Click on the words below for a plain english description

The most frequent question I get asked about car warranties is, "Why don't they pay out?"

Well the reason is, 'the weasel words' and if, in the past, you have been caught out; you probably didn't read or understand them before handing over your hard earned wad of cash!

Apart from explaining the weasel words I have answered some of the most common questions, if you have any more email me at:

quentinwillson@warrantywise.co.uk

Quentin Willson answers your more specific questions:

What do you mean by All Mechanical Parts?
The Oxford English dictionary defines 'Mechanical' as: (1) relating to or operated by a machine or machinery. (2) relating to physical forces or motion. This basically means it has to be a part which moves or is moved and/or is acted upon by something else which makes it do that motion.

NB: There are some items listed under our Additions not included with the main cover.
What do you mean by All Electrical Parts?
The Oxford English dictionary defines 'Electrical' as: (1) concerned with, operating by, or producing electricity. This means it has to be powered by, use or produce electricity in order to function.

NB: There are some items listed under our Additions not included with the main cover.
Who do you pay the claims money to?
Once a claim is ready for settlement, we pay to either your chosen VAT registered repairer or yourself as the policyholder. You tell us who to pay at the time of claim by selecting it on your claim form. Easy peasy. No need for dealer accounts or for us to have a network of garages, we can deal with whoever you tell us to on your form.
"Wear & Tear" clause wording on the site is difficult to understand, can you please explain it a little easier?
Wear and Tear is probably the greatest of the weasel words. Most warranties exclude breakdown due to wear & tear leaving the door wide open to decline any claim where a part has suffered a failure due to it being worn. Even those warranties that include it usually only allow full claims when your car is relatively new (when the cover is not needed) and then build in a sliding scale percentage excess, which costs you more as your mileage increases, which all means 'You Pay'. Our warranty includes protection against failure due to wear and tear, but we allow you to de-select it if you think it's inappropriate.
Do I have to get my car inspected before you will cover my vehicle?
An inspection is not normally required, however we reserve the right to have your vehicle inspected or request a photo of your milometer in certain circumstances. The deal is that your car needs to have at least 3 months MOT remaining when you take out the policy and you must ensure your car has been correctly serviced by a Vat registered garage.
Does my vehicle need to have a full service history?
No, but I do recommend that you always try to buy a car which has, there is really nothing like a full book of main dealer service stamps when it comes time to move your car on. However it is very important that your vehicle is fully serviced as recommended by the manufacturer within the last 12 months, using a VAT registered garage, during the period of insurance.
Can Warrantywise provide a warranty for any vehicle?
Warrantywise can cover almost any vehicle including commercial vehicles and high performance sports cars however for obvious reasons they are unwilling to take on board vehicles used within driving schools, competitive events, modified vehicles or Japanese imports. There are special arrangements through some dealerships for Black Cabs.
Will my call to make a claim or complaint be transferred to a call centre half way around the world?
Definately not - all calls, including dealing with claims, are answered by Warrantywise here in the UK. I have met all the staff and visited their offices, they are a great bunch.
What if my car suffers a breakdown out of office hours or during a holiday period?
You can use what the policy describes as the Emergency Claims Procedure. Basically you pay for the repairs yourself, but make sure you get Vat receipts and if possible save the old parts and then make the claim when the office re-opens. Also, it's best to leave an answerphone message or send an email to the claims office asap just to get your claim on the record. The full details are in the policy.
Are there any mileage restrictions?
Warrantywise polices allow for an unlimited number of valid claims to be made with no limits on the annual mileage you drive. We do not have upper mileage limits so you won't run out of cover.


Are there any claims limits?
There is a maximum amount that will be paid out to meet any particular claim (single claim limit) which you can select. Also, we will not pay out more than the retail value of your car (sum insured).
What if I need to pay for a hire car?
You can claim up to £50 (inc VAT) per day for up 5 days for car hire, in certain circumstances, when your vehicle is in for repair.
What about recovery?
If you breakdown because of a fault covered under your policy, we will reimburse you the cost of recovery expenses up to £200.00 (inc VAT) for each breakdown.
What happens if I breakdown abroad?
We include European Cover throughout the policy term. This provides similar protection as within the UK, throughout the EEC.
Can I transfer my warranty if I sell my vehicle?
Yes, you can usually transfer the balance of your warranty to a new private owner should you sell your vehicle. There is a £35 transfer charge to cover administration expenses.
How can I pay for Warrantywise protection?
Warrantywise accept payment using all major credit cards, debit cards, personal cheque, by a single one off payment or you can pay by monthly instalments.
My garage says they won't deal with a warranty company. What do I do?
Ask your garage to call the claims department to log the claim. They don't need an account with us. They just need to confirm their professional opinion so that we know what they have seen is wrong with your car. We need this information to assess the claim. Without it, we have no information to work with. Most garages will call us if they know that we need the information to help you with your claim.
How secure is my policy with Warrantywise?
I am satisfied that your warranty is in safe hands. Warrantywise are Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority who ensure the correct operation of all UK insurance firms. Warrantywise are Coverholders at Lloyd's of London and therefore backed by the strength of Lloyd's one of the worlds largest and most respected insures with over £40 billion in underwriting assets, it is Lloyd's who have the ultimate responsibility for your policy of insurance. Warrantywise are also protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
What if I have a complaint?
Warrantywise take complaints very seriously and so do Lloyd's. All complaints are thoroughly investigated by Warrantywise customer relations managers and if that doesn't do the trick you can contact me, Quentin Willson. Ultimately you have final recourse to Lloyd's of London and the Insurance Ombudsman.