June 9, 2025
No, collision repair usually doesn’t void your car warranty. Here’s what you need to know:
Key Tip: Federal law protects your warranty rights, so manufacturers must prove repairs caused any damage before denying coverage. Always prioritize certified repairs and proper documentation to stay covered.
The quick answer is no - getting collision repairs usually doesn't cancel your manufacturer's warranty. Most automakers understand accidents happen and don't penalize car owners for fixing their vehicles.
"A collision repair will not affect or void your warranty." - Chrysler Factory Warranty
A lot of people think only dealerships can perform repairs without risking their warranty, but that's not true. Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975, you're legally protected to choose where you get your car repaired without losing warranty coverage.
"The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which was passed in 1975, states that car manufacturers cannot force you to use dealership services in order to preserve your warranty." - Blue Star Brothers
Even using non-OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts won't void your warranty unless those parts directly cause damage to your vehicle.
That said, there are certain situations where your warranty could still be impacted.
While collision repairs themselves don't void your warranty, there are specific scenarios that can put your coverage at risk:
The bottom line? It’s not the repair itself that voids your warranty - it’s the quality of the repair and the circumstances around it. To protect your warranty, always choose a certified repair shop that uses manufacturer-approved parts and follows proper guidelines.
Keeping your warranty intact after a collision isn’t as tricky as it might seem. It all comes down to making informed decisions during the repair process. Choosing the right repair shop, using high-quality parts, and keeping detailed records are the main steps.
Selecting the right repair shop is one of the most important decisions you’ll make to protect your warranty. Certified repair shops follow manufacturer-approved procedures and use the correct methods to ensure your warranty remains valid. Look for shops with certifications such as I-CAR Gold Class or manufacturer-specific credentials from brands like Ford, Toyota, or GM. These certifications show that the shop’s technicians are trained in the latest repair techniques and technologies, ensuring the work meets industry standards.
Here’s why certified shops are a smart choice:
For example, Dent Master Collision in Lehi, Utah, is a certified repair shop that follows manufacturer guidelines to ensure all repairs meet warranty requirements. Their technicians are trained to handle repairs for various vehicle makes and models, reducing the risk of warranty issues. On the other hand, uncertified shops may cut corners, use aftermarket or salvage parts, or lack the proper tools for modern vehicles. These practices can jeopardize your warranty, so it’s best to avoid them.
Once you’ve chosen a certified shop, the next step is ensuring that only genuine parts are used in the repair process.
Using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts is critical for maintaining your warranty. These parts are made by the same manufacturer that built your vehicle, ensuring they meet exact specifications and quality standards.
"It's also important to stress that if they wish to maintain their warranty protection, the use of genuine OEM parts is essential." – Car Care Plan
OEM parts offer several key benefits:
To make sure OEM parts are used during your repair:
"Using OEM parts ensures the highest quality, safety, and long-term performance for your vehicle, ultimately preserving its value and protecting its original specifications." – Ken Rocha Collision
If you’re leasing your vehicle, using OEM parts becomes even more critical since many lease agreements require them for compliance.
Keeping meticulous records of your repairs is just as important as choosing the right shop and parts. Without proper documentation, manufacturers and insurance companies may question warranty claims. Be sure to save the following:
Store all these records in a digital format for easy access. Comprehensive documentation shows that your repairs were completed correctly and according to proper procedures, which strengthens your case in any warranty dispute.
Certified repair shops often provide detailed paperwork as part of their service, making it easier to support future warranty claims. Additionally, maintaining a complete vehicle maintenance file - including records of all repairs, not just collision-related ones - demonstrates that you’ve taken good care of your vehicle. This can be invaluable if you ever need to defend a warranty claim.
As a vehicle owner, you’re protected by federal law when it comes to warranty coverage after repairs. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, enacted in 1975, ensures that manufacturers cannot deny warranty claims simply because of where you chose to have your vehicle repaired or the type of parts used. Enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), this law provides clear rules manufacturers must follow, giving you the confidence to make informed decisions about repairs. Below, we’ll break down the key protections this Act guarantees.
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act offers several important safeguards for vehicle owners, especially when dealing with collision repairs. One of its most critical provisions is that it prevents manufacturers from requiring you to use only their dealerships or original parts to maintain your warranty.
"The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act prohibits product manufacturers from conditioning consumer warranties on the use of any original equipment part or service."
Here are the main protections the Act provides:
These protections ensure that your warranty stays intact after repairs, as long as proper protocols are followed.
In addition to offering general protections, federal law places the burden on manufacturers to prove that repairs caused any subsequent damage. When it comes to collision repairs, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act shifts the responsibility onto manufacturers, ensuring they cannot deny warranty coverage without solid evidence.
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act also works alongside state lemon laws, giving you additional protections no matter where you live. While the Act doesn’t require manufacturers to offer written warranties, any warranty they do provide must comply with these federal standards.
After a collision, ensuring your warranty stays intact comes down to making informed decisions and following the right steps.
To protect your warranty, opt for a certified repair shop, insist on OEM or manufacturer-approved parts, and keep thorough records of all repairs. Detailed documentation can be a lifesaver when it comes to warranty claims.
Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, you have the legal right to choose where repairs are done without jeopardizing your warranty coverage.
For those in the Salt Lake City area, Dent Master Collision in Lehi serves as a great example of a certified repair provider. Their focus on restoring vehicles to their pre-accident condition using approved parts and proper techniques aligns perfectly with manufacturer standards, helping to safeguard your warranty.
With your warranty offering such valuable protection, it’s worth taking the extra care after an accident. Stick with certified professionals, use approved parts, and keep a detailed repair history - your warranty will remain a dependable safety net for years to come.
To ensure your car's warranty remains intact after a collision repair, here are some key steps to keep in mind:
Selecting a trusted repair shop, like Dent Master Collision, known for quality collision repairs, and staying informed about your warranty's requirements will help you safeguard your warranty while getting your car back to its original condition.
When you have collision repairs done at a certified repair shop using OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts, your vehicle’s manufacturer warranty is typically unaffected. That said, it’s always a good idea to double-check your warranty documents to fully understand the terms and conditions.
If a manufacturer disputes your warranty after a repair, make sure to gather all related documentation. This includes receipts and proof that the repair followed the manufacturer’s guidelines. Trusted repair shops, such as Dent Master Collision, prioritize performing repairs that align with these standards to help maintain your warranty. If you encounter issues, reach out to the manufacturer or dealership directly. If the problem persists, consider escalating the situation to a consumer protection agency or consulting a legal expert to ensure your rights are protected.
To keep your vehicle warranty intact, it's essential to select a repair shop with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) certifications or one certified by your vehicle's manufacturer. These certifications guarantee that the shop adheres to the manufacturer's standards, uses genuine parts, and employs technicians trained in approved repair techniques. This approach not only ensures the repairs are done right but also safeguards your warranty. Dent Master Collision in Lehi, Utah, specializes in high-quality collision repair services, focusing on meeting these standards and restoring your vehicle to its pre-accident condition.
