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Changing your muffler will affect your warranty and insurance in a way. For warranty, it will completely void the cover on the changed muffler. Any damaged part of the muffler that can be traced to the changed muffler will also be voided under warranty.
For insurance, you must disclose the modified muffler to the insurer. It will affect the premium that you will pay. It might void the insurance policy if you do not declare the modification to the insurer.
Personally, I have had my muffler changed. It did not void the warranty because the damage could not be traced to the modified muffler. However, I had to disclose the modification to the insurance company, which increased my premium.
I remember I had to research the internet and forums a lot to get my answers – which were a pain. I hope this article will help you get the answers you need. I will cover the impact of changing your muffler to warranty and insurance in detail.
Note: If you are currently thinking about changing your mufflers, I have other articles that can help you understand what you are getting into.
- Muffler Makeover: Costs & Installation For Every Vehicle Type
- Does Muffler Affect Emission Test? (Aftermarket & Deleting)
- Does Changing Muffler Affect Fuel Consumption? (Tested)
- Do You Need To Tune After a New Muffler? (Myth Busting)
Does Changing Muffler Void Warranty?
Changing your muffler will not void the vehicle’s general warranty but will void the coverage on the muffler warranty. The only way the vehicle warranty might be void is when the damaged part can be traced to the new muffler that has been installed.
Some specific things can void the vehicle warranty; some may include negligence on the owner’s path and adding the wrong fluids to the vehicle, among others. It takes more to void the warranty when it comes to modifying certain parts of the vehicle, like the muffler.
Although, As soon as you change the muffler, the warranty automatically does not cover any damages done to the new part.
In addition, after changing the muffler, it is essential to install it properly. Damages caused to the vehicle due to the change to the muffler will not be covered by the warranty.
You need professional help when changing the muffler in your vehicle. Changing the muffler, if not done right, could affect essential aspects of the exhaust system.
Parts like the catalytic converter, exhaust pipes, and even the O2 sensor can be affected by this change. If traced to the muffler, the manufacturers will not fix these affected parts under warranty.
Fully Understanding The Magnuson Moss Warranty Act
According to the Magnus Moss Warranty Act, the complete warranty requirements states that the warrantor can choose to waive the warranty if damages are done in the buyer’s possession or by reasonable use, including failure to provide reasonable maintenance or due to negligence.
It shows that the act allows the warrantor not to take responsibility for the damage to the vehicle if it can be traced to your negligence due to modification or poor maintenance.
To better understand your vehicle’s warranty, you will need some knowledge of the Magnuson Warranty Act. The act defines a warranty and the relationship between the buyer, the warrantor, and the supplier.
If you own a vehicle and want to change its muffler, you must understand the essential guide that shows that your vehicle is covered by a warranty and what can void it. The Magnuson warranty act states what a warranty is and what is not a warranty.
How To Deal With Muffler Warranty Issues: 4 Things To do
Suppose your vehicle’s manufacturers refuse to honor the warranty of your vehicle. In that case, it could be for numerous reasons, including damage caused by modifications, physical or cosmetic damages, and wear and tear, among others.
However, if the warranty covers the damage and it is not affected by modifications done on the vehicle, and the manufacturer or supplier refuses to waive the cover under warranty, there are steps you could take.
When you have the warranty on your vehicle waived, there are specific ways to deal with it. You cannot deal with the situation by causing a scene that will be unnecessary and will not solve the problem. Below are ways to deal with a muffler warranty issue.
1. Find out the reason for the waver
Find out the reason
When the warranty on your vehicle is waived, you should first figure out why the warranty was waived. Certain things go against the warranty policy, and they include the following.
- Unauthorized modification
- Damages due to modifications
- Parts of the vehicle exposed to normal wear and tear will not be covered by the vehicle, for instance, brake pads, bulbs, wiper blades, and more
- Damage by accident, climate conditions, fire, theft, vandalism, or any other natural occurrence or climate conditions
- Cosmetic damages like discoloration and scratches
2. Seek an appeal with the warrantor
Seek Appeal
If you find out the muffler or the modification is not the cause of the problem with the vehicle and the issue is covered by the warranty, you need to seek an appeal. You can write to the vehicle manufacturers stating your problem and requesting that your vehicle be rechecked, and the warranty be reconsidered.
3. Report to the trade commission
If the issue with your warranty is still not considered, you must report it to the appropriate authorities. Some bodies are responsible for issues; since it is an issue between a supplier or manufacturer and a buyer, the Trade Commission usually takes care of this problem.
4. Sue for damages
You can also sue for damages if complaining to the Trade Commission is not enough for you. You can tender your complaints to a court, go through a court process, and get a judgment that could compel the manufacturers to honor the warranty.
Does Changing Muffler Impact Warranty?
Changing the muffler on your vehicle will affect your insurance. When you change the muffler, you have to inform the insurance company, which may affect the premium.
When it comes to warranty and insurance, you need good information to not go against their policies. You must inform your insurance company of a modification like a muffler change. They need full disclosure of the vehicle’s condition, including modifications done to it, if you have a comprehensive car insurance policy.
The impact of the modification on insurance coverage includes the following:
1. Full Disclosure
After changing the muffler, you are required to make a full disclosure of what modification that was made to the vehicle. The disclosure allows the insurer to make necessary adjustments to the premium and help them calculate indemnity after damages have been done to the vehicle.
2. Change in premium
Modifying any part of the vehicle, especially one that can increase the vehicle’s performance, will affect the premium. Adding a modification like a high-performing muffler will change the vehicle’s value. Once the value increases, the premium will increase.
3. Void contract
A change in the muffler can void your insurance contract. It will happen if you do not disclose to your insurance company the modification done to your vehicle before the damage is done. However, that is only applicable to a comprehensive car insurance policy. It will not apply to a Third-Party Liability which is mandated by law.
Changing Muffler Insurance: FAQs
Do I Need To Declare Aftermarket Mufflers For Insurance?
Any modification that affects the performance of the engine or vehicle, in general, must be declared for insurance. It covers the muffler, too, if you get a high-performance muffler that will increase gas flow or change your vehicle’s sound. It would help if you disclosed it to the insurance company.
What Happens If I Don’t Declare Aftermarket Mods For Insurance?
Not disclosing the after-market modification to your insurance company may void your insurance contract, and you may not receive indemnity. It is only applicable to Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy.
Can I Reinstall a Stock Muffler Before Claiming Insurance?
Avoid reinstalling the stock muffler if you have had a modification done on it before claiming the insurance. It only puts you in a position to void the insurance policy.
Before insurance is claimed, the insurance company will investigate whether or not you kept to the insurance policy, and they may find out in the process.
Performance muffler that will increase gas flow or change your vehicle’s sound; it would help if you disclosed it to the insurance company.
