Waiting periods and coverage start

What is a waiting period?

A waiting period is the time between when you purchase your VSC and when your breakdown coverage actually begins. During this period, you cannot file claims for mechanical repairs—with one important exception: roadside assistance.

Standard waiting period for plans purchsed on chaiz.com:

VSCs require 30 days AND 1,000 miles before coverage begins. This means you must wait the full 30 days AND drive 1,000 miles—whichever takes longer

Example:

You purchase coverage on January 1st
You drive 1,000 miles by January 10th
Your coverage still doesn't begin until January 31st (30 days)

Alternative waiting periods:

Some providers on Chaiz offer different options for customers who drive very little, such as:

60 days AND 500 miles (for people who work from home or drive infrequently)
Other customized waiting periods

Please reach out if you need a special waiting period arrangement and we will try to find a solution.

❕ There is no plan that can waive the waiting period

When does roadside assistance start?

Roadside assistance typically starts within 24-48 hours of purchase on most plans. Check your specific plan details to confirm.

Why do waiting periods exist?

Waiting periods serve two important purposes:

1. Protects providers (and keeps your costs lower)
Without a waiting period, people could buy coverage when they already know something is wrong, then immediately file a claim. This would drive up costs for everyone. The waiting period ensures coverage is for future breakdowns, not existing problems.

2. Protects you as the customer
The waiting period gives you time to:

Read your contract thoroughly without pressure
Understand exactly what's covered and what's not
Make sure you're happy with your purchase
Cancel if needed (remember the 30-day money-back guarantee)

Think of it as a cooling-off period where you can review everything before coverage actually begins.

When does my contract term actually start?

Your contract term begins on the day you purchase—not after the waiting period.

Example:

Purchase date: January 1st
Contract length: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Waiting period: 30 days / 1,000 miles
Coverage begins: January 31st (assuming you've driven 1,000 miles)
Contract expires: December 31st (3 years later) or when you reach 36,000 additional miles

What should I do during the waiting period?

Use this time wisely:

Read your contract – Understand what's covered and excluded
Keep up with maintenance – Follow your manufacturer's schedule (critical for future claims)
Fix known issues – If your check engine light is on or something's wrong, get it repaired
Review your purchase – Make sure you're happy with your coverage

What happens if something breaks during the waiting period?

If a mechanical breakdown happens during the waiting period (before 30 days AND 1,000 miles):

Breakdown coverage does NOT apply – You'll need to pay for repairs out of pocket
Roadside assistance DOES apply – Most plans still provide towing and roadside help

There are no exceptions to the waiting period. Even if you experience a catastrophic failure or emergency breakdown, coverage will not begin early. This is why the waiting period exists—to ensure coverage is for future problems, not immediate ones.

What about claims right after the waiting period?

If something breaks shortly after your waiting period ends, you can file a claim. However, providers will investigate to make sure it's a new failure and not a pre-existing condition.

Example scenario:

You buy coverage January 1st
During the waiting period (January 15th), your check engine light comes on
You get it diagnosed and fixed at a shop, paying out of pocket
On February 5th (after waiting period), something else breaks

What happens: The part you fixed on January 15th is now considered repaired and fine. However, if the February 5th issue is related or seems connected, the provider may contact the repair shop to verify. The closer a claim is to the end of the waiting period, the more scrutiny it receives.

Bottom line: If you fix issues during the waiting period, those specific parts are considered repaired. But new failures happening immediately after coverage begins will be carefully reviewed.

Can I cancel during the waiting period?

Yes! All plans on Chaiz come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you change your mind during the waiting period, you can cancel and receive a full refund - except if you used roadside assistance.

[Learn more about cancellations and refunds](link to Article 16

Understanding pre-existing conditions

The waiting period works hand-in-hand with pre-existing condition exclusions—any problem that existed before coverage or during the waiting period won't be covered. Learn more about pre-existing conditions and vehicle eligibility

Tips for a smooth waiting period

✓ Read your contract thoroughly – Use this time to understand your coverage
✓ Keep up with maintenance – Follow your manufacturer's schedule
✓ Fix known issues – Don't let problems linger into your coverage period
✓ Address warning lights – Get diagnostics done if anything seems wrong
✓ Save your roadside number – You can use it within 48 hours on most plans
✓ Review your purchase – Make sure you're happy before coverage begins
✓ Ask questions – Contact Chaiz support if anything is unclear