FAQs

General Information

What is Extended Warranty cover?

Also known as mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI), a smart car Extended Warranty provides you with cover against an unexpected mechanical or electrical failure. Essentially, an extended car warranty helps ensure that, should something go wrong with your vehicle, you won’t be hit by costly repair bills. This is because the policy covers electrical and mechanical parts, labour and VAT, up to the current market value of your vehicle.

Typically, all new smart cars come with a manufacturer warranty that lasts for three years, while Approved Used smart cars come with an Approved Used Warranty that lasts for at least 12 months. Once your manufacturer warranty or Approved Used Warranty comes to an end, you’re no longer covered, and you’ll be responsible for paying any repair bills if something goes wrong with your vehicle.

However, a smart car Extended Warranty can help you stay protected against costs associated with a mechanical or an electrical failure. Plus, you can arrange for your new cover to start on the day that your original smart warranty ends, so you’ve got cover in place straightaway.

How much does a smart Car Extended Warranty cost?

The amount your policy will cost depends on a number of factors, such as your vehicle’s model, age and mileage. The easiest and quickest way to find out how much it will cost is to get a quote online.

To complete the quote process, please be aware that you’ll need to provide some basic details about your car, including its accurate mileage and registration number.

Can I pay for a smart Extended Warranty on a monthly basis?

Yes, you can opt to pay for an ongoing monthly ‘pay as you go’ policy that you can cancel at any time. If you choose to pay on a ‘pay as you go’ basis, your policy will renew for an additional month each time we receive a monthly payment from you.

However, if your existing warranty has lapsed, then the monthly option will not be available to you and you will only be able to purchase a 12-month or 24-month policy. It’s important to know that the cost of a monthly Extended Warranty will not be the pro-rata cost of an annual or 2-year policy. Instead, this is a monthly rolling contract, meaning the cost is not equivalent to an annual or 2-year policy divided by the length of the warranty period.

How long does a smart warranty last?

All cars are covered by a three-year manufacturer warranty without mileage limitations. Similarly, all Approved Used smart cars come with an Approved Used Warranty that lasts for a minimum of 12 months.

If your current warranty expires, then you’ll be liable for repair, labour and VAT costs if something goes wrong with your vehicle. However, a smart car Extended Warranty can help replace your current cover. This means you can continue to drive without worrying about the cost of repairs if your car suffers from a mechanical or an electrical problem.

What should I do if my car needs to be repaired?

Should a problem arise with your vehicle during the period of cover, then you should contact your authorised smart Retailer and tell them that your car is covered by a smart car Extended Warranty.
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You’ll then be responsible for taking your car to the authorised Retailer, who will then inspect your car and deal with any necessary claims on your behalf.

What if I need assistance at the weekends or during the evening?

If you require assistance in the evening or at the weekend, you’ll need to contact or visit your authorised Retailer.
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If you need to locate a smart Retailer, then you can use the smart Retailer locator. Opening hours vary, but most smart Retailers are open on Saturdays and Sundays.

Do I have cover abroad?

A smart Extended Warranty provides cover in the UK and Continental Europe. Your cover in the UK extends to England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, while your cover in Continental Europe extends to all of the following locations:

Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Cyprus (excluding North Cyprus)
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Hungary
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Republic of Ireland
Romania
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Vatican City

Please be aware that cover is valid for up to 60 days per annum (pro-rata) when in Continental Europe. In addition, we will not pay more than the equivalent UK cost for parts and labour.

What should I do if I need assistance outside of the UK?

If you're in Continental Europe, it’s your responsibility to oversee any repairs that need doing locally and settle the costs with the repairing agent. As part of this process, you’ll need to retain the invoice and any additional documents.
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Then, when you get back to the UK, you should send us the original invoice and copies of the insured vehicle’s service records. Please retain a copy of the repair invoice and the original service records, as we will be unable to return these to you. Your claim will be processed and reimbursed to you in pounds sterling at the rate of exchange for the relevant currency at the time of the repair, providing that your claim is valid under the terms of your warranty.

What is a ‘lapsed policy?’

A lapsed policy is a policy that has either:

Been cancelled by us because premiums have not been paid
Not been renewed by you at the end of the policy term

Cover

Are electric vehicles covered by this warranty?

Yes, whether you have an electric vehicle or a fuel-powered vehicle, our policy provides the same features and benefits, including cover against mechanical or electrical failure for high voltage (HV) components and alarm systems.

Is there a mileage limit on vehicles?

Yes. A smart Extended Warranty can only be purchased if your vehicle has completed less than 120,000 miles at the policy start date. However there is no mileage limit within the insurance period.

Am I covered for a replacement vehicle?

Sadly, a replacement vehicle is not provided under the terms of this cover. As a result, you will be responsible for paying for your own replacement vehicle while any repair work is completed.

What is ‘wear and tear’ in relation to this policy?

Wear and tear refers to any gradual deterioration caused by the effects of age and/or mileage under normal use. In line with our policy documents, we do not cover claims for the mechanical or electrical failure of covered parts due to wear and tear.

If you’re interested in reading about this in further detail, then please consult the Policy Handbook.

Does a smart Extended Warranty cover cosmetic damage, like scratches and dents?

All forms of cosmetic damage, including dents, scratches and any other damage to your smart’s bodywork are not considered to be an electrical or mechanical failure. As a result, cosmetic damage is not covered by a smart car Extended Warranty.

This applies to all of the following items: sheet metal, body panels, bodywork or glass sealants or bondings, paintwork, glass and mirrors (except in the case where they suffer a mechanical or electrical failure), upholstery, carpets, trim, all weather strips and seals, channels and guides, locks, lamp units, handles, door panels and check straps.

What about diagnosis; is this covered?

Yes. A smart Extended Warranty covers diagnostic costs if a problem is found with a component that’s covered under the policy.

Are serviceable items covered?

Typically, consumable ‘wear and tear’ items aren’t covered by a smart Extended Warranty. These items include tyres, spark plugs, wiper blades, wheels, air cleaners, oil filters, gaskets and other replacement items that are subject to routine maintenance or periodic repair.

You can find a complete list of all such items in the Policy Handbook.

Claims

What is the maximum claims limit?

We will pay any number of claims (including VAT) up to the maximum claim limit. For this policy, the maximum claim limit is the market value of the vehicle at the point of the claim. This benefit limit is payable in any 12 or 24-month policy period, or during 12 consecutive monthly policies.

We will not pay more than the manufacturer’s list price for parts and official labour times and costs which are necessary to repair or replace covered parts.

How can I make a claim?

If you need to make a claim in the UK, you’ll need to contact your authorised smart Retailer and advise them that your vehicle is protected by an Extended Warranty.
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You’ll then be responsible for taking your vehicle to the Retailer so they can assess whether any repairs are required. If they believe you can make a claim for repairs under your policy, they’ll contact us on your behalf. Unlike other providers, our warranty pays for cover upfront if you claim in the UK, so you won’t be out of pocket.

However, if you have a claim outside the UK (in Europe), you will need to settle the costs with your repairer and claim for reimbursement upon your return. You’ll find the full details of this process outlined in the Policy Handbook.

How are repairs processed and the costs settled?

In the UK, all repairs must be completed by an authorised smart Retailer. You can find a smart Retailer quickly and easily using the smart Retailer locator.
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You’ll need to phone your closest Retailer and take your car to them. If they decide repairs are necessary, they’ll get in touch with us about your claim and try to get you back on the road as soon as possible.
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If you’re in Continental Europe, all repairs and costs are your responsibility. Once the repairs have been completed, you must settle the costs with the repairing agent and retain the invoice. You’ll also need to keep the replaced components, if possible.
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Once the work has been completed, you’ll need to contact us as soon as possible, and we will advise you whether the completed repairs are covered under this policy.
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Please refer to the Policy Handbook for the full details of how to make a claim.

Renewals & Extensions

Can I renew my smart Extended Warranty?

If you have a monthly Extended Warranty, your policy will renew automatically with each payment you make.
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If you’ve taken out an annual or a 24-month policy, then we’ll send you a renewal notice prior to your policy running out.

When you renew, it’s possible that the terms of your cover will be different. As a result, it’s a good idea to check the new policy carefully, to ensure you approve of any changes or variations to your cover.

Can I transfer my smart Extended Warranty?

If you sell your vehicle to a new private owner, then you can transfer the remainder of the Extended Warranty to them.
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To do this, you’ll need to fill in the Transfer of Ownership form at the back of the Policy Handbook, and phone us on 0345 641 9758 to pay the £25 transfer fee. You’ll then need to send the completed form to: smartwarrantysales@allianz-assistance.co.uk

You cannot transfer your policy to a new owner if a motor trader or any third party has been involved in, or has assisted with, the sale of the vehicle.

FAQs

Get answers to the most commonly asked questions

General Information

Cover

Claims

Renewals & Extensions