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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.
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:
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.
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:
Bottom line? If the issue was present before you signed up, the odds are that it won’t be covered.
Car warranty companies have a few reliable ways to look into your car’s history before approving or denying a warranty claim.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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By clicking the button, you consent to Endurance using automated technology to call, email, and text you using the contact info above, including your wireless number, if provided, regarding auto protection or, in California, mechanical breakdown insurance. You also agree to the Endurance Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. Consent is not a condition of purchase, and you can withdraw consent at any time. Message and data rates may apply.
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Alex has worked in the automotive service industry for over 20 years. After graduating from one of the country’s top technical schools, he worked as a technician achieving a Master Technician certification. He also has experience as a service advisor and service manager. Read more about Alex.