Discover what motor warranty cover is, how to use it and how to protect your budget from unexpected car repairs.
Unexpected car trouble can put the brakes on your plans and your budget. A motor warranty helps protect you from the cost of covered mechanical or electrical failures, so you can get back on the road with less stress.
Here’s what motor warranty cover is, how to use it when something goes wrong and how to get the right cover for your car.
What Is a Motor Warranty?
A motor warranty is cover for specified mechanical and electrical components in your car. It is designed to help with the cost of repairing or replacing covered parts when they fail unexpectedly, subject to the terms, limits and exclusions of your policy.
Motor warranty cover can be useful when:
- Your manufacturer or factory warranty has expired
- You have bought a used car without an active factory warranty
- You want added protection from unexpected repair costs
- You rely on your car for work, school runs and everyday life
Motor warranty cover does not replace comprehensive car insurance. Car insurance generally protects you against events such as accidents, theft and third-party damage, while a motor warranty focuses on specified mechanical and electrical failures.
It is also different from a service plan or maintenance plan. Routine servicing and wear-and-tear items are not automatically covered by a motor warranty.
Why Consider Motor Warranty Cover?
Help When Repairs Get Pricey
Mechanical and electrical failures can happen when you least expect them. The right cover can help reduce the financial impact of an approved repair.
Cover Built Around Your Car
The cover available to you may depend on your car’s make, model, age, mileage and how it is used. This helps match you with an option suited to your vehicle.
Repairs You Can Rely On
Depending on your policy, approved repairs may need to be completed by an authorised or accredited repair centre.
More Confidence on the Road
Knowing that selected major components are covered can make every day driving feel a little easier.
What Can a Motor Warranty Cover?
Cover differs from one plan to another, but a motor warranty may include selected components from systems such as:
- Engine
- Gearbox and transmission
- Cooling system
- Fuel system
- Steering
- Electrical system
- Air conditioning
- Turbocharger, where applicable
Some plans may also offer added benefits such as towing, roadside assistance or alternative transport.
Always check your policy schedule for the exact components covered, claim limits, waiting periods, excesses and exclusions. Wear-and-tear items, routine services, pre-existing faults, accident damage and repairs that were not authorised may not be covered.
How to Use Your Motor Warranty
If your car develops a mechanical or electrical problem, follow these simple steps.
1. Stop and Keep Your Car Safe
If it is unsafe to continue driving, pull over in a safe place and switch off the engine. Driving further could cause more damage and may affect your claim.
2. Contact Your Warranty Provider
Call the claims or roadside-assistance number listed in your policy documents. Explain what happened and follow the instructions provided.
3. Take Your Car to an Approved Repair Centre
Your provider may direct you to an approved workshop or confirm which repair centres you may use.
4. Let the Workshop Assess the Problem
The workshop will inspect your car and provide a diagnosis and repair estimate. Your provider may request service records or other supporting documents before assessing the claim.
5. Wait for Authorisation
Do not approve repairs or allow work to begin until your warranty provider has authorised the claim. You will be told what is covered and whether you need to pay an excess or any amount above the policy limit.
6. Get Back on the Road
Once the approved work is complete, check that you understand any payment arrangements and keep all repair documents for your records.
Keep Your Cover Claim-Ready
A little admin can save you a lot of stress later.
- Service your car according to the manufacturer’s requirements
- Keep your service book, invoices and proof of repairs
- Report faults as soon as possible
- Use approved repair centres when required
- Do not start repairs before receiving authorisation
- Keep your policy and payments up to date
- Tell your provider if your vehicle details or usage change
How to Get Motor Warranty Cover
Easy as 1, 2, 3.
1. Choose “Get Cover”
Start your application online and let us know you are interested in motor warranty cover.
2. Share Your Details
You may need to provide your contact details and information about your car, including its make, model, year, mileage and current warranty status.
3. Review Your Options
A consultant can take you through the available cover, costs, benefits and qualifying criteria. Read the policy wording and schedule carefully before you accept.
[Button: Get Cover]
What You’ll Need
Requirements differ between providers, but it helps to have the following ready:
- Your South African ID or accepted identification
- Your contact and payment details
- Your car’s registration information
- The make, model, year and current mileage
- Under 300,000 kms
- Not older than 15 years
- Your service history, where required
- Details of any existing factory or extended warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a motor warranty the same as car insurance?
No. Car insurance generally covers insured events such as accidents, theft and third-party damage. A motor warranty helps with approved repairs when specified mechanical or electrical components fail.
Is a motor warranty the same as a service plan?
No. A service plan contributes towards scheduled services listed in the plan. A motor warranty is designed for unexpected failure of specified components.
Can I get cover for a used car?
Possibly. Eligibility usually depends on factors such as the car’s age, mileage, condition and how it is used. The provider will confirm what cover is available for your vehicle.
Can I choose any repair centre?
Not always. Your policy may require you to use an approved or accredited repair centre. Contact your provider before arranging an assessment or repair.
Do I need a full service history?
Service records are often important when a claim is assessed. Check the policy requirements and keep all service invoices and stamps in a safe place.
Will every repair be paid in full?
Not necessarily. Claims are subject to the components covered, policy limits, exclusions, waiting periods and any applicable excess. Review your policy schedule so you know what to expect.
When should I get motor warranty cover?
It is worth exploring your options before your factory warranty expires or soon after buying an eligible used car. Cover generally cannot be used for faults that already existed before the policy started.
Does motor warranty cover wear and tear?
Not always. A motor warranty usually covers the unexpected failure of specified components, while parts that naturally wear down through everyday use may be excluded. Check the component list and exclusions in your policy before you take out cover.
Does cover start immediately?
Not necessarily. Some policies include a waiting period or inspection requirement before you can claim. Your policy schedule should explain when cover starts and whether any additional conditions apply.
Are pre-existing faults covered?
Pre-existing faults are generally not covered. Be honest about your car’s condition when applying and report any warning lights, unusual noises or known problems. The provider may request an inspection or service records.
What documents might I need when claiming?
Your provider may ask for your policy details, identification, vehicle information, service history, invoices, a diagnostic report and the repair estimate. Keeping these records together can help make the claims process smoother.
What happens if my car breaks down away from home?
Contact your warranty provider before arranging assistance. If roadside assistance or towing is included in your plan, the provider can explain where your car should be taken and what costs may be covered.
Can vehicle modifications affect my cover?
They can. Performance upgrades, non-standard parts or changes that were not disclosed may affect eligibility or a future claim. Tell the provider about any modifications before taking out cover or making further changes to the vehicle.
Can I change or cancel my motor warranty?
This depends on the terms of your policy. Ask about cancellation notice, possible fees, cooling-off rights and whether you can upgrade or downgrade your cover before you accept the plan.
Ready for the Road Ahead?
Your car keeps your life moving. Motor warranty cover can help protect your budget when covered mechanical or electrical problems bring your journey to a stop.
Find cover that fits your car and your needs.
Motor warranty benefits, eligibility, limits, waiting periods and exclusions vary by provider and plan. This information is general and does not replace the policy wording. Always review the full terms and conditions before taking out cover or submitting a claim.
References and Further Reading
The policy wording and schedule issued by the chosen provider should always be the primary reference for product benefits, eligibility, limits, exclusions and claims requirements.
- Mondo — Motor Warranty
- Mondo
- Mondo — Do You Know What Your Car Warranty Should Cover?
- Retail Motor Industry Organisation — What Motorists Should Know About Workshop Accreditation
- Retail Motor Industry Organisation — How Consumers Can Protect Themselves in South Africa’s Automotive Aftermarket
- South African Government — Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008
