Car Warranty in Latvia 2026
Everything about manufacturer, dealer and extended warranty — your rights and how to use them
In this guide:
Types of warranty when buying a car
When buying a car, you may encounter several types of warranty. Each has different coverage, duration and conditions:
Legal (statutory) warranty
⏱️ 2 years
👤 Automatic from dealer/merchant
✅ Defects that existed at the time of purchase
Manufacturer warranty
⏱️ 2–7 years (varies by brand)
👤 Car manufacturer via dealer
✅ Factory defects, mechanics, electronics
Dealer warranty
⏱️ 3–24 months
👤 Used car dealer (voluntary)
✅ Main units — engine, gearbox
Extended warranty
⏱️ 1–5 years
👤 Separate insurer or dealer
✅ After manufacturer warranty — mechanics, electronics
Legal warranty in Latvia — your rights
The Consumer Rights Protection Law (CRPL) in Latvia provides strong protection when buying a car from a merchant:
2-year warranty from merchants
When buying a car from a dealer or car center, you have the right to a 2-year statutory warranty. This applies to any defect that existed at the time of purchase or arose due to manufacturing flaws.
Burden of proof — first year
During the first 12 months, it is assumed that the defect existed at the time of purchase. The seller must prove otherwise. This means the buyer has a stronger position.
Burden of proof — second year
After 12 months, the burden shifts to the buyer. You need to prove the defect existed at the time of purchase (e.g., with an independent expert opinion).
Legal remedies
In case of a defect, you have the right to demand: 1) free repair, 2) replacement, 3) price reduction, or 4) contract cancellation (if defect is significant). The order is — first repair/replacement.
Manufacturer warranty — what to know
New car manufacturers offer warranty that typically follows the car, not the owner. Key info for popular brands:
| Marka | Garantija | Piezīmes |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota | 3 years / 100,000 km | One of the most reliable — rarely need warranty |
| BMW | 2 years (no km limit) | Can be extended with BMW Warranty Plus |
| Volkswagen | 2 years (no km limit) | 3 years in some markets |
| Audi | 2 years (no km limit) | Similar to VW group |
| Mercedes-Benz | 2 years (no km limit) | Star Warranty extension available |
| Volvo | 2 years (no km limit) | Volvo Selekt for used — 1–2 years extra |
| Kia | 7 years / 150,000 km | Longest warranty on the market — transfers to new owner |
| Hyundai | 5 years (no km limit) | Great warranty for a competitive price |
| Škoda | 2 years (no km limit) | VW group standard |
| Ford | 2 years (no km limit) | Ford Protect extension available |
Extended warranty — is it worth it?
Extended warranty is a separate service offered by dealers or insurers after the manufacturer warranty expires:
✅ Priekšrocības
- •Protection against unexpected expensive repairs
- •Peace of mind — especially for premium cars with complex electronics
- •Often includes roadside assistance and replacement vehicle
- •Can increase resale value
❌ Trūkumi
- •Cost can be €500–€3,000 — doesn't always pay off
- •Long exclusion list (wear parts, fluids, cosmetic)
- •Some companies delay claim processing
- •May require service at specific garages only
- •"Market value" cap — old car may not get full repair cost covered
When extended warranty is worth it:
Premium car (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) with 60,000+ km
Complex electronics, expensive OEM repairs
✅ Often worth it
Japanese car (Toyota, Honda) with low mileage
High reliability, cheap parts
❌ Usually not worth it
Car with DSG/automatic gearbox
DSG repair €2,000–€4,000, warranty can cover it
✅ Consider it
Turbocharged engine with 100,000+ km
Turbo replacement €1,000–€2,500
✅ Consider it
Buying from a private seller — what does the law guarantee?
When buying a car from another private individual (not a merchant), the situation is different:
No statutory 2-year warranty
CRPL does not apply to transactions between private individuals. The seller has no obligation to provide a warranty.
Civil Law protection — hidden defects
If the seller deliberately hid significant defects (e.g., engine damage, flood car), you can go to court. Statute of limitations — 1 year from discovering the defect.
"As is" clause is valid
Unlike dealer purchases, between private individuals the "sold as is" clause is legally binding. However, it does not apply to deliberate fraud.
How to protect yourself
Mandatory: independent inspection before purchase (€50–€150), full service history, CSDD check, VIN history. Document everything in the purchase agreement.
How to file a warranty claim — step by step
Document the defect
Photograph, video record. Note the date, symptoms, mileage. The more detailed — the better.
Notify the seller in writing
Send an email or registered letter to the dealer. Include: defect description, purchase date, receipt/contract number, your demand (repair/replacement/compensation).
Wait for response — 15 days
The seller is legally required to respond within 15 days. If no response or unjustified refusal — proceed to the next step.
Contact CRPC
The Consumer Rights Protection Centre (CRPC) can help resolve the dispute without court. File a complaint online: www.ptac.gov.lv
Independent expert examination
If the seller disputes the defect, order an independent car examination. It may cost €100–€300 but is strong evidence in court or CRPC.
Court (last resort)
If CRPC doesn't help, go to court. Claims up to €2,500 are heard in a simplified procedure. Over €2,500 — standard proceedings. Consulting a lawyer is recommended.
Tips for buyers — how to protect yourself
Detail the car's condition in the purchase agreement, including all known defects and promises
Before purchase — mandatory independent inspection at a service center (€50–€150)
Check VIN history — accidents, mileage, number of owners
CSDD check shows registration data, tax status, restrictions
Photograph the car from all angles before purchase — evidence of condition
Pay via bank transfer — not cash (traceability)
Keep all receipts, letters and communication with the seller
Within the first 6 months after purchase, document any defect and notify the seller