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Can Using The Wrong Body Shop Void My Warranty?

Chris Medine • Nov 03, 2021

Editor's note: This post was originally published on January 26, 2017 and has been updated for accuracy and relevance.


When people are looking for a body shop after an accident, one of the more frequent questions we get at Medines is, “can using the wrong body shop void my warranty?” While we would like to answer this question with a simple no, there is actually a little more that goes into the right answer. So, let’s start from the beginning, and explain where the question itself goes wrong, and what the actual answer should be.

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Can choosing the wrong body shop void my warranty?


Just about every time we’re asked if choosing the wrong body shop can void a warranty, it’s because the person was told that by their insurance company. The insurance company says this as a steering tactic. It is part of their effort to nudge you to a direct repair shop. A direct repair shop is a collision center that has an agreement with the insurance company to do the work they say with the parts they recommend. This can mean substandard work done with substandard parts, but for the insurance company it costs them less.


Does the insurance company have any say in your car’s warranty?


The simple answer is no. A warranty, by definition, is an agreement between a manufacturer and a buyer. When you buy your car, it is the dealership that provides the warranty, not the insurance company. Similarly, when you get your car repaired after an accident, it is the collision center that does the work that has to stand by the service they provide. At no point does the insurance company enter this equation. In fact, if your insurance company steers you to a shop that uses aftermarket parts, you actually increase the chance that other parts of your vehicle’s warranty will be voided should something else go wrong at a later date.


Who decides when a car's warranty is voided?


The person offering the warranty is the one who can determine when it is voided. It is always important to read your warranty, as every warranty is different. Since every warranty is different, we can only speak to what we offer at Medines; which is a lifetime written warranty for body work, a written warranty for refinish work, and a written warranty for corrosion protection.


When you find yourself in need of collision repair, you are usually in a hurry to get your car back to its pre-accident condition. Don’t let this time crunch stop you from asking questions along the way to make sure you get the service you deserve. Asking questions may feel like it could slow the process, but those same questions go a long way toward making sure you get the service you deserve.

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