Choosing branded title vehicles over clean title cars can offer big savings.
But before investing in a branded title, one of the biggest questions buyers have isn’t about the purchase price. Instead, it’s about warranty coverage.
The original manufacturer warranty typically doesn’t transfer to branded title vehicles. This makes understanding your coverage options extremely important. Without proper warranty protection, you could face unexpected repair costs that eliminate your savings.
Even if all or some of the manufacturer warranty isn’t available for your branded title, there are still competitive, reputable options to consider. Let’s compare branded title expert reseller AutoSavvy’s 4/4,500 branded title warranty offering with manufacturer options that may still apply.
What is a Branded Title?
A branded title is a vehicle that was previously declared a total loss by an insurance company but has since been professionally repaired and reinspected to ensure quality and safety. These vehicles are also called rebuilt titles or salvage titles.
Vehicles get branded titles for several reasons. The most common is accident damage where repair costs exceeded a certain percentage of the vehicle’s value. Other causes include flood damage, hail damage, theft recovery or vandalism.
The branded title designation exists to inform future buyers about the vehicle’s history. It’s a permanent part of the vehicle’s record that can’t be removed.
Many people worry about safety with branded titles. This is understandable. However, properly rebuilt branded title vehicles can be safe and reliable.
The key is purchasing from a trusted, expert reseller who thoroughly inspects and properly rebuilds these vehicles. For example, AutoSavvy puts every vehicle through a 151-point inspection plus DMV inspection before sale.
Do Branded Titles Still Have a Warranty?
No, branded title vehicles do not retain the original manufacturer warranty. When an insurance company declares a vehicle a total loss, the manufacturer’s warranty becomes void. This happens regardless of how much time or mileage remained on the original warranty.
This is true across all US states. Manufacturer warranties are voided when the vehicle receives a branded or salvage designation. However, there are some important exceptions and nuances to understand.
What’s Covered
Very few things remain covered under the original manufacturer once a title is branded:
Manufacturer recalls: These are still honored for branded title vehicles. Recalls are safety-related and manufacturers must address them regardless of title status. If your branded title vehicle has an open recall, the manufacturer will still perform the repair at no cost.
Powertrain warranties — in rare cases: Some manufacturers may honor remaining powertrain coverage if the branded title resulted from non-mechanical damage (like hail or cosmetic damage). This is extremely rare and varies by manufacturer, so don’t count on this coverage unless you see it in writing.
State lemon laws: A few states have limited used car lemon laws, but these typically require an active manufacturer warranty, which branded titles don’t have. Check your specific state regulations for information that relates to your situation.
That’s essentially it. The original comprehensive bumper-to-bumper coverage from the manufacturer is gone once the title is branded.
What’s Excluded
Almost everything that was covered under the original manufacturer warranty is now excluded:
- Engine and transmission coverage (unless the rare exception above applies)
- Electrical system repairs
- Air conditioning and heating systems
- Steering and suspension components
- Interior components and technology features
- Exterior body components
- Any other mechanical or electrical failures
The manufacturer is no longer obligated to repair or replace these components. You’re responsible for all repair costs unless you have alternative warranty coverage.
How to Check Your Title
Before purchasing any used vehicle, you should always verify the title status. Here’s how:
- Request the title document. The seller must provide this. Look at the title itself. It will clearly state if it’s branded, rebuilt or salvage.
- Get a vehicle history report. Use services like AutoCheck or Carfax. Enter the VIN (vehicle identification number) to see the complete history including any total loss designation.
- Check with your state DMV. You can verify title status directly with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles using the VIN.
- Ask the seller directly. Reputable dealers are transparent about title status. They should provide complete vehicle histories and explain exactly what happened to each car.
- Have it inspected. Get an independent mechanic to inspect the vehicle before purchase. They can identify repair quality and potential issues.
You should never skip these steps when used car shopping. Understanding what you’re buying is essential for making an informed decision.
What is a 4/4,500 Warranty?
This option is offered by branded title experts AutoSavvy and is a free 4-Month/4,500-Mile Limited Comprehensive Warranty with qualifying vehicles. This warranty is included in your purchase price at no additional cost.
This coverage differs significantly from manufacturer warranties in several ways:
- First, it’s available for branded title vehicles that don’t qualify for manufacturer coverage.
- Second, it’s comprehensive coverage that protects most major systems and components.
- Third, it requires no additional purchase.
The warranty covers vehicles that are 8 model years old or newer with less than 100,000 miles at purchase. Coverage begins on the purchase date and lasts for 4 months or 4,500 miles, whichever comes first.
It’s easy to see the benefits compared to having no warranty. You get protection during the break-in period when you’re learning the vehicle. If something goes wrong with a covered component, AutoSavvy handles the repair. This provides peace of mind that’s especially valuable for vehicles that don’t have manufacturer coverage.
What’s Covered
The 4/4,500 warranty provides comprehensive coverage including:
- Engine components: Internal engine parts, seals and gaskets
- Transmission: Transmission assembly and related components
- Drive system: Drive axles and related components
- Electrical systems: Major electrical components and systems
- Cooling system: Radiator, water pump and related components
- Fuel system: Fuel pump, fuel injectors and related components
- Steering system: Power steering components
- Brake system: Major brake components (excluding wear items like pads)
- Suspension: Major suspension components
- Air conditioning: A/C compressor and related components
This coverage protects you from expensive mechanical failures during the warranty period. If a covered component fails, you pay only your deductible and AutoSavvy covers the rest.
What’s Excluded
Like all warranties, certain items are not covered:
- Wear items: Brake pads, wiper blades, light bulbs and filters
- Maintenance services: Oil changes, tire rotations and fluid flushes
- Tires and wheels: Tire wear, wheel damage and alignments
- Glass and body: Windshields, paint and body panels
- Interior wear: Upholstery, carpets and cosmetic issues
- Pre-existing conditions: Problems that existed before purchase
- Modifications: Aftermarket parts or modifications
- Negligence or abuse: Damage from lack of maintenance or misuse
These exclusions are standard across the industry. The warranty protects against mechanical failures, not regular maintenance or wear and tear.
For complete details on coverage and exclusions, review the warranty documentation provided at purchase or visit the AutoSavvy warranty page.
Choosing the Right Used Car Warranty
Understanding warranty options is crucial when purchasing a branded title vehicle. Since manufacturer warranties don’t apply, you need alternative protection.
The main points to remember:
Manufacturer warranties are void. You don’t get coverage from the original manufacturer once a title is branded. Only recalls remain honored.
Alternative coverage exists. Dealer warranties like AutoSavvy’s 4/4,500 coverage provide protection specifically designed for branded title vehicles. Extended warranties from third-party companies offer additional long-term options.
The seller matters most. Choose a reputable, certified reseller who stands behind their vehicles. A warranty is only as good as the company honoring it. AutoSavvy’s 151-point inspection process and included comprehensive warranty demonstrate our commitment to quality and customer protection.
Transparency is essential. Work with sellers who provide complete vehicle histories and detailed information about what’s covered. Avoid anyone who isn’t upfront about title status or warranty limitations.
Branded title vehicles offer real value when purchased from trustworthy sources. The savings on purchase price can be substantial – often thousands of dollars compared to clean title equivalents. With proper warranty coverage during the critical initial period and the option to purchase extended protection, branded title vehicles provide an affordable path to reliable transportation.
The key is doing your research, understanding what’s covered and choosing a dealer who prioritizes quality rebuilds and customer protection. That combination gives you both savings and peace of mind.
