I’ve Bought a Car With an Aftermarket Warranty, What Should I Do If Something Goes Wrong?

 

We regularly hear from customers who have recently purchased a vehicle with an aftermarket warranty and need advice on what to do when a fault develops.

On the surface, aftermarket warranties can sound like a safety net. However, they often don’t work quite how people expect.

Understanding how they operate before you rely on them can save a lot of time, cost, and frustration.

 

What Is An Aftermarket Warranty?

 

An aftermarket warranty is a third party policy, usually provided when you purchase a vehicle from a second-hand car dealer.

It is separate from the garage carrying out any repairs. The warranty company sets the terms, decides what is covered, and controls how claims are handled.

 

How These Warranties Typically Work

 

If your car develops a fault, there is usually a process that must be followed before any work can begin.

This often includes:

• Contacting the warranty provider or selling dealer
• Getting approval before repairs are carried out
• Working within specific limits set by the policy

Most warranties also include restrictions such as:

• Capped labour rates
• Limits on total claim value
• Conditions on parts and repair methods

This means the repair that is required and the repair that is authorised are not always the same.

 

Our Experience With Aftermarket Warranties

 

After many years in the industry, we have seen how these policies operate in practice.

They can lead to situations where:

• A customer expects the repair to be fully covered
• The warranty provider only approves part of the work
• Delays occur while waiting for decisions or authorisation

In many cases, the terms and conditions play a much bigger role than people realise.

For this reason, we would always recommend reading your policy carefully so you understand exactly what is and isn’t covered.

 

Our Position

 

At Shaikly Motor Company, we do not carry out work under aftermarket warranty policies.

Over many years, we have found that these policies often place limits on areas that are fundamental to doing the job properly, particularly when it comes to diagnostic time and labour.

In many cases, diagnostic work is either not approved at all or is capped at a level that does not reflect the time and expertise required. Accurately diagnosing modern vehicles is not a fixed-price task, and placing restrictions on it can compromise the process from the outset.

The same applies to labour rates, parts, and overall job values, which are often set below what is required to carry out the work to the correct standard.

We have invested heavily in our equipment, training, and processes to ensure we diagnose and repair vehicles properly. Working within third party limitations that undervalue that level of work does not align with how we operate.

For that reason, we choose not to carry out repairs under aftermarket warranty policies.

 

Your Rights With The Selling Dealer

 

When you buy a vehicle from a dealer, you are not just relying on an aftermarket warranty.

The selling dealer also has a legal responsibility to supply a vehicle that is of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. This effectively acts as a form of protection in its own right.

An aftermarket warranty is a separate policy with its own limits and conditions. It sits alongside this, not in place of it.

This means that if something goes wrong, you are well within your rights to go back to the selling dealer in the first instance, rather than relying solely on the aftermarket warranty.

There is typically a period, often up to six months after purchase, where the dealer may remain responsible for faults. However, this can depend on the specific circumstances of the vehicle and the issue.

For this reason, if you are unsure where you stand, we would always recommend seeking independent or professional advice to fully understand your rights.

In many cases, customers are directed straight to the warranty company. It is important to understand that this is not your only route, and you should feel confident speaking to the dealer about the issue before going elsewhere.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Aftermarket warranties are separate from the repair process, and they rely on their own rules and limitations.

At Shaikly Motor Company, we choose not to work within those systems, so we can focus on delivering work to the correct standard without restriction.

If your vehicle is covered by an aftermarket warranty, start with the selling dealer, understand your policy, and make sure you know where you stand before any work begins.