Does an accident void a new car warranty?

Asked by: Bridget Hartmann  |  Last update: March 28, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (39 votes)

When you are involved in an accident, it will not void the warranty. However, taking it to a non-certified shop or using unauthorized aftermarket parts will cause problems down the road. If you need repairs for your vehicle, make sure to find a certified auto body shop for your car or truck.

What voids a warranty on a new vehicle?

Misuse of Vehicle: While this can be widely interpreted, if it's determined the vehicle has been misused, the entire warranty can be voided. This typically includes using the vehicle for racing or other competitions, overloading the vehicle, or off-roading in a vehicle that was not designed to handle such conditions.

Can I get a new car if I got into an accident?

Yes you can. But it depends on the accident and the price adjustment. Did the neighbor back into the car and they had to replace a bumper skin? Mostly cosmetic. Or was it in a major Collision where the frame needed to be straightened, air bag deployed or even worse was turned into a salvage title ?

What are 5 common acts that void your vehicle's warranty?

What can void a car warranty?
  • Off-Road Driving.
  • Racing or Reckless Driving.
  • Overloading.
  • Natural Disasters (flooding, fire, earthquake, etc.)
  • Poor Car Maintenance.
  • Using Improper Fluids.
  • Some Aftermarket Parts or Modifications (see above)

What happens if you hit a brand new car?

The second you drive away in your new car, it is no longer considered new. Therefore, your insurance policy will likely not cover the value of the vehicle up to the same amount at which you purchased it. If you're in a minor fender-bender, this likely will not present a major issue.

How NOT to void your Car's Warranty | Everything you need to know.

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What if someone hits your new car?

5 important things to remember if someone hit your car

Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved, including names, phone numbers and insurance information. Take photos of the damage. Contact the local authorities to come and file a police report. Contact your insurance provider and begin the claims process.

What happens if you hit a car at a dealership?

The third party's insurance will be responsible for paying the damages. However, if the third party does not have insurance, then the dealership's insurance will have to cover the damage to the vehicle. Similarly, your own health insurance will have to cover any medical expenses for the injuries you suffered.

What voids the bumper to bumper warranty?

If your vehicle was damaged in a fire, flood, earthquake or any other environmental disaster, this becomes more of an issue for your insurance company because the automaker will not cover those repairs. And if the vehicle was declared a total loss as a result of the damage, the warranty would be voided.

What condition voids warranty?

Warranty stands void for theft, abuse, misuse, neglect; vandalism, or environmental conditions (fire, floods, rust, corrosion, sand, dirt, windstorm, hail, earthquake, or exposure to weather conditions).

Does an accident void the Toyota warranty?

The warranty does not cover damage resulting from accidents, environmental factors, or misuse. This includes incidents such as collisions, floods, and improper maintenance. Additionally, any modifications or aftermarket parts that cause damage to the vehicle will void the warranty coverage for the affected components.

Do I have to tell new car insurance about accident?

If you have an accident claim on your motor vehicle record, you must disclose it to a car insurance company when you're shopping for coverage.

Will my car ever be the same after an accident?

The initial repair might not cost as much as a new car but some cars are never the same after a major car accident. You may need to keep repairing it every other day leading to frequent maintenance costs. These separate repair costs can add up to almost the same as purchasing a new one.

What to do if someone falsely claims you hit their car?

Report the Incident

You don't want them to hear from the other party first. Be detailed: Provide them with all the information you've gathered—photos, videos, witness names, and details about the incident. Ask for advice: Your insurance company will guide you on how to proceed and whether further action is needed.

What cancels a car warranty?

If your car was in an accident and the cost to repair the damage is high enough that your state requires a salvage title or your insurance company deems your vehicle a total loss, your warranty is void.

What invalidates a warranty?

A merchant might declare a warranty void under various circumstances. This outcome is more likely if you use a product for something other than its usual purpose. The seller or manufacturer may then choose not to honor the warranty terms. Sometimes merchants may attempt to void a warranty for illegal reasons.

Does missing an oil change void the warranty?

Now that the first question is out of the way, here is another common one we have to address: will skipping an oil change void your warranty? The short answer is no. You won't have to worry if you skip your oil change schedule as it will not automatically void your warranty.

What items could cause the car's warranty to be voided?

However, some things will invariably void your entire warranty.
  • Improper Use of the Vehicle. ...
  • Natural Disasters. ...
  • Tampering with the Odometer. ...
  • Ways to Void Warranties on Repairs and Parts. ...
  • Poor Maintenance. ...
  • Aftermarket modifications. ...
  • Read the Fine Print. ...
  • Perform Regular Service Checks.

What voids warranty status?

It means the manufacturer will no longer honor the warranty. This can happen when the user doesn't keep their end on the warranty. Like using the product inappropriately. Things like not doing the proper maintenance and using the product in a manner it wasn't intended.

What are implied conditions of warranty?

Implied conditions and warranties are those which are implied by law or custom; these shall prevail in a contract of sale unless the parties agree to the contrary. In case of an agreement to sell, he will have a right to sell the goods at the time when the property is to pass.

What voids a dealership warranty?

Improper Maintenance: This is the biggest reason for warranty voiding. Failure to properly maintain and service your vehicle moves the responsibility on to you if something should fail. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as they say.

Is bumper damage considered an accident?

Whether you have to take your vehicle to an auto body specialist or not, a fender bender is an accident. This is because it involves an unintentional collision between vehicles. Whether your vehicle has a small dent or a minor scratch, the law and insurance companies view a fender bender as an accident.

Does speeding void the warranty?

Your car warranty provider can void your warranty claim if your covered parts are damaged due to over-speeding or other reckless driving behaviors. Avoid other negative driving behaviors that can cause damage to your car, such as engine braking or revving the engine while it's still cold.

Do dealerships take cars that have been in accidents?

A dealer considering your vehicle for a trade-in will check your car's history and will thoroughly inspect your car for any prior damage. Once they learn that your vehicle had a prior accident they will only pay a fraction of the price you intended to sell it for.

Does insurance cover if I hit my car?

If you have collision coverage, you're typically covered for damaging your own car. For instance, if you run into an object or other vehicle (even another of your vehicles), you can claim it on your insurance like any other car accident.

Can I sue a company if they hit my car?

If you have been injured in a car accident, you might have a viable injury case against parties other than the other driver. In some instances, you could sue a company if their employee crashes their vehicle into yours.