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Pre-existing conditions and vehicle eligibility

Pre-existing conditions are any problems that existed before you purchased coverage or during the waiting period—these are never covered, which is why it's critical to fix known issues before buying and provide accurate vehicle information, especially your odometer reading.

What is a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is any mechanical problem, failure, or defect that existed in your vehicle before you purchased your VSC or during the waiting period.

The rule is strict: If a problem existed before coverage began—even if you didn't know about it—it won't be covered.

Examples of pre-existing conditions:

  • Check engine light was on at purchase
  • Transmission was slipping before you bought coverage
  • Engine was making unusual noises during the waiting period
  • A/C wasn't working when you purchased the plan
  • Any issue that develops during the 30-day/1,000-mile waiting period

Why pre-existing conditions aren't covered

VSCs are designed to protect you from future breakdowns—not to fix problems that already exist. If pre-existing conditions were covered, it would drive up costs for everyone and defeat the purpose of the waiting period.

Think of it like health insurance: you can't buy coverage after you're already sick and expect it to pay for that illness.

Warning lights and dashboard indicators

If any warning light is on—check engine, ABS, airbag, etc.—get it diagnosed and fixed BEFORE purchasing coverage.

While you technically can purchase a VSC with a warning light on, that issue and any related components will not be covered. This can lead to significant problems:

  • The current issue won't be covered
  • Related failures may be denied as pre-existing
  • Providers will see this as a red flag when reviewing claims

Best practice: Fix all warning lights and known issues before purchasing. Start with a clean slate so your coverage actually protects you when you need it.

 

The critical importance of accurate odometer readings

Your odometer reading must be accurate at purchase. This is one of the most important pieces of information you provide.

Why it matters: When you file a claim, providers check your vehicle's history through Carfax and repair shop records. If the mileage doesn't match up, they can deny your claim—even if it's otherwise legitimate.

Example:

  • You purchase coverage claiming 50,000 miles
  • Six months later, you file a claim at 65,000 miles
  • Provider checks Carfax and sees a service record from last month showing 70,000 miles
  • Your claim gets denied, regardless of what broke

Always provide your current, accurate mileage. Double-check your dashboard before entering this information during purchase.

[Learn more about getting a quote](link to Article 2)

Vehicle eligibility requirements

Not all vehicles qualify for VSC coverage on Chaiz. Here are the general requirements:

Age and mileage: Most plans cover vehicles up to 20 years old with up to 200,000 miles (some plans go up to 250,000 miles). Limits vary by provider, state, and vehicle make/model.

Title status: Most plans do not cover salvage, rebuilt, or branded titles. Some providers offer special add-ons for these vehicles, but they require pre-approval. Contact Chaiz support if you have a branded title.

Modifications: Modified vehicles may be ineligible without specific add-ons. Lift kits, commercial use, and rideshare use all require corresponding add-ons. Undisclosed modifications can void your coverage. [Learn more about add-ons](link to Article 31)

Vehicle type: Most standard passenger vehicles qualify. Commercial vehicles need special coverage, and exotic or rare vehicles may require provider approval.

If your vehicle doesn't meet these criteria, contact Chaiz support at hi@chaiz.com or 833-942-4249. Some providers offer special programs that may work for your situation.

How providers verify vehicle condition

Currently, vehicle condition verification works on an honor system at purchase. However, when you file a claim, providers will:

  • Check Carfax and vehicle history reports
  • Review maintenance records
  • Contact repair shops about previous visits
  • Compare mileage against historical records
  • Look for patterns indicating pre-existing issues

What if I didn't know about a problem?

Providers are generally strict about pre-existing conditions, even if you genuinely didn't know about an issue. However, there are some considerations:

You may have a case if:

  • You can show complete maintenance records with receipts
  • The issue wasn't obvious or detectable without specialized equipment
  • The claim happens well after the waiting period (not just days after)
  • You've been maintaining the vehicle properly

You likely won't have a case if:

  • The claim happens immediately after the waiting period
  • You ignored warning lights or symptoms
  • Maintenance records are incomplete or missing
  • The issue was obvious or detectable

Best advice: Be honest about your vehicle's condition and fix any known issues before purchasing. This prevents headaches later.

Fixing pre-existing issues before coverage

Can I fix a problem and then buy coverage? Yes! If you have a known issue:

  1. Get it diagnosed and repaired
  2. Keep all receipts and documentation
  3. Purchase your VSC anytime after the repair
  4. The standard waiting period still applies (30 days/1,000 miles)

There's no additional waiting period after fixing a pre-existing problem—just the standard waiting period that applies to all new purchases.

Common scenarios and what's covered

Scenario 1: Check engine light during waiting period

  • You buy coverage January 1st
  • Check engine light comes on January 15th
  • You fix it, paying out of pocket
  • Result: That specific issue is pre-existing and won't be covered, but fixing it prevents related denials

Scenario 2: Known issue before purchase

  • Your A/C isn't working when you buy coverage
  • You purchase a plan anyway
  • You try to claim A/C repair after waiting period
  • Result: Claim denied—it was pre-existing

Scenario 3: New failure after waiting period

  • You buy coverage January 1st
  • Everything works fine during waiting period
  • Transmission fails March 15th (after waiting period)
  • Result: Covered (assuming proper maintenance)

Scenario 4: Inaccurate odometer at purchase

  • You claim 60,000 miles at purchase (actually 75,000)
  • Six months later, engine fails at 90,000 miles
  • Provider checks records and finds discrepancy
  • Result: Claim denied for inaccurate information

Understanding the honor system

When you purchase coverage, you're certifying that:

  • Your vehicle has no known mechanical issues
  • All information provided is accurate
  • Your odometer reading is correct
  • You've disclosed any modifications or special use
  • You understand pre-existing conditions won't be covered

Providers trust you at purchase but verify when claims are filed. Dishonesty can result in denied claims and potentially void your entire contract.