Repairing your car at a dealership service department can be appealing until you compare labor rates with independent shops. Edmunds estimates that the overhead at franchised dealers adds another $30 per hour to the repair bill. In addition, dealers aren’t always conveniently located where a neighborhood service center is down the street.

Meanwhile, some owners assume they must visit a dealership for service, but federal law generally prevents manufacturers from requiring dealership service as a condition for warranty coverage. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, manufacturers typically cannot condition warranty coverage solely on the use of dealership service, unless the service or parts are provided at no cost.

As cars have become more computer-connected and software-dependent, service technicians and repair shops have to keep up-to-date on repair data and diagnostic processes. In addition, these independent operators require access to specialized equipment and parts. These factors are very much dependent on the automakers supplying what’s needed. Manufacturers often highlight their dealer networks for maintenance and repairs, but consumers also have independent repair options available.

Right-to-repair laws have sought to address this conflict as more states have introduced legislation preserving consumer choice for vehicle service work. Another option that car owners have enjoyed for decades is an extended warranty, also called a vehicle service contract. This protection is designed to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for certain covered repairs after factory coverage ends.

Keep reading as we explore how right-to-repair laws and car warranties interact and what consumers may want to consider when choosing where to have repairs performed.

An Overview: What Right-to-Repair Is, and What It Isn’t

The nationwide right-to-repair movement began in 2013, when Massachusetts became the first state to pass a law requiring automakers to provide independent repair facilities with access to the same repair resources as franchised dealers. A year later, advocacy groups for independent shops and automakers created a memorandum of understanding outlining efforts to support broader access to repair information for non-dealer facilities.

While the agreement didn’t have the force of law, unaffiliated service centers were promised fair and reasonable availability of diagnostic tools, repair information, and replacement parts. However, the automotive landscape continued to change as most of today’s vehicles have advanced safety and telematic systems that require even more technical capabilities and resources. To prevent another access gap, the federal REPAIR Act was introduced in February 2025. If passed, the bipartisan bill would require automakers to make certain repair and maintenance information accessible to owners and independent shops.

These car repair laws don’t override manufacturer specifications or safety requirements for proper repairs. Instead, they help ensure that consumer vehicles can receive necessary repairs without being forced to get the work done at dealerships. Consumers with vehicle protection plans generally retain the ability to choose from licensed repair facilities, subject to the terms of their specific contract.

Access to Diagnostics, Telematics, and Service Information

The modern automobile is a rolling data center, continuously generating detailed diagnostic information. The right-to-repair debate includes a rigorous discussion about who owns and controls this data.

Car-generated diagnostic data is nothing new. Since 1996, the federal government has mandated that all new vehicles have an On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) port that mechanics can use to read trouble codes and monitor systems. This once simple approach to OBD access (the technician plugs in a code scanner) has become more complex. Newer vehicles can send diagnostic data wirelessly to automakers via telematic connections.

Telematic data ownership is a contentious issue. Automakers contend they must control the information to promote cybersecurity and safety. Meanwhile, consumer advocates insist the data should be controlled by the individual vehicle owners who generate it. Massachusetts again led the charge with a 2020 ballot initiative requiring automakers to provide wireless access to telematics data. The measure passed, but an unsuccessful legal challenge by automakers held up implementation until early 2025.

Data access is connected to warranty coverage because diagnostics often rely on the same details. If independent shops can’t retrieve this essential telematic information, they can’t properly diagnose car troubles. This limitation may lead some owners to choose dealership service even when other repair options are available.

The industry’s 2014 memorandum of understanding was updated in 2023 to reflect data access. However, critics cite the agreement, noting that allowing automakers to charge for certain information may create cost considerations for independent shops

Independent Shops, Aftermarket Parts, and Warranty Validity

As mentioned, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 prohibits manufacturers from voiding warranties if independent shops perform repairs. This protection generally applies even when non-original equipment manufacturers (non-OEM) parts are used, unless those parts directly cause a failure. In most cases, factory warranty coverage continues even when service is performed outside the dealer network, unless the outside work causes the issue.

However, this federal law does have limits. The manufacturer can deny a warranty claim if a non-dealer repair or aftermarket part caused the failure. Yet this provision isn’t far-reaching. For example, if there’s a transmission problem traced to independent work, the manufacturer generally cannot deny coverage on an unrelated system, provided the repair did not contribute to the issue.

Independent shop repair warranty rights work similarly. Many third-party vehicle protection plans allow repairs at licensed facilities, depending on contract terms. However, some extended warranties may include access to a preferred provider network that may provide benefits like simplified claims or a minimum guarantee on service work.

Documentation is essential whether you’re dealing with a manufacturer’s original warranty or an extended car warranty. You’ll need to keep maintenance records to verify compliance with the car’s recommended service intervals. The same applies to all repairs, regardless of who completes the work. If a claim does come under review, you’ll have the records to confirm when service was completed and by whom.

ADAS or Calibration Considerations After Glass or Bumper Work

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have undoubtedly complicated the right to repair. These technologies, such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance, rely on advanced sensors and cameras mounted behind the windshield and in bumpers and mirror housings.

ADAS calibration after windshield replacement highlights why independent shops need access to factory resources. A windshield replacement in a car with ADAS technology requires that the forward-facing cameras must be recalibrated to factory standards. Failure to do so can cause safety features to malfunction, such as the automatic brakes failing or the car drifting from its lane.

As some automakers require proprietary tools and software for ADAS recalibration, repair rights are front and center. An independent glass shop may be reluctant to invest in manufacturer-supplied equipment and resources to work on less popular models. This pushes the customer back to the dealership, where recalibration services can cost $300-$600; more than the price of some windshields.

Skipping recalibration is not recommended because ADAS systems may not function properly without it. Failing to complete required ADAS recalibration may affect how repair issues are assessed during claims reviews.

Recordkeeping That Protects You During Claims

Repair documentation for claims can be required, so careful recordkeeping is essential. You’ll likely start with paper copies, but keeping digital versions is best for safekeeping and can make forwarding information easier.

This vital information should include:

• Service Records: Keep receipts for all repairs and maintenance work, including oil and filter changes, brake service, and fluid changes. The documentation should reflect the shop name, service date, vehicle mileage, and work performed. Also, keep records and receipts for any DIY work.
• Diagnostic Reports: Keeping a copy of any diagnostic repair services can help with later disputes or repair issues.
• Warranty Documents: Maintain copies of all manufacturer and extended warranties. These records should include information on warranties for repairs performed by dealers or independent shops.
• Calibration Certificates: Obtain documentation confirming that any ADAS system recalibration was performed to factory specifications.

While recordkeeping can be a hassle, having extensive documentation will only help if you need to support a warranty claim or address a dispute.

State Nuances and What May Change Next

While consumers have baseline federal protection through the Magnuson-Moss Act, the law hasn’t kept up with the rapidly changing automotive industry. Until the REPAIR Act (Right to Repair Act) or other overarching legislation passes, car owners rely on a patchwork of state consumer repair laws. Highlights of these measures include:

The right-to-repair movement in California is still a work in progress. A new law (SB 244) covering electronics and appliances went into effect in 2024, but the measure doesn’t explicitly mention automobiles. The state’s Bureau of Automotive Repair enforces existing state rules, but these regulations primarily cover the repair process, such as diagnostics, estimates, repair costs, and return of old parts. Importantly, post-factory warranty coverage in California is called mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI). While MBI is similar to a vehicle service contract, it’s regulated as an insurance product in the state.

To date, New York has taken a similar approach to California with a broad right-to-repair law covering only digital electronics. The Digital Fair Repair Act, which went into effect in 2023, doesn’t address automotive repairs. Consumers in the Empire State will have to rely on existing regulations. Meanwhile, Florida, Texas, and Illinois have proposed right-to-repair measures, but none cover automobiles; only agricultural equipment, electronics, and specific consumer products.

Massachusetts still leads on automotive right-to-repair, with consumer protection and consumer rights regulations that date back over a decade, and the recent update that covers telematics data sharing. Among other jurisdictions, only the state legislatures in Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, and Maryland have proposed right-to-repair laws that specifically cover motor vehicles. 

Protect Your Repair Freedom With Endurance

For many households, vehicles represent a major ongoing expense. So, fully understanding your rights about servicing your vehicle can save money and reduce the hassle. The same principles apply to an Endurance Warranty plan. Our plans are designed to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for covered repairs.

Endurance customers enjoy numerous benefits, including roadside assistance with towing, trip interruption protection, and rental car reimbursement. Any licensed facility, including dealership service departments and specialized shops, can handle covered repairs. Plan holders are also eligible for a year of Elite Benefits. Just pay a small fee to activate up to $2,000 in extras, including tire repairs and replacements, key fob replacement, collision repair discounts, and windshield coverage.*

Learn more about your options by requesting a FREE quote or see your price and plan recommendations now through the Endurance online store. Our award-winning customer service team is also available by phone at (800) 253-8203.

Explore the Endurance blog to read expert-written articles covering repair advice, DIY maintenance tips, warranty insights, car reviews, and more.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. State laws vary and may change. For guidance on your situation, consult a qualified legal professional. Coverage depends on the specific terms and exclusions in your contract.