What actions and inactions can void a car Protection Plan?

So far, we’ve covered what a car Protection Plan is, how to check if your vehicle still has its Protection Plan, whether a given repair should come out of pocket or be paid by your Vehicle Protection Plan, and how long a Protection Plan lasts. This time, let’s talk about the actions and inactions that can void your car’s Protection Plan, whether the Vehicle Protection Plan is the original from the factory or an extended Vehicle Protection Plan from the manufacturer or a third party.

If your vehicle is of the high-performance variety (and even if it isn’t), one action that could void a Vehicle Protection Plan is misuse. Activities like track days and racing events, hitting the trail at an off-road park or overloading the vehicle with too much cargo can void part or all of the Vehicle Protection Plan. In fact, any activity not considered normal use can wipe out your coverage in a flash. This includes putting the wrong fluid in any part of your vehicle, whether it’s diesel in a gasoline fuel system or the wrong type of oil in the engine.

Another event that will void a Vehicle Protection Plan is if your vehicle gets in an accident and is given a salvage title as a result. Unless you live in an area where repairing the car can qualify it for a new, clean title to remove the salvage status, it may also be hard, if not impossible, to obtain a new Vehicle Protection Plan.

Finally, an odometer that has been replaced, disconnected or tampered with will null and void a Vehicle Protection Plan.

The one inaction that will void a Vehicle Protection Plan is neglect. Your Protection Plan is good only so long as you care for your vehicle according to the Protection Plan requirements. You can have your vehicle serviced anywhere — not just your vehicle’s dealership — but if you forget to service your vehicle, the Protection Plan will be voided.