Selling your car? Learn how to transfer your car warranty to the new owner, what fees or paperwork are required, and how the process works.
Selling your car? Learn how to transfer your car warranty to the new owner, what fees or paperwork are required, and how the process works.
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When you sell a car, every small detail matters. If the vehicle still has warranty coverage, that little extra can make a big difference. It tells buyers the car has been cared for, and it often helps the sale go faster and smoother.
Many drivers don’t realize they can transfer their existing coverage. Most factory warranties stay with the car automatically, while extended protection plans can be reassigned with the right paperwork. Learning how to transfer a car warranty properly helps you keep that protection active and saves the next owner from unexpected repair costs.
In this guide, you’ll find simple steps for transferring a car warranty, the documents you’ll need, and what to expect during the process.
The warranty usually stays with the car when it’s sold. A car warranty transfer lets the new owner pick up where you left off and keep the same coverage for the rest of the plan. It functions as a transfer of protection, rather than a fresh start.
You’ll usually see two kinds of coverage when a car changes hands:
So, can you transfer a car warranty? In most cases, yes. Factory warranties tend to move automatically, while VSCs need a short approval process with the administrator.
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Most manufacturer warranty transfers are simple. Because the coverage is linked to the vehicle’s VIN, the warranty usually continues for the new owner until the mileage or time limit ends.
Some automakers ask for written notice or charge a small administrative fee, depending on how their manufacturer warranty transfer process is structured. Others shorten the remaining coverage for second owners. Vehicles with salvage, rebuilt, or branded titles often lose eligibility entirely.
One note before you start: each automaker sets its own transfer rules. Knowing how to transfer extended car warranty coverage can also help prevent confusion when ownership changes.
To confirm the exact process, contact the manufacturer’s customer service department or visit your local dealership. For a deeper look at consumer protections, see our guide on auto warranty laws.
Extended plans don’t follow the exact same rules. These contracts aren’t automatically tied to the car, which means the seller must transfer them manually. This part of the car warranty transfer process keeps the plan active through the change of ownership and protects both sides.
Every administrator we partner with at Chaiz allows private-party transfers, provided the contract terms are met. That means the next owner can take over the plan and continue with the same protection against repairs.
Not only does this make the sale easier, but it also adds value to the car. A transferable plan gives the buyer immediate coverage without needing to buy a new contract.
For extended plans, the car warranty transfer process is straightforward if you take it step by step. If you’re still unsure how to transfer extended car warranty coverage, this section walks you through it clearly.
Start by reading your Vehicle Service Contract from top to bottom. Most plans can be transferred in a private sale, though a few exclude dealer or auction transactions. Make sure your coverage is still active and that all payments are up to date. If you’re unsure, call your administrator and ask how to transfer a car warranty through their office.
Before the sale, collect:
Having ready maintenance records expedites the process and demonstrates that the car received proper care.
Once the sale is complete, send your documents to the plan administrator. Most contracts give you 14 days to apply, though some allow up to 30. The fee is usually $50 to $100.
Keep both printed and digital copies of what you send. Coverage transfers once the administrator approves the request.
Once the transfer goes through, hand the new owner everything they’ll need to use the plan. That includes the confirmation notice, service history, and a copy of the contract. It makes future claims straightforward and shows the coverage is fully in their name.
The buyer has a few jobs once the transfer is complete. These help ensure you successfully transfer car warranty to new owner without delays.
Before the transfer is complete, take a moment to read through the coverage terms, deductibles, and mileage limits. Buyers should also look closely at the plan’s limit of liability.
The car warranty transfer process can vary slightly between administrators, but most follow a similar schedule:
A transfer can occasionally be denied. Common reasons include:
If you’d like to compare how providers differ in fees, timelines, and coverage conditions, visit our used car warranty cost guide for a clear breakdown.
Transferring coverage usually beats cancelling.
Listing soon? Add the remaining coverage, mileage, and deductible to your ad. It’s an easy way to make your listing stand out.
If you’d like to see which companies manage transfers most efficiently, visit our article on the top extended warranty providers for used cars.
Transferring your car’s warranty keeps the value of your plan alive. It protects the buyer from having to pay for repairs that they didn't expect and shows that you, as the seller, took good care of the car. It's a small step that makes both sides feel good about the sale.
The process doesn’t take long. Read through your contract, fill out the forms, and submit them before the deadline. Keep copies for yourself in case you ever need them. Once approved, the coverage continues for the new owner without interruption.
At Chaiz, every partner administrator supports private-party transfers. That means your plan can move to the next owner instead of ending early.
If you’d like to learn more about how to transfer a car warranty or explore transferable car warranties for your next vehicle, visit Chaiz. You can look at real quotes, compare plans, and keep your car safe even after the keys change hands
