Tag Archives: car repair insurance tips

A Common Myth About Repairing Cars Under Warranty

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Many drivers innocently assume that a new vehicle under warranty can only be serviced by its dealership, and that taking their new vehicle to an independent auto shop will cause their factory warranty to be void. But this is a common misconception and simply untrue. In fact, there are laws in place that protect vehicle owners from this type of penalty.

Continue reading to learn the truth about servicing vehicles under warranty, and be better informed of your options for routine maintenance and repair.

Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846
Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

There is a federal statute called the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is a law that governs warranties on consumer products. This law came into effect in 1975 after a widespread misuse of warranties and disclaimers by merchants, and is still enforced to this day by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The statute gets its name from the two Democrats it was sponsored by, Senator Warren G. Magnuson of Washington and U.S. Representative John E. Moss of California, as well as co-sponsor Sen. Frank Moss of Utah.

In the case of new cars, this statute prohibits manufacturers from voiding a vehicle warranty and car dealers from denying warranty coverage, if the vehicle was service or repaired by a non-dealer. So if a consumer has an independent automotive repair shop service their vehicle while under warranty, their warranty cannot be voided as long as the mechanics adhered to the vehicle’s factory recommendations and requirements. This also applies to vehicle owners who opt for a recycled or aftermarket car part.

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair

Automotive repairs are broad ranged, and can include anything from collision damages and cosmetic repairs, to simple part replacements, factory maintenance, and more. As for factory scheduled maintenance, these services generally include inspections, oil changes, fluid checks and refills, tire rotation and balances, brake inspection and service, alignments, flushes, tune-ups, and much more.

If you have questions about your vehicle’s warranty, contact your dealer to discuss the conditions of your warranty, including its limitations and privileges. You may also contact your local automotive repair specialist for information about factory scheduled maintenance and repair for vehicles under warranty. You may also refer to your owners’ manual to review the factory recommendations and requirements for your vehicle make and model.

Affordable Indianapolis Auto Service and Repair

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional Indianapolis auto repair and service you can trust. We have been helping Hoosiers repair and maintenance their vehicles for over 20 years, while offering affordable prices and reliable work. You can schedule a free inspection and estimate, anytime! We can even assist with tows! Don’t forget to mention one of our Indianapolis car repair coupons or discounts to get the best deal in town.

What You Need to Know About Auto Repair Insurance Claim Work

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After a car accident, you will need to have your vehicle repaired, whether through your own insurance policy, or an at-fault driver’s. Regardless of whose insurance carrier is covering the cost of your automotive repairs, there are some things you need to know about the process. This is especially important if you are planning to skip repairs and pocket the check, instead.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about having your car repaired after filing an automotive insurance claim.

Safety Inspection Automotive Service
Safety Inspection Automotive Service 317-475-1846

Passing on Repair? Be Careful

Can a person file an automotive insurance claim, receive a check, and then pass on getting their repairs done? The answer is, it depends. If you have a loan in your vehicle, you must have the vehicle repaired. Furthermore, most insurance policies require that drivers have all repairs carried out by a pre-approved mechanic. Failing to adhere to policy regulations like these will put you in breach of your insurance contract, as well as your loan contract. Such breaches can lead to lawsuits, restitution, and other legal hassles.

Additionally, many insurance companies will only continue to insure a driver if they continue with physical damage coverage, such as comprehensive coverage or collision coverage. If you accept a check from an automotive insurance claim, and then never have the vehicle repaired, the insurance company will no longer insure that vehicle. So you must choose: pocket the cash or keep your insurance. Sure, you can get a new carrier, but it might be difficult since the previous claim will be on your record. You will likely have to opt for higher insurance premiums or lower-quality coverage.

How does an insurance company know what you did with the cash? Well, standard procedure is for them to send you a check for the repairs, made out to both you and the pre-appointed mechanic. IF the repair never takes place, when the insurance company follows up on the claim, the mechanic will notify them that the repair was never completed.

Don’t Want to Report the Damage?

If you don’t want to report your vehicle damage to your automotive insurance carrier, you don’t have to, unless you have a loan on the car, as mentioned earlier, or if another vehicle was involved. If you and you alone were involved in the car’s damage, and you own your vehicle, you can forgo making a claim without any legal repercussion.  However, it is strongly encouraged to have your vehicle fully inspected by a licensed Indianapolis mechanic to ensure it is still road-safe. This is especially important if you use your vehicle to transport children.

Trusted Automotive Inspections in Indianapolis

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional automotive service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We’re ASE certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of auto repairs and maintenance for both foreign and domestic vehicles, including comprehensive inspections following a car accident. Best of all, we offer customer conveniences like free written estimates, flexible drop off and pickup hours, automotive repair coupons and discounts, and competitive pricing. See our coupon, below!