UniBee Warranty Explained: Statutory Warranty, Breakdown Protection

UniBee Warranty Explained: Statutory Warranty, Reliance Breakdown Protection, and Hybrid EV Warranty

When you buy a Japanese import or used vehicle, the most important question is simple: what happens if something goes wrong after delivery? At UniBee Australia, we make our warranty structure clear, written, and easy to understand. This guide explains how our used car warranty works, what is covered, how claims are handled, and how our cover differs for hybrid and non-hybrid vehicles.

We provide two layers of protection: statutory warranty (where applicable under Victorian rules) and our free Integrity warranty program that gives customers long-term peace of mind. The Integrity warranty is backed by third-party plans depending on the vehicle type: a Reliance Motor Vehicle Warranty for non-hybrid cars, and a EV Warranty for hybrid and Electric vehicles.

1) Statutory Warranty (Where Applicable)

Statutory warranty is a legal minimum warranty that may apply to certain used vehicles sold by a licensed motor car trader in Victoria. It operates separately from any extended or third-party warranty and is governed by Victorian motor car trader legislation.

In Victoria, statutory warranty applies only if the vehicle:

  • Is less than 10 years old from its build date at the time of sale, and
  • Has travelled less than 160,000 kilometres at the time of sale

If a vehicle meets these criteria, statutory warranty typically provides coverage for a period of 3 months or 5,000 kilometres (whichever occurs first) from the date of delivery.

When statutory warranty applies, it generally covers:

  • Major mechanical components such as the engine, gearbox and drivetrain
  • Failures that occur within the statutory warranty period
  • Defects that were not disclosed or excluded at the time of sale

Limitations of statutory warranty:

  • Coverage duration is short (3 months / 5,000 km)
  • It does not cover normal wear and tear or servicing items
  • It does not apply to vehicles over 19 years old or over 160,000 km
  • Claim limits and exclusions are defined by legislation

Because statutory warranty is limited in scope and duration, it should be viewed as a baseline legal protection rather than a long-term ownership warranty.

For this reason, where applicable, we supplement eligible vehicles with our free Integrity warranty, which provides significantly longer coverage and clearer ownership protection.

If a vehicle qualifies for statutory warranty, this is clearly disclosed and confirmed in writing at the time of purchase. If it does not qualify, the reason is explained transparently.

Regardless of statutory warranty eligibility, all vehicles sold by UniBee Australia are protected by Australian Consumer Law guarantees, which cannot be excluded.

2) Free Integrity Warranty: Our Standard Cover

Most customers choose UniBee because they want a vehicle that is properly inspected, properly prepared, and properly supported after purchase. That is why we include a free Integrity used car warranty for eligible vehicles. This is an additional warranty program provided through external warranty plans, designed to support you with major mechanical repairs in the event of covered failures.

We use different warranty plans depending on the vehicle type:

  • Non-hybrid vehicles: Reliance Motor Vehicle Warranty
  • Hybrid vehicles: EV Warranty

This structure helps ensure the warranty is aligned with the technology in the vehicle. A hybrid has different systems and risk areas than a conventional petrol or diesel vehicle, so a dedicated hybrid/EV plan is the most practical way to provide meaningful protection.

3) What the Warranty Covers (General Overview)

Coverage depends on the exact policy terms for the plan attached to your vehicle (Reliance or EV Warranty). In general, the used car warranty is focused on major mechanical and electrical components.

Typical covered component categories may include (policy terms apply):

  • Engine 
  • Gearbox / transmission 
  • Differential
  • Turbocharger / supercharger (where fitted)
  • Cooling system
  • Air conditioning
  • Fuel system
  • Brakes 
  • Electrical
  • Steering
  • Driveshaft & universals
  • Clutch (where applicable)

Some plans also set claim limits. For example, on many policies the claim limit may be up to $1,000 per covered component/category per claim (policy wording applies). We always recommend reading the schedule and policy wording supplied with your warranty documents so you know exactly how your used car warranty is structured.

4) Hybrid Vehicles: EV Warranty 

Hybrid vehicles are popular because of fuel efficiency and daily drivability, but they also rely on specialised systems. That is why our default cover for hybrids is the EV Warranty (eligibility and terms apply).

Hybrid warranty coverage is designed to align with hybrid ownership, including common high-value components that are more specific to hybrids than conventional vehicles. Your final coverage is always defined by the policy schedule and terms, and we will provide the correct documentation at purchase.

If you are comparing providers, ask one simple question: does the warranty actually match the technology in the vehicle? A hybrid-focused plan is often the most practical approach for a long-term used car warranty on hybrid vehicles.

5) What Is Not Covered (General Exclusions)

All warranty plans include exclusions. While exact exclusions depend on the policy, most used car warranty plans generally do not cover:

  • Wear and tear items (for example, tyres, brake pads, wiper blades)
  • Routine servicing and consumables (fluids, filters, scheduled maintenance)
  • Cosmetic issues, trim, rattles, or minor adjustments
  • Damage caused by misuse, neglect, overheating, or lack of maintenance
  • Pre-existing faults not reported or not approved through the claim process

To avoid any confusion, we encourage customers to service on time and keep invoices/records. Proper maintenance helps protect your vehicle and supports smooth warranty claim processing.

6) How a Warranty Claim Works

If a fault occurs, the fastest way to achieve a good outcome is to follow the claim steps. In most cases, warranty providers require approval before repairs are performed (except where permitted by policy rules).

Typical claim process (general guide):

  1. Stop driving the vehicle if continuing could cause further damage.
  2. Contact us and/or the warranty administrator as soon as possible.
  3. Provide details of the symptoms, warning lights, and when it occurred.
  4. Arrange an inspection/diagnosis (often required before approval).
  5. Submit the diagnosis and repair quote for assessment and approval.
  6. Once approved, repairs are completed under the policy terms.

We aim to make the used car warranty experience straightforward by helping customers understand what the warranty provider needs and how to avoid delays.

7) Australian Consumer Law and Your Rights

Our warranties operate alongside your rights under the Australian Consumer Law. Warranty coverage does not remove consumer guarantees that cannot be excluded. If you have a concern, speak with our team and we will guide you on the correct pathway based on your vehicle, warranty policy, and circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What warranty do I get when I buy from UniBee Australia?

Eligible vehicles may include statutory warranty (where applicable) plus our free Integrity warranty program. Non-hybrid vehicles use a Reliance Motor Vehicle Warranty, and hybrid vehicles use a EV Warranty (terms and eligibility apply).

Is the used car warranty free?

Our Integrity warranty is included for eligible vehicles as part of our sales offering. Coverage and claim limits depend on the specific policy issued for the vehicle.

What are typical claim limits?

Some policies apply a limit per covered component/category per claim (for example, up to $1,000). Always refer to the policy schedule and wording supplied with your documents for the exact limits.

Does the warranty cover servicing and wear items?

Generally no. Routine servicing and wear-and-tear items are usually excluded. The warranty is designed for covered mechanical/electrical failures as defined in the policy.

How do I make a warranty claim?

Contact the warranty administrator promptly and arrange diagnosis. In most cases, repairs require approval before work is carried out (policy rules apply).

Does the warranty replace my consumer rights?

No. Warranty coverage is provided in addition to rights under the Australian Consumer Law, and consumer guarantees cannot be excluded.

 

 

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