Upon purchasing an auto extended warranty, you’ll have to deal with vehicle extended warranty claims. During this process, there’s plenty of common mistakes that may occur, from not reading terms and conditions to ignoring your vehicle’s pre-existing state. Ultimately, it is important to be cautious, mindful, and thorough when it comes to dealing with these claims.

Selecting which auto warranty company to purchase from, however, can be tricky. Endurance Auto Warranty Company is a terrific choice if you’re aiming to avoid the high costs of parts and labor that come with necessary vehicle repairs. Alternatively, American Dream Auto Protect is another amazing option, as it offers roadside assistance and 24/7 coverage. CarShield is a popular and trustworthy company as well, extending its coverage to vehicle parts such as the water pump, transmission, engine, air conditioner, and many more. No matter which auto warranty company you choose to go with, though, dealing with vehicle extended warranty claims is unavoidable. Here are 4 common mistakes to avoid to ensure that everything goes according to plan:

1. Not reading and not understanding

Dealing with vehicle extended warranty claims requires you to fully read the terms and conditions included in the warranty contract. We know that, on a regular basis, very few people actually read terms and conditions—don’t worry, we’re guilty of it too. But when it comes to extended warranty claims, these terms and conditions are vital for you to understand the warranty in full, including what is covered versus what is not. Remember, while it’s okay to skip out on terms and conditions sometimes, you’ll want to spend some time reading them when it comes to your extended warranty!

2. Not providing complete and accurate information

When filing a claim, it’s incredibly important to include only completed and accurate information. Otherwise, you may very well face denials or delays. To prevent this, it’s recommended to include detailed, correct descriptions of supporting documents, the issue, and photos. While it might be tedious, you’ll certainly feel relieved when you don’t have to deal with the hassle of frustrating denials and delays further down the road.

3. Repairs that aren’t authorized

Consider this a warning: if you have repairs done that aren’t authorized by your provider, you could be setting yourself up for the denial of your claim. Thus, it’s crucial that you obtain approval from your warranty provider—do so by following the process that’s been outlined for you in the warranty agreement—before you make the choice to go through with any repairs. Better safe than sorry!

4. Ignoring your vehicle’s prior condition

When purchasing an extended warranty, be honest and upfront about the condition of your vehicle, even if you have causes for concern. Lacking transparency during this process might mean that your claims will be denied, which will be a cause for major inconvenience later on. Remember, honesty is the best policy!