About to Purchase a Car in Western Australia?
Be informed before you walk into the dealership. Understand your extended warranty options, what to check on the contract of sale, and the questions to ask before you sign.
An extended warranty is an optional product. Understanding who provides it, what it covers and whether you can arrange independent cover after purchase can help you make a more informed decision.
Already Own Your Car? Explore Your Warranty Options
1. Cover After Purchase
You may be able to arrange an extended warranty for a vehicle you already own, subject to eligibility and the relevant product terms. You don't necessarily have to purchase cover at the dealership.
2. Eligibility and Commencement
Your vehicle's age, kilometres, service history and existing warranty status can affect the options available and when cover may commence.
3. Understand Your Options
Learn how independently arranged warranties work, what to compare and what to consider before choosing a product.
What to Check Before Signing a Vehicle Contract
Be informed before you agree to an extended warranty.
1. Is the Warranty Optional?
An extended warranty is an optional product. If a warranty and its premium appear on the vehicle contract of sale, ask the dealer to confirm whether you have chosen to purchase it and what the vehicle price would be without it.
2. Who Provides the Warranty?
Check the name of the company that issues or provides the warranty. A warranty offered by a dealership, or described using a vehicle brand, is not necessarily a manufacturer extended warranty.
3. What Are You Agreeing To?
Review the warranty documentation, including covered components, exclusions, claim limits, servicing requirements, commencement conditions and cancellation terms. Ask for clarification before signing if anything is unclear.
4. Can You Arrange Cover Later?
Some dealer-specific products may only be available during the vehicle transaction. Independently arranged warranty options may still be available after purchase, subject to vehicle eligibility and the relevant product terms.
Does an Extended Warranty on a WA Vehicle Contract Mean You Have to Buy It?
A warranty appearing on a vehicle contract does not, by itself, mean you are required to purchase it.
Some WA customers have told us they were advised that an extended warranty had to be purchased with their vehicle. It is important to distinguish between an optional warranty being included in a contract and a dealer making a particular product a condition of sale. If you are unsure, ask for the requirement and the vehicle price without the warranty to be explained in writing before signing.
1. A Warranty Listed on the Contract
An extended warranty may appear as a separately priced item on a vehicle contract of sale. Its inclusion does not, by itself, establish that the product is compulsory. Check that you have agreed to purchase it and ask for the vehicle price without the warranty.
2. What If a Dealer Says It Is Required?
If you are told that you cannot purchase the vehicle without the extended warranty, ask the dealer to explain the requirement in writing. Clarify whether the warranty is a condition of the particular offer, who provides it and whether the vehicle is available without it.
3. Understanding Third-Line Forcing
Third-line forcing is a form of exclusive dealing involving a requirement to purchase from an unrelated business. Whether a particular arrangement raises competition-law concerns depends on the circumstances and applicable legal test. Not every bundled offer or conditional sale is unlawful.
4. Before You Sign
Ask whether the warranty is optional, who issues or provides it, what it covers and what the total vehicle price would be without it. If you believe you have been pressured or misled, seek guidance from WA Consumer Protection or the ACCC before agreeing to the purchase.
Understand the Different Types of Warranty Protection
Not all warranties provide the same protection or come from the same provider. Understanding the differences between manufacturer warranties, your statutory consumer rights and optional extended warranties can help you make an informed decision.
Manufacturer Warranties
A manufacturer warranty is provided or backed by the vehicle manufacturer and applies according to its terms. Some manufacturers also offer extended warranty products, but these should not be confused with independently issued warranties that simply cover a particular vehicle brand. Always check who actually provides and backs the warranty.
Statutory Consumer Rights
Australian Consumer Law provides consumer guarantees that apply independently of any optional warranty. Eligible vehicles purchased from licensed WA motor dealers may also have statutory warranty protection under WA legislation. These rights depend on the circumstances and cannot simply be replaced by purchasing an extended warranty.
Optional Extended Warranties
​An optional extended warranty may provide additional protection against certain mechanical or electrical breakdowns, subject to the product's terms, exclusions and eligibility requirements. Products may be offered through manufacturers, dealers or independent providers. Check who issues the warranty, what is covered and when protection commences before deciding.
Western Australia-Wide Warranty Support
MrWarranty assists customers across Perth and regional Western Australia with independently arranged extended warranty options. Whether you are purchasing a vehicle from a dealer, buying privately or already own your car, we can assess your vehicle’s eligibility and provide available options for you to review. Our service is provided remotely, so you can arrange cover without needing to visit an office or purchase a warranty from the selling dealership.
Customer Testimonials
Real Experiences from Customers Across Australia
Further Reading
Further Reading: Make an Informed Warranty Decision
Explore our practical guides to understand your extended warranty options, compare different types of cover and make a more informed decision before or after purchasing your vehicle.
