Warranty Document Templates: US & Canada

Warranty documentation errors create dealer liability averaging $8,500 per dispute according to a 2024 NIADA study. Common failures include oral promises contradicting written warranties (FTC violation), failing to disclose exclusions, and using generic templates not compliant with state/provincial law. Proper warranty documentation protects dealers from frivolous claims while meeting regulatory requirements.

This guide provides compliant warranty document templates for US and Canadian dealers, covering limited warranties, As-Is disclaimers, service contracts, and state/province-specific requirements.

US: Limited Dealer Warranty Template

Required Elements (FTC Buyers Guide Compliance):

Header Section

Warranty Type: LIMITED WARRANTY

Duration: [30/60/90] days OR [1,000/3,000/5,000] miles (whichever occurs first)

Effective Date: Date of delivery

Coverage Section

Covered Systems (check all that apply):

• Engine (all internal lubricated parts)
• Transmission (automatic or manual, internal parts)
• Drive Axle (front-wheel, rear-wheel, 4WD components)
• Brakes (master cylinder, wheel cylinders, calipers, power brake booster)
• Steering (rack and pinion, power steering pump, gearbox)
• Electrical System (alternator, starter, ignition system)
• Air Conditioning (compressor, condenser, evaporator)

Coverage Percentage

Option 1 (100% Dealer): Dealer pays 100% of parts AND labor for covered repairs.

Option 2 (50/50 Split): Dealer pays 50% parts and 50% labor. Customer pays 50% parts and 50% labor.

Exclusions (What's NOT Covered)

• Routine maintenance (oil changes, filters, fluids)
• Wear items (tires, brake pads, wiper blades, batteries)
• Body and paint
• Glass and trim
• Damage from accident, abuse, neglect, or improper maintenance
• Consequential damages (towing, rental car, lost wages)

Claim Procedure

1. Contact dealer immediately if covered component fails
2. Obtain dealer pre-approval BEFORE repair (unauthorized repairs not covered)
3. Bring vehicle to dealer's facility for diagnosis and repair
4. Dealer has right to inspect failed parts
5. Customer responsible for diagnostic fee if claim denied

Customer Obligations

• Follow manufacturer's maintenance schedule
• Provide maintenance records if requested
• Do not exceed safe operating limits (no racing, off-road use)
• Report problems promptly (continued use after known failure voids warranty)

US: As-Is Disclaimer Template

IMPORTANT: Only use in states that permit As-Is sales. California under 75K miles, New York under 100K miles, Massachusetts, Connecticut DO NOT allow As-Is for most vehicles.

As-Is Template (Compliant States)

AS IS - NO WARRANTY

YOU ARE BUYING THIS VEHICLE "AS IS." DEALER MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ON THIS VEHICLE.

This means the dealer is not responsible for any problems or repairs after you drive away. Before you buy, have this vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic. If you do not, you are taking the risk that problems may develop after purchase.

Implied warranties (merchantability, fitness for purpose) are DISCLAIMED. You will be responsible for all repair costs.

Customer Acknowledgment: I have read and understand this AS IS disclaimer. I decline the dealer's offer to purchase a service contract.

Customer Signature: ______________________ Date: __________

Canada: Quebec Mandatory Warranty

Quebec Consumer Protection Act: All used vehicles sold by dealers carry mandatory warranty based on vehicle class. Cannot be waived.

Quebec Warranty Classes

Canada: Ontario Safety Standards Certificate

Requirement: Most used vehicles must have valid Ontario Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) before transfer. Dealer must provide OR clearly state "not certified" on Bill of Sale.

If Selling Certified: "This vehicle has passed a safety standards inspection as required by the Highway Traffic Act and is certified fit for highway use."

If Selling Uncertified: "This vehicle is NOT CERTIFIED. Buyer is responsible for obtaining safety certification before licensing."

Service Contract Disclosure Template

CRITICAL: Service contracts are OPTIONAL extra-cost coverage. Must be clearly disclosed as separate from any included warranty to avoid FTC deception violations.

Service Contract Disclosure

OPTIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT

A service contract (extended warranty) is AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE at an additional cost. This is NOT included in the vehicle price.

Service Contract Provider: [Company Name]

Cost: $[Amount] (optional - you may decline)

Coverage: [Components covered, duration, deductible]

Cancellation: You may cancel within [30/60] days for full refund if no claims filed.

Customer Choice (check one):

[ ] I ACCEPT the service contract for $[Amount]

[ ] I DECLINE the service contract

Customer Signature: ______________________ Date: __________

State-Specific Requirements

California Song-Beverly Warranty (Mandatory)

Vehicles under 75,000 miles: 30-90 day warranty based on mileage. Cannot be waived. Use CA-specific warranty template.

New York Lemon Law (Mandatory)

Vehicles under 100,000 miles OR under 8 years old: 15-90 day warranty. Cannot sell As-Is. Use NY-specific warranty template.

Texas (As-Is Permitted)

As-Is disclaimer permitted. Must be conspicuous (12-point bold or larger) on contract and Buyers Guide.

Florida (As-Is Permitted)

As-Is disclaimer permitted. No minimum warranty required for used vehicles.

Best Practices

Documentation Checklist

• Warranty document matches FTC Buyers Guide exactly (same systems, same duration)
• Customer signs warranty document (not just Buyers Guide)
• Keep signed warranty copy for 7 years (state record retention requirement)
• If state requires minimum warranty, verify compliance before sale
• If offering service contract, separate disclosure from warranty
• Never make oral promises beyond written warranty terms

Frequently Asked Questions

Automated warranty compliance for US & Canada.

DealerOneView includes state/province-specific warranty templates, FTC Buyers Guide integration, service contract tracking, and automatic compliance validation for all jurisdictions.

See Warranty Management →