My mechanic tells me that my 996 needs a new oil separator and a left catalytic converter. I have an extended warranty with Warranty Direct and they won't cover the oil separator because it's not a specifically listed item and they consider it like an oil filter. WD also does not cover exhaust components. I'm also beyond the factory warranty period for the cat. Here are my questions:

1. Has anyone been able to get an oil separator replace under an extended warranty?

2. Any thoughts of replacing the cat with a used cat (like from LA Dismantlers) in lieu of a new one which costs about a grand?

Thanks in advance.

 

The cats might still be under warranty, check your books, emission warranty is different than vehicle warranty.

 

Warranty for cats is something like 74K or 84K miles according to emission law act.
AOS should be covered by the warranty. My cats where damaged when I got a missfire out of control... when I was at 85K miles, so no luck for me... I got a set used from here for a song ($250) used, working fine.

 

If you have a named component warranty and the oil separator is not specifically listed (and it likely will not be), then you are not going to find any coverage there. Take another look at the specifics on the exhaust. Some plans consider the cats to be part of the emissions sytem.

 

AOS is like an air filter.... WTF?. It takes the air out of the crank case, cools it, and piped into the intake.

 

Oil Sep is a common issue, not sure why they wouldn't include it ..... ???

As far as LA dis I would say to check with pcars.com before pulling the trigger as LA dism. seems to be pretty high priced on used no warranty parts.

-Eli

 

I think the act was for 8 years 80k miles.
(Agree) LA is very expensive i would exercise other alternatives

 

Anyone in here try and aftermarket sport cat? With 100k + miles on mine and even with new O2 sensors I still get P0420 and 0430.

 

I agree, WTF. That's WD's "analysis" so they don't have to pay the claim since filters in general are not covered. They say it separates vapor from oil so it's a filter. Using their logic, I can say a windshield is a filter since it separates rain from the interior compartment.

I have a call in to the claims manager but he hasn't returned my call (no surprise). I plan to file a complaint with the Cal Insurance Comm alleging bad faith on WD in handling my claim. At this point, I've got nothing to lose.

Anyone ever file an arbitration proceeding?

 

Crazy... thats the dumbest thing I heard in awhile.... in that case. My pants is a filter since it seperates me from Megan Fox.

 

They seem to try to get away with anything they can.....They pay what they think a job should cost. It seems to be ify with them...my .02

 

I'd be the first to tell someone to fight a warranty or insurance claim denial. In your case, I'm afraid you are not going to win.
If you were only fighting their denial based on a definition of "filter," then I think you could win. I think the bigger problem is that the oil separator is not listed as a covered part. From what you describe, you have a named component policy. So, it will ONLY cover those items SPECIFICALLY listed in the policy. Any special parts unique to a certain make/model are never going to be listed in a policy like that. Add on that there is a specific exclusion for filters, and you are in a tough spot.

For what it's worth, you should check the definitions section of the policy. If the term "filter" is not defined, then it must be construed in the most liberal way beneficial to the policy holder. If you can find a named component that could be argued to be the same as the oil separator, then you can make that same argument.

As for arbitration, I don't think you would find it worthwhile. Typical costs are going to be around $1500 +/-. In most jurisdictions, you cannot recover your arbitration costs even if you win the case.

Good luck.

 

I must have got their attention because a received a call back from their national claims director. It's under his review now.

I generally would agree with your statement above, but my policy also has an exclusion list and this part is not specifically listed as an excluded part, so they can't have it both ways. A basic premise of contract law is that ambiguity is construed against the drafter - them. This is their business, they have a legal dept, they should have been more specific about this part as they have the resources to provide clarification up front, which they didn't. Courts and admin agencies tend to side with the little guy in close cases. Also, they don't like the negative publicity when their policy holders raised a stink and want it to go away quietly.

 

Not to belabor the point, but the exclusion section of most ext warranties I'm familiar with usually is written to apply to the the full coverage, or exclusionary, level of policy. Some contracts blend the different tiers of coverage together into one contract with the declaration page actually defining which sections apply. For example, you may have all the language in your contract for bronze, silver, gold and platinum coverage, but only the gold level applies. In any event, keep pushing them and hopefully you will get a satisfactory resolution.

 

Good Luck to you, looks like they didn't really understand what the part was or its purpose for that matter. Don't you just hate those Ex-Auto Zone employees?... Haha.... Hope I didn't offend anyone here... Just a joke.