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Official Warranty Guide

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Official Warranty Guide

Quickly identify factory warranty on all vehicles!

The Official Warranty Guide is a complete, "at-your-fingertips," guide that details manufacturer's warranty guidelines, deductibles, warranty extensions, and other pertinent warranty information.
• Appraise used vehicles with greater confidence.
• Be sure of which type of warranty transfer applies and whether transfer requirements have been met.
• Get factory defects repaired under warranty and let the factory pay for emissions component, and powertrain repairs, even after basic warranties have expired.

View more examples of how to use the guide to your advantage:

The Official Warranty Guide® is published to help you quickly determine any remaining factory warranty on every vehicle by each manufacturer. Even used vehicles and trade-ins may still be covered by the remaining portion of a factory warranty. Once you know that a vehicle has remaining factory warranty, you can use this information to your advantage in a variety of ways. A few examples follow. Don't be limited by these examples. Many customers have told us of unique ways that they use the guide to help them in their business.

1.) Stop paying claims that are covered under factory warranty
2.) Appraise used vehicles with greater confidence and make good buying decisions
3.) Get factory defects repaired under warranty
4.) Label window stickers properly
5.) Let the factory pay for emissions component, and powertrain repairs, even after basic warranties have expired
6.) Use the fact that a factory warranty exists to help sell used vehicles
7.) Information on warranty transfer

1. Stop paying claims that are covered under factory warranty

Even after the basic factory warranty has expired, a quick look at the guide will show you certain repairs that are still covered. For example, a 2005 Mitsubishi Galant has a basic warranty of 3 years/36,000 miles, but drivetrain repairs are covered for 5 years/60,000 miles. This type of information in the guide will help you to make sure the manufacturer pays for repairs still covered by factory warranty. [Back to top]

2. Appraise used vehicles with greater confidence and make good buying decisions

If, for example, a used car buyer finds the automatic transmission is slipping badly on a 2003 Subaru Outback with 58,000 miles, he/she should check The Official Warranty Guide. The guide will tell them that the transmission is covered by Subaru for 5 years/60,000 miles. A competitor who doesn't have the guide might not know the transmission is still covered. The used car buyer who uses The Official Warranty Guide has the information needed to make the deals that competitors might miss. [Back to top]

3. Get factory defects repaired under warranty

Even independent used car dealerships can get factory defects repaired under warranty. They must take it to a franchise repair facility and provide proof that the vehicle has a valid warranty.

Check every section of the guide that addresses the repairs that you need to determine whether they are still covered by the factory warranty. Dealers also have a way to verify warranty eligibility by running a VIN through their factory communications computer.

Check the VIN to see if there are any campaigns open on the vehicle. Review vehicles for factory campaigns, or warranty extensions that are available for repair at "no charge." Some of these are listed in the "Warranty Extensions" section of the guide.

If you're an independent repair facility, there is nothing worse than losing a customer because they later found the work they paid you for would have been covered if performed at a franchised facility.

If this ever happens, explain the mistake to the customer and have them take their original receipts to a franchised dealer (where they purchased the vehicle, if possible). The dealership has the ability to reimburse the customer at factory rates. You may want to absorb any difference to save the customer.[Back to top]

4. Label those window stickers properly

Check your used car stock for "Buyer's Guide" window stickers on late model vehicles that are checked "no warranty." In many cases, at least some portion (emissions, corrosion) of the manufacturer's warranty remains. Check the guide to determine what balance of the warranty applies.

Used car retailers must attach a "Buyer's Guide" sticker to a vehicle in a way that both front and back are visible. The sticker includes warranty information and reminds the shopper to ask the dealer whether an inspection by an independent technician is allowed. The sticker also warns consumers to get dealer promises in writing.

The balance of a manufacturer's warranty included in the purchase price is considered a "warranty" for buyer's guide purposes. Under the "systems covered/duration" section include this disclosure: "manufacturer's warranty still applies. The manufacturer's original warranty has not expired on the vehicle. Consult the manufacturer's warranty booklet for details as to warranty coverage, service location, etc." Where there is an additional cost to transfer a manufacturer's warranty, check the "service contract available" box.

Although not specifically set forth as a ramification of the law, jlwarranty is of the opinion that a customer may have the right to rescind a transaction due to deceptive or unfair business practices.

Yet another side note is in order. Pursuant to specific provisions of Federal law, a buyer's guide is actually considered a part of the contract and its terms are incorporated by reference. There is even a required notation on the face of the contract to this effect. A customer should receive a signed copy and it should be physically attached to the original copy of the contract when it is assigned to a financial institution. This would literally insure that the financial institution, as the holder of the contract, has a full and complete copy of the written contractual agreement. [Back to top]

5. Let the factory pay for emissions component repairs, even after basic warranties have expired

Keep in mind that all vehicles sold in the United States are covered with an emissions warranty. Certain emission items like spark plugs or PCV valves, however, are only covered under warranty up to the first suggested maintenance replacement interval if no factory defect is involved. Failing a test may entitle the owner to free repairs under the emissions performance warranty. [Back to top]

6. Use the fact that a factory warranty exists to help sell used vehicles

A vehicle that still has remaining factory warranty is worth more to buyers. Explain the advantages to the customer of having the remaining factory coverage. Knowing and explaining the warranty to the customer will help to avoid any misrepresentations, minimize the chances that you will need to make an out-of-pocket policy adjustment, and may prevent a costly lawsuit. [Back to top]

7. Information On Warranty Transfer

The procedure to transfer a warranty is easy. However, it should be done immediately. Some manufacturers limit the days from purchase date to submit for warranty transfer.

When a warranty transfer fee is required - look for a transfer card in the back of the warranty book. Complete the card and mail along with the dollar fee amount to the manufacturer's warranty address. Put the VIN on the check. The transfer should be acknowledged within three weeks. If there is no transfer card available, send the appropriate transfer fee with the following information; Name, Address, City, State, Zip, Vehicle ID#, Social Security #, Date of Purchase, and Current miles on the odometer.

When no warranty transfer fee is required - you should inform the manufacturer anyway. This will allow the factory to contact you immediately if a safety recall is needed on your specific vehicle. As a new owner, you should write the manufacturer with the information outlined in the prior paragraph. Calling the customer assistance number given in this guide may also be an option. [Back to top]

The Official Warranty Guide contains:


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Who Uses This Guide?
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The Official Warranty Guide is valuable to a wide range of automotive professionals from sales and service to F&I Management.

Used car managers use it to fix inventory still covered under the manufacturer's warranty and warranty extensions. Don't leave covered vehicles sitting in your inventory with window stickers stating "No Warranty". Use the balance of the factory warranty to sell those used cars.

F&I managers use it to help sell extended warranties.

Technicians use it as a quick reference guide for fixing borderline warrantied vehicles.

Used car sales people use it to help reinforce the residual values of inventory with remaining warranty.

Used car buyers keep the Official Warranty Guide right next to their Used Car Price Guide. Knowing the remaining warranty on a vehicle is imperative when estimating its value.

Service Contract Companies pay out money every year in claims that weren't their responsibility. The single largest contributing factor to these losses is simply misinformed and ill-equipped service writers and claims administrators. The Official Warranty Guide provides the information needed to prevent money loss.

Others include:

  • Warranty Administrators
  • Independent Vehicle Repair Facilities
  • Auto Auctions
  • New & Used Vehicle Dealerships
  • Vehicle Supply Companies
  • Banks and Finance Companies
  • Fleet Companies
  • Insurance Companies
  • Vehicle Manufacturers
  • Auto Dealer Associations
  • General Public

Thousands of companies have used the Official Warranty Guide over the years. Below are just a few of these companies:

  • Adesa Auctions Cincinnati/Dayton
  • American Auto Guardian
  • AUL Corporation
  • Auto Ad Sales Inc
  • Automotive Development Group
  • Boyle Automotive Solutions
  • Bright & Associates
  • CarMax Inc
  • Dealer Services
  • First Guard Warranty Corp
  • Ally
  • Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association
  • Guardian Warranty Corporation
  • Interstate National Dealer Services
  • Manheim Minneapolis
  • Mechanical Breakdown Protection
  • Preferred Warranties
  • Premier Midwest Agency Services
  • Protective Insurance
  • Reahard & Associates
  • Service Guard PPP
  • Thrifty Car Sales Inc
  • Zurich


Updates

jlwarranty publishes the Official Warranty Guide in paperback form once a year. We take great pride in providing the most accurate warranty information available to our customers. We utilize this website to keep Official Warranty Guide users informed to all updates in information. Listed below is a complete list of updates that are vital for proper warranty referral, please update your guide promptly to avoid error. Note: Updates only reference printed data in the current edition. Any updates to a manufacturer's warranty information made after our print date will be included in the next printed edition.

2011 edition updates

Page: 17 - General Motors Warranty Extension
Reason for update: Warranty Extension Addition
Update:

Warranty Extension Year Model Limits
10250 Spark Plug Wire 2007-2009
2008
Chevrolet Equinox; Pontiac Torrent equipped with a 3.4L engine
Chevrolet Express, Silverado; GMC Savana, Sierra equipped with a 4.3L engine
10/120,000


Page: 17 - General Motors Warranty Extension
Reason for update: Warranty Extension Addition
Update:

Warranty Extension Year Model Limits
10335 Airbag Readiness Light/Service Airbag Message 2008 Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia 10/120,000


Page: 37 - Saab Certified Pre-Owned (New)
Reason for update: CPO Addition
Update:
Launched: August 1996
Eligibility: 4/50,000 114 point inspection
Term: 6/100,000 from original in-service date
Coverage: bumper to bumper, roadside assistance
Deductible: No

Page: 38 - Subaru Certified Pre-Owned
Reason for update: CPO Term Update
Update: 6/100,000 powertrain from original in-service date and zero miles. Available upgrade to Classic or Gold Plus 6/100,000 from original in-service date and zero miles with $0, $50 or $100 deductible.

Page: NEW - Smart Warranty Coverage
Reason for update: New Addition
Update: Download Page

Page: 9 - Smart Manufacturer Assistance
Reason for update: New Addition
Update: Phone: 800-762-7887, Web Address: www.smartusa.com

Page: 11 - Smart Cross Border Policy
Reason for update: New Addition
Update: No warranty coverage on vehicles registered outside of the United States.

Page: 54 - Chrysler Warranty Coverage
Reason for update: Clarification
Update: Remove/disregard "Coverage may not be transferable" from the Powertrain Transferable row (all years)

Page: 55 - Dodge Warranty Coverage
Reason for update: Clarification
Update: Remove/disregard "Coverage may not be transferable" from the Powertrain Transferable row (all years)

Page: 56 - Dodge Truck Warranty Coverage
Reason for update: Clarification
Update: Remove/disregard "Coverage may not be transferable" from the Powertrain Transferable row (all years)

Page: 67 - Jeep Warranty Coverage
Reason for update: Clarification
Update: Remove/disregard "Coverage may not be transferable" from the Powertrain Transferable row (all years)


Frequently Asked Questions

Q - Why do I need the Official Warranty Guide?
A - The Official Warranty Guide covers warranty terms, coverages, and contains warranty extension information. This information will allow you to make proper buying decisions and to avoid packing needless aftermarket warranties on vehicles that are still covered by the manufacturer. It will also allow sales people to inform a prospective buyer about the advantages that a vehicle may have due to its remaining coverage. Most importantly, it will avoid misrepresentation of warranties, saving potential lawsuits or minimizing expensive policy adjustments.

Q - How often is the Official Warranty Guide updated?
A - The Official Warranty Guide is updated in print annually and is distributed in January. Purchasers of the book may log onto www.owgb.com for updates to printed content in the guide throughout the year.

Q - Can I get the Official Warranty Guide data in electronic format?
A - Yes, we have developed an App for the iPhone and iPod Touch.

Q - Who uses the Official Warranty Guide?
A - The guide is useful to a wide variety of professionals in the auto industry:
• Used car managers
• F&I managers
• Technicians
• Used car sales people
• Warranty administrators
• Independent Vehicle Repair Facilities
• Auto Auctions
• New & Used Vehicle Dealerships
• Service Contract Companies
• State & National Auto Dealer Associations
• Vehicle Supply Companies
• Banks and Finance Companies
• Fleet Companies
• Insurance Companies
• Vehicle Manufacturers
• General Public

Q - How much does the guide cost?
A - Investment is only $24 each plus shipping. Quantity discounts are available.

Q - Can I get my company logo printed on the cover of the guides?
A - Yes, if a company orders at least 100 guides they have the option to have their logo imprinted on the cover.
> Click here to learn more.

Q - Are there any discounts available?
A - A "Pre-publication Sale" is held in the fall prior to the release of the next year's edition at discounted prices.

Q - What topics are covered in the Official Warranty Guide?
A - The following topics are covered in the guide:
• Information on warranty transfer
• What warranties do not cover
• Manufacturer assistance phone numbers
• Auto manufacturers' websites
• Helpful phone numbers
• Interpreting a vehicle identification number
• Cross border policy
• Customer satisfaction
• Goodwill adjustments
• Warranty extensions
• Lemon laws
• Title, license, lien, sales, & tax information by state
• Certified pre-owned vehicles
• Warranty definitions
• Warranties listed by manufacturer

Q - How do I use this guide to my advantage?
A - The Official Warranty Guide® is published to help you quickly determine the remaining factory warranty on every vehicle by each manufacturer. Even used vehicles and trade-ins may still be covered by the remaining portion of a factory warranty. Once you know that a vehicle still has some remaining factory warranty, you can use this information to your advantage in a variety of ways.


For any other questions click here or call 1.800.852.6298 and a Customer Service Representative will assist you.