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Hi all,
My L405 has suffered failures of the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) actuators and the gear selector module. Both are essential to make the car drivable and safe. I’ve got Warrantywise’s Gold 08/80 plan, which is advertised as covering the braking system and all internal mechanical and electrical parts of the gearbox.
On the face of it, you’d think this would be covered. Here’s the wording from Section C11 of the Terms:
Braking System: “Servo, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, calipers, vacuum pump, pressure restrictor valve, brake pedal, handbrake lever and cable, brake discs and drums.”
Anti-Lock Braking System: “Electronic control unit, pump, actuator, modulator and wheel sensors.”
Gearbox & Transmission: “All internal mechanical and electrical Parts of gearbox, transfer box, torque converter, and overdrive (but excluding hydraulic actuator, internal oil cooler and/or radiator, mechatronic unit and valves).”
Their position
Warrantywise argue the ABS “actuator” means only the ABS hydraulic actuator, not the EPB actuator.
They say the EPB actuator isn’t listed and so is excluded, even though the handbrake lever and cable are listed.
They claim the gear selector module isn’t “internal” to the gearbox, so doesn’t fall under “all internal mechanical and electrical parts.”
Their line is: if the part isn’t named, it isn’t covered.
Why I think they’re wrong
The EPB actuator is the modern equivalent of the handbrake lever and cable. It is literally the part that applies and holds the brakes. To cover the lever/cable on old cars but exclude the actuator on modern cars makes no sense – it leaves me with a “covered” brake system that won’t actually hold the vehicle.
“Actuator” is explicitly listed under ABS. The EPB actuator is an actuator – why would it suddenly not count when it performs the braking function?
The gearbox section is broad: “all internal mechanical and electrical parts,” with a short list of specific exclusions. The selector module isn’t excluded, and without it the gearbox can’t function. To say the gearbox is “covered” but the selector isn’t leaves me with a gearbox that can’t be used.
I accept wear items like pads and discs wouldn’t be covered, but the fundamental electrical/mechanical parts should be. Otherwise the warranty doesn’t do what it claims.
Where I am now
I’ve asked them to escalate to their Escalations Manager and to Edd China (who’s supposed to have discretionary powers to overturn unfair outcomes). So far, they’re refusing, saying there’s “no ambiguity.”
To me, this is a clear case of Warrantywise hiding behind outdated wording (written for cars with manual handbrakes and purely mechanical gear selectors) to avoid paying out on costly, but essential, failures.
Has anyone else had Warrantywise (or another provider) try to duck responsibility on EPB actuators or gear selector modules? Did you manage to get them to pay, or did you have to take it to the ombudsman?
Cheers,
Andrew
Posting here in the hope to may help other FFRR owners decide if the agro of arguing every point make having a warranty worth the agro.
I'm supposed to have free car hire with every clkaim over £1,000 but so far they've always denied claims so it's never been possible to get it. --
On my third Full Fat RR
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1st Sep 2025 9:55pm
