Dealing with car repairs is always inconvenient, especially when it’s unexpected. If you own a General Motors (GM) vehicle and it requires warranty repairs, you might be wondering about the Gm Rental Car Program. Specifically, will GM provide a rental car while your vehicle is being serviced under warranty? Let’s clarify GM’s policy on this matter to help you understand your options.
Understanding GM’s Limited Warranty and Rental Cars
GM’s new car limited warranty is designed to cover defects in materials or workmanship. This means if a part fails due to a manufacturing issue, GM will cover the cost of repairs, including parts and labor. The warranty also typically includes roadside assistance to get your vehicle to a certified repair facility. However, it’s important to understand what the warranty doesn’t cover.
According to the official 2018 GM Limited Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet, “Warranty repairs, including towing, parts, and labor, will be made at no charge.” It explicitly states, however, that “Economic loss or extra expense is not covered. Examples include: Inconvenience, Lodging, meals, or other travel costs, Loss of vehicle use…” This clearly indicates that the standard GM warranty does not automatically include a rental car program to compensate for the inconvenience of having your car in the shop. The warranty focuses on fixing the defect, not on covering all associated costs.
The GM Courtesy Transportation Program: A Potential Alternative
While a rental car isn’t guaranteed under the standard warranty, GM does offer a “Courtesy Transportation Program.” This program is mentioned in the Customer Assistance section of the warranty manual. It suggests that “alternate transportation and/or reimbursement of certain transportation expenses may be available.” This sounds promising, but there are crucial points to note.
The manual emphasizes that the Courtesy Transportation Program is not part of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. GM can “make any changes or discontinue [this program] at any time without notification.” This means the availability of a GM rental car program through Courtesy Transportation is discretionary and not a guaranteed benefit of the warranty itself.
Experiences can vary. Some GM vehicle owners have reported that dealerships have, as a customer service gesture, provided rental car reimbursement or arranged loaner vehicles. This often depends on the specific dealership’s policies and your negotiation. It’s always worth asking your service advisor about rental car options or if they participate in any form of GM rental car program beyond the basic warranty. However, it’s equally important to be prepared for the possibility that no rental car assistance will be offered.
Extended Warranties and Rental Car Coverage
If you purchased an extended warranty for your GM vehicle, it’s crucial to review its terms and conditions. Extended warranties, sometimes called vehicle service contracts, often offer benefits beyond the manufacturer’s basic warranty. Some extended warranties do include rental car coverage or reimbursement during covered repairs. If you have an extended warranty, check your contract to see if it includes a rental car program benefit. This could be a valuable resource if you need transportation while your vehicle is being repaired.
Warranty Extension for Lengthy Repairs
One final point to consider if your GM vehicle repair takes longer than expected, particularly due to parts shortages. GM acknowledges the inconvenience of extended repair times. The warranty manual states, “The New Vehicle Limited Warranty will be extended one day for each day beyond the first 24 hour period in which your vehicle is at an authorized dealer facility for warranty service.” While this doesn’t directly provide a rental car, it does offer some compensation by extending your warranty coverage period, which could be beneficial in the long run.
Conclusion: Navigating the GM Rental Car Program
In summary, the GM rental car program situation during warranty repairs is nuanced. The standard GM limited warranty doesn’t guarantee a rental car. However, the Courtesy Transportation Program may offer assistance, depending on dealership discretion and GM policy, but it’s not a guaranteed part of the warranty. Extended warranties are a potential avenue for rental car coverage, so review your contract carefully. Finally, GM does offer a warranty extension for lengthy repairs, providing a different form of compensation for inconvenience. When facing warranty repairs, proactively discuss rental car options with your GM dealership to understand what assistance might be available to you.
