Honda Care — What Owners Should Know

Quick summary: Honda Care is a vehicle service contract (VSC) that supplements factory warranty coverage with repair protection, roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, trip interruption, and other owner benefits. Plans vary by vehicle age, mileage, and coverage level.

Coverage overview

Type of coverage: Vehicle service contract (VSC), not insurance. Coverage terms, limits, and effective dates appear on the contract identification page.

Who performs repairs: Factory-trained technicians at authorized dealers or approved repair facilities. Many repairs require prior authorization from the provider.

Common benefits: Mechanical and electrical component coverage, 24-hour roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, trip interruption, and concierge services depending on the plan.

What the plans typically include

• Comprehensive component coverage for drivetrain, electronics, chassis, heating/cooling, and many Honda genuine accessories (subject to plan specifics).
• 24-hour roadside assistance for towing, lockout, jump-start, fuel delivery, and tire changes.
• Rental-car reimbursement during covered repairs (daily limit and maximum days apply).
• Trip-interruption benefits when a covered breakdown occurs more than a specified distance from home (meal and lodging limits apply).

Key exclusions and owner responsibilities

Major exclusions

• Routine maintenance (oil, filters, wiper blades, tire rotation).
• Wear-and-tear items (brake pads, rotors, tires, bulbs) unless explicitly listed.
• Cosmetic damage (body panels, paint, glass) and non-mechanical items.
• Damage from misuse, neglect, racing, or off-road use (unless a specific option is purchased).
• Pre-existing conditions or damage known before contract purchase.
• Environmental or external damage (flood, hail, fire, vandalism) unless specified otherwise.

Owner responsibilities

• Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and keep service records and receipts; failure to maintain the vehicle can void coverage for related failures.
• Obtain prior authorization for non-emergency repairs from the provider or selling dealer.
• Use authorized repair facilities when required by the contract.
• Notify the provider promptly after emergency repairs if prior authorization was not possible.

How to file a claim

1. Contact the selling dealer or nearest authorized dealer before scheduling non-emergency repairs.
2. Provide vehicle information, contract ID, and maintenance records.
3. Obtain prior authorization for covered repairs; the provider will approve, deny, or request diagnostics.
4. Emergency repairs: If prior authorization isn’t possible, keep all receipts and notify the provider as soon as possible for reimbursement consideration.
5. Submit documentation for reimbursement when required and follow the provider’s instructions.

Cancellation, transfer, and dispute resolution

Cancellation: Many contracts allow a full refund within an initial window (commonly 60 days) if no claims were made; after that refunds are typically pro‑rata minus administrative fees.

Transferability: Contracts are often transferable to a private buyer under specified conditions and may require a transfer fee and paperwork.

Dispute resolution: Contracts commonly include binding arbitration clauses (often under AAA rules) that limit court litigation options; review the dispute section for appeal steps and arbitration details.

Practical tips for owners

• Keep detailed maintenance records and receipts for all service visits and diagnostics.
• Read the contract identification page to confirm effective dates, mileage limits, and plan type.
• Get prior authorization for non-emergency repairs to avoid denied claims.
• Understand rental and trip-interruption limits before relying on them during repairs.
• Ask about EV-specific coverage (battery system, power electronics, onboard charger) and any component caps or exclusions.
• Confirm transfer rules if you plan to sell the vehicle — a transferable contract can increase resale value.

Resources and next steps

For full legal terms, definitions, and state-specific provisions, consult the official brochure:

Honda Care 2023 Brochure (PDF)

Need help? Bring your contract to your next service visit or contact our service team and we’ll walk through what’s covered and how to file a claim.