You’ve got your extended car warranty. You’re covered. You’re protected. But then the claim comes back… declined. Haibo. Welcome to the fine print of warranty exclusions and limitations. The bits that most drivers only discover after they’ve made a claim. Let’s break it down, with no jargon and no surprises, so you know exactly what your extended car warranty does and doesn’t cover. 

 

What Vehicle Warranties Typically Cover 

Extended car warranties generally cover mechanical breakdowns and electrical failures on major components. That means things such as: 

  • Engine failure 
  • Gearbox issues 
  • Electronic ignition faults 
  • Cooling and fuel systems 
  • Steering mechanisms. 

RELATED: THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN & WEAR AND TEAR 

 

Surprising Warranty Exclusions Most Drivers Miss 

Warranties don’t cover everything. Some of the most common warranty exclusions include: 

  • Pre-existing damage 
  • Wear and tear (more on that below) 
  • Carbon build-up 
  • Unapproved modifications or racing 
  • Repairs without prior authorisation 
  • Incorrect fuel or oil use 
  • Corrosion or rust. 

Psst: Your claim can be rejected if your odometer has been tampered with. So don’t try to pull a Ferris Bueller. 

Not Covered  Reason 
Wear-and-tear parts  These degrade naturally over time through normal use and aren’t due to a defect. 
Cosmetic damage  Paint scratches and upholstery wear don’t impact your car’s function. 
Modifications or aftermarket parts  Non-OEM parts can void the warranty, especially if they caused the damage. 
Neglect or skipped services  Not sticking to your service schedule can hurt a claim. 
Damage from accidents  That’s a claim for your car insurance plan. 

 

Limitations That Can Void Your Warranty 

It’s not just what’s not covered, it’s how you use your car. These everyday actions can void your warranty: 

  • Not sticking to the manufacturer’s service schedule 
  • Missing your annual service 
  • Having repairs done by an unapproved workshop 
  • Using your car for business or taxi use when it's not covered for that 
  • Not informing your insurer when you hit the maximum vehicle age or mileage cap. 

With dotsure.co.za’s worry-free Warranty, you have a 30-day grace period from policy inception to get your service up to date, and you’re free to use any RMI-approved workshop. 

RELATED: CAR MODS THAT VOID A WARRANTY 

 

Why Using Generic Parts Can Cost You 

That off-brand part might seem like a bargain, but you could void your warranty if it’s not OEM-approved or professionally fitted. 

At dotsure.co.za, we stick to quality parts and quotes from RMI-approved workshops.  

 

Does Insurance Ever Cover Wear and Tear? 

It’s rare, but some comprehensive motor or wear and tear insurance products offer limited cover for these components. At dotsure.co.za our extended warranty focuses on mechanical or electrical failures. 

You can check your policy wording and read your car warranty fine print, or contact our team for help if you’re unsure what your plan includes. 

 

The Fine Print: Consequential Damage and Betterment Clauses 

We know we said no jargon, but it’s insurance. So, here’s what these lawyery words mean: 

Consequential Damage or Resultant Damage 

If a covered part fails and causes other damage, the warranty might only cover the original part and not the full extent of the damage. if the damage to a covered part is caused by a part that is not covered, the damage may also not be covered.  

The Betterment Clause 

If replacing your part leaves your car “better” than it was before the failure, you may be liable to contribute to the cost. 

Both clauses are standard in many warranties, but still catch people off-guard. The golden rule? Read your policy and the Ts & Cs. Remember, we’re always here to help explain it to you. 

RELATED: WARRANTY KNOW-HOW: YOUR MOST COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED 

 

Tips to Avoid Warranty Surprises 

  • Service on time every year, as recommended 
  • Use RMI-approved workshops 
  • Read your policy docs  
  • Add optional extras such as ServiceXtender if you want more peace of mind 
  • Log every repair or service. 

 

Our Final Warranty Tips for Car Owners 

A good extended car warranty is about confidence, not confusion. At dotsure.co.za, we give you simple insurance cover, fast payouts within 3 days, and real support when things go wrong.  

Are you still not sure about the different warranty exclusions and limitations? Contact us, or log in to manage your policy today.