Car warranty FAQ’s
Below are the common warranty questions we get asked. If your query isn’t here, please email sales@wmsgroupuk.com, call our friendly support team on 01844 293810 or live chat with us.
How will I know when my car warranty is registered with you?
You will receive a validation letter within 21 days of the purchase date to confirm that we have accepted your cover. This letter will contain details of your vehicle, plan type, claim limit and duration which you will need to check carefully. Please advise us as soon as possible if there are any discrepancies with the information we hold. If you do not receive a letter within this time, please call our support team on 01844 293810.
What am I covered for?
Our warranties will cover you for the breakdown of specified mechanical components and failure of specified electrical components, as detailed in your documentation. The costs for repairing or replacing the necessary parts and their associated labour will be paid by us under the terms of your cover. Where wear & tear cover has been added to the 5 Star cover (or in the case of our Ultimate warranty) you will also be covered for those components which have worn out or reached the end of their working lives. The level of cover offered by your dealership may be determined by the vehicle’s age, mileage and estimated annual mileage.
Where can I take my car for repairs?
We work with a vast network of approved WMS Group repairers across the UK that we can recommend, which will ensure your claim is dealt with efficiently. We have also agreed a special labour rate with these repairers and in many cases will be able to pay them directly. Alternatively you may be able to use your own repairer if preferred, but please check with our claims team on 01844 293810 beforehand.
How much will you pay out?
You will be provided with an individual claim limit when you take out our car warranty cover through the dealership, and this is the maximum amount that we will pay per claim. You can make an unlimited number of claims aggregate to the current market value of the vehicle, unless otherwise agreed with your dealer.
Do I need to have my car serviced?
Yes, servicing must be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. If you are unsure of the parameters, please refer to the vehicle handbook or contact the manufacturer. Servicing can be carried out at any VAT registered garage of your choice. Please retain the service invoice as this may be required in the event of a claim.
Can I buy a warranty direct from you?
The car warranty products on our website can only be taken out through our network of Approved WMS Group dealerships, which ensures that every precaution has been taken to rule out any inherent mechanical or electrical issues. However once your cover is due to expire and subject to our approval, you will be offered the opportunity to renew. Renewal will be arranged directly with us, unless we have made alternative arrangements with the dealer.
How do I make a claim?
Our claims procedure can be found here or within your policy documentation. If you are unsure, please contact our claims team on 01844 293810. Once a repair has been authorised, our liability will be settled immediately by cheque as soon as we have received the repair invoice. You will usually receive payment within two working days, which is the industry’s fastest turnaround!
What if I need warranty assistance at weekends or during the evening?
We have a 24 hour helpline operating 365 days per year so that you can receive service at all times. Our trained advisors will be able to log details of the claim and provide comprehensive support, including arranging recovery and assisting with administration enquiries. Simply call 01844 293810 or email claims@wmsgroupuk.com / sales@wmsgroupuk.com
What if I am abroad?
Your policy covers you for 60 days within the Euro Zone, and you will need to notify us on 01844 293810 before you travel. All claims will need to be handled using the normal claims procedure. The repairs will be paid in £GBP at the exchange rate on the day that the invoice is received.
Can I get a repair done and send the invoice in for payment?
All repairs must be authorised by us prior to the work being carried out, so please ensure that you have followed our claims procedure. We will then settle our liability by cheque to you or the repairer, depending on the agreement or repairer’s requirements. All cheques are posted on the same working day that the invoice is received. No repairs can be paid unless the correct procedure has been followed.
Are oil leaks covered?
Oil leaks are specifically excluded unless additional cover has been included by the dealership at the point of sale.
Are serviceable items such as tyres covered?
Our warranties are not designed to cover you for serviceable or ancillary components so any costs involved with the failure of such items will be your responsibility. These components include but are not limited to glass, tyres, batteries, exhaust, air bags, seized brake calipers, bodywork, remote key fobs etc. Any routine maintenance costs including servicing or MOT’s are also excluded unless you have purchased MOT cover or taken out a service plan.
Is diagnosis covered?
Fault diagnosis can be included in your cover providing this option was added at the point of sale. Our Ultimate warranty however does automatically include one hour of diagnosis per claim. In all cases, the repairer will need your authorisation for dismantling or stripping the vehicle where necessary, and the diagnosis fee will be settled with the final invoice.
Is recovery included?
You are automatically covered for recovery to a local repairer in the event of a valid claim, but if ongoing recovery is required then a roadside assistance company should be used and costs for this would be your responsibility. We can arrange cover through our recovery partners on your behalf if required.
Am I covered for a replacement vehicle?
If the repair time exceeds eight hours, you will be covered for a hire car providing it has been authorised by our claims department beforehand. The hire fees will form part of our claim liability and be included within your limit. Restrictions apply so please refer to your warranty document for the full coverage.
Can I renew my warranty?
Subject to our approval, you will be offered the opportunity to renew your warranty approximately two weeks prior to the expiration date.
Can I transfer my warranty?
What is wear and tear?
Wear and tear is the term for a component being deemed to have reached the end of its useful life. Wear & tear cover is excluded from our standard coverage (with exception to our Ultimate warranty) unless this option has been added to our 5 Star plan. For example, a high mileage gearbox emitting a whining noise may be subject to an independent engineers report to determine whether a mechanical breakdown has taken place. If the component has simply worn out and the wear & tear option has not been included in your cover, unfortunately the repair costs will be your liability.