Automotive Repair Shop Warranty: Your Ticket to Peace of Mind on Every Drive

Imagine cruising down the highway on that long-awaited road trip; you got your luggage (check), the kids (check), and the dog (check)…or maybe just the luggage. For a brief second, the intrusive thought pops into your head, “What if the transmission goes out again like it did last year?!” 

Then you remember, you don’t need to worry about that. You took your car to Rick’s Automotive, and that transmission repair came with a free 3-year, 36,000-mile warranty with nationwide coverage. You can relax now and enjoy that much-needed, well-deserved trip.

But what if you had taken your car to a shop that didn’t offer that peace of mind with a repair warranty? Well, then, that intrusive thought might be plaguing you the entire trip.

You likely weren’t aware that an auto repair warranty could’ve been an option had your car been repaired at a shop that stands behind the quality of their work with free repair warranty coverage. Well, now you know. Lesson learned – time to arm yourself with knowledge.

Let’s dive into what an auto repair warranty is, what it covers, and how it can bring you peace of mind, so you won’t be the one left holding the repair bill for a second time.

What is an Automotive Repair Shop Warranty?

An automotive repair shop warranty is a guarantee provided by the repair shop that the repairs performed and the parts used on your vehicle meet certain standards of quality and reliability. It is essentially a car repair satisfaction guarantee.

Vehicle repairs are an investment – sometimes a rather large one – and these warranties are designed to protect you from double-paying for shoddy repairs or faulty parts. If the work performed or the parts used fail within the warranty period specified, those repairs or replacements will be covered at no additional cost to you.

What Does a Repair Warranty Cover?

Repair warranty coverage usually includes the cost of parts, labor, and diagnostic time, typically up to the amount of the original invoice, for repairs or defects in materials or workmanship. Many include nationwide coverage, ensuring that if an issue arises due to the work performed or the parts used while you’re traveling out of state, you’re still covered.

Most repair warranties do not include routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotations. They also don’t typically cover regular wear and tear parts, such as brake pads, wiper blades, or tires. These parts are expected to wear out with regular use and need to be replaced periodically through routine vehicle maintenance.

Coverage details can vary, so be sure to read the specific terms and conditions of each automotive repair shop warranty.

Nationwide Coverage

So, how does nationwide coverage work exactly? Not all automotive shops have multiple locations throughout the country, so that would be super limiting, right?

Nationwide coverage generally means that the repair warranty provider has a vast network of approved repair shops authorized to perform those services. You can typically find out which auto shops in the area are authorized to work on your vehicle through the warranty provider’s website or by calling their customer service.

It’s always a good idea to contact the warranty provider before you agree to have any work done on your vehicle to confirm that your warranty will cover those repairs at that particular shop.

Depending on the parameters of the warranty, you may be required to pay out-of-pocket for the repair at the time of service and then be reimbursed at a later date. The process typically requires submitting a claim with the warranty provider and a copy of your invoice for the repair.

If you choose to mail an invoice, it’s imperative that you keep a copy for your own records, so you have backup. It’s not a bad idea to have the invoice emailed to you, along with a paper copy, to ensure you always have a record available should you need it – especially if that repair was performed outside your local area, where locating the shop you used may be more difficult.

Benefits of Repair Warranties

  1. Car Repair Satisfaction Guarantee: Reputable repair shops stand behind the quality of their work. Those that include a free repair warranty are offering you a car repair satisfaction guarantee, ensuring that the repairs performed and materials used on your vehicle meet quality standards – and if they don’t, they are taking responsibility for making it right.
  2. Peace of Mind: Things happen, the world’s not perfect, and occasionally a part you’ve had replaced may end up being defective or installed incorrectly. A repair warranty ensures the cost of replacing that part will not fall on you. Knowing you won’t have to pay out-of-pocket a second time for repairs you’ve already had done, at least for a few years, is one less thing to stress about.
  3. Nationwide Coverage: Many auto repair warranties offer nationwide coverage, ensuring you’re still protected while traveling across the country or if you move out of the area. The nationwide coverage offered by Rick’s Automotive, for example, is accepted at over 35,000 repair centers nationwide, giving you plenty of options no matter where you are.  

It’s a good practice to clarify what “nationwide” means exactly with your particular warranty provider, as that may vary.

  • Increased Resale Value: If you’re looking to sell your vehicle, an active warranty covering the repair work you’ve had done can be more attractive to potential buyers – especially if you’ve had any high-dollar items replaced, such as the transmission, engine, turbocharger, or a hybrid battery. It’s a good practice to keep all records for major repairs, not only for your own benefit, but also as proof you can offer potential buyers.

(insert exterior image of Rick’s Automotive? Do we have one?)

Auto Repair Warranty at Rick’s Automotive

At Rick’s Automotive, we strive to ensure your peace of mind by standing behind the quality of our work. Our commitment to excellence backs the repairs and services performed by our certified technicians.

Most repairs performed by our Certified Auto Repair center are backed by a FREE 24-month/24,000-mile or 36-month/36,000-mile written, guaranteed Nationwide Warranty. This covers up to the original invoice amount of parts, labor, and diagnostic time. As an additional benefit, all repairs come with complimentary, reimbursable roadside assistance. Honored at over 35,000 professional repair centers nationwide, we’ve got you covered no matter where that next road trip takes you. Don’t let the fear of unexpected repair costs keep you from enjoying your ride! Visit Rick’s Automotive today and learn about how our Certified Auto Repair Nationwide Warranty can benefit you.