Being a relatively accomplished mechanic there are very few repairs that I cant complete on my own. The only problem comes in when I have to fix something under warranty, then I need to go to a licensed shop to have them do the repair and bill the warranty company.
I propose a Warranty Program for DIY mechanics. A quote from a licensed shop would be required for certain jobs to ensure that the right problem is being fixed. The warranty company would then pay a fixed rate based on the same models currently in use however they would not include labor charges, only the parts.
This system would save the Warranty company on a considerable amount of labor charges and would reduce overall cost of these warranties while still allowing me to fix my own car.-- jhomrighaus, May 17 2007 Makes sense, though the mechanics would throw screaming fits.-- 5th Earth, May 18 2007 The only thing wrong with this idea is that it is too sane! It makes a lot of sense, assuming that the car manufacturers are sincere in their intentions; which assumption is, however, questionable. The same would go for modified-classic financing/insurance/etc.
Bun, of course.-- Ned_Ludd, May 18 2007 I could see how this could work, but you might want to have some kind of certification process so some schmoe doesn't completely ruin his car making repairs.-- discontinuuity, May 18 2007 You just add a schmoe clause to the DIY Warranty [rr-t]. What would a warranty be without clauses and exceptions?-- craigts, May 18 2007 I figured some sort of limit on the number of parts of a particular type for a given time period(I broke it while installing, or improperly installed) Basic oversight of follow-up repairs would indicate poor work as well.
I like the idea of the basic Certification approach(have your tools and workspace inspected and take a written test or something)-- jhomrighaus, May 18 2007 I have an aftermarket, non factory warranty on my car right now.-- jhomrighaus, May 19 2007 Yah they should have DIY apartment leases also.-- LoriZ, Jan 15 2011 random, halfbakery