance Warranty plans, it can be helpful to rule out any pre-existing conditions.

2. Get Coverage Early

The best time to buy a warranty is before anything goes wrong. Don’t wait until your car starts acting up. By then, it’s too late.

3.  Stay on Top of Maintenance

Keep up with oil changes, fluid checks, and factory-recommended service. And save those records—they help prove your vehicle was in good shape when you signed up.

4.  Fix Known Issues Before Buying a Plan

If something’s already broken or failing, get it repaired first. Then, with a clean bill of health, you can apply for coverage without risking a denial.

5.  Understand the Waiting Period

Know how long your plan’s waiting period is, and avoid making claims during that time unless absolutely necessary. It could trigger a pre-existing condition review.

A little planning goes a long way. Taking care of these steps now can help ensure your coverage works for you when you actually need it.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late, Protect Your Car Now

Extended auto warranties are designed to give you peace of mind, but timing is everything. The sooner you get covered, the better your chances of avoiding costly repairs and claim denials due to pre-existing conditions.

Just because your car may have a pre-existing condition, it does not mean that you won’t qualify for coverage. While that one component might not be covered, thousands of other parts can be covered, depending on your contract, saving you a lot of money in covered repairs in the long run.

At Endurance, we make it easy to find the right plan for your vehicle and budget before trouble starts. Contact a trustworthy and friendly plan advisor by calling (800) 253-8203 or request a FREE email quote. You can also shop online to see your coverage plan recommendations and pricing now.