no first hand experience, but my understanding is that the rental car has always been "subject to availability and subject to change"

 

The car rental feature has always been up to the dealership. In your case if you don't get a BECM quickly I'd file with the NHTSA about a breach of warranty issue where the car is no longer drivable due to a warranty issue.

 

There's a thread about repairing BECM's. If you can get your's from the dealer, you could send it for possible repair or at a minimum to help determine the issue with the part. BECM Refurbishing/Repair Offer

 

Your question regarding a rental while your own Volt is being repaired is a common one that appears from time to time.

Seems to me the GM new car limited warranty coverage addresses issues of defects in materials or workmanship of various car parts, and not the inconvenience associated with any needed repairs. And when the covered item breaks down, the warranty covers any roadside assistance needed to bring the car from the breakdown location to the repair location. What happens next, i.e., if the warrantied item cannot be repaired "while you wait," and you need alternate transportation in the meantime, is not a "warranty" issue, but a GM "customer service" issue. Customer service considerations may change over time, or be guided more by the local dealership policy than by corporate GM policy.

As you have noted, the 2018 GM Limited Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet points out that "Warranty repairs, including towing, parts, and labor, will be made at no charge." It also points out, "Economic loss or extra expense is not covered. Examples include: . Inconvenience, Lodging, meals, or other travel costs , Loss of vehicle use, Payment for loss of time or pay, State or local taxes required on warranty repairs, or Storage."

The Customer Assistance section of the warranty manual does mention that "alternate transportation and/or reimbursement of certain transportation expenses may be available" under the Courtesy Transportation Program. But the manual also points out that Courtesy Transportation and Roadside Assistance is not part of or included in the coverage provided by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, and the manufacturer may "make any changes or discontinue [these programs] at any time without notification."

Some postings in this forum have mentioned dealers who are willing to reimburse for rental car expenses if you ask (i.e., you make the arrangements, and submit the receipts for reimbursement later). Others have discovered no such arrangements can be made.

Did you purchase an Extended Warranty for your vehicle? Is it possible the terms of such an Extended Warranty cover the cost of a rental vehicle during warranty repairs?

Another item from the warranty manual to keep in mind when a parts shortage extends the time during which your Volt is not drivable is that GM has created an offset for the inconvenience: "The New Vehicle Limited Warranty will be extended one day for each day beyond the first 24 hour period in which your vehicle is at an authorized dealer facility for warranty service. You may be asked to show the repair orders to verify the period of time the warranty is to be extended. Your extension rights may vary depending on state law."

 

Did you purchase an Extended Warranty for your vehicle?

Another item from the warranty manual to keep in mind when a parts shortage extends the time during which your Volt is not drivable is that GM has created an offset for the inconvenience: "The New Vehicle Limited Warranty will be extended one day for each day beyond the first 24 hour period in which your vehicle is at an authorized dealer facility for warranty service. You may be asked to show the repair orders to verify the period of time the warranty is to be extended. Your extension rights may vary depending on state law."

Thank you. I’d not noticed this portion about term extension. I don’t have any extended warranty with any additional terms or coverage.

 

Those reading this thread because they, too, have questions about loaner cars during GM warranty repair and are disappointed because the GM new vehicle limited warranty does not cover the inconvenience of the loss of the car during warranty repair, and their dealer’s customer service doesn’t include a loaner car, and who HAVE obtained an Extended Warranty for their Volt, might want to read their extended warranty contract. This third-party type of warranty may well include the cost of car rentals during warranty repair of items covered by the extended warranty. The one described below seems to cover the cost for up to 5 days use of a rental car, or up to 8 days if repairs are delayed because of a parts delay (not all that much, but better than nothing).

Out of curiosity, I looked at the 72 month/48K mile Extended Warranty coverage I purchased for my 2012 Volt just before it reached the 3 year mark (bought the Volt in 2012, I’m still driving it). I bought a GMPP (General Motors Protection Plan) Major Guard Coverage plan (it did cover but one problem before it expired last year, the cost of which was less than what I paid for the plan). What I now see in the text of a Generic version of the plan:

MAJOR GUARD COVERAGE
RENTAL COVERAGE

WE will pay the charge to rent a replacement vehicle or pay for public transportation up to $35 per day and a maximum of $175 per repair visit if the VEHICLE is accepted for repairs or services covered by either YOUR New Vehicle Limited or Powertrain Warranty or this Agreement.

To be covered, the repair or service must require 2.0 or more manufacturer's labor time guide hours or cause the VEHICLE to be inoperable and kept in the repair facility overnight. The total dollar limit per repair visit will be increased to a maximum of $280 if the repairs are delayed because of a parts delay and WE are notified of the delay within the first five (5) days of the rental period.

Rental reimbursements will be made only for rental vehicles obtained through dealerships or licensed rental agencies. Bus or taxi transportation expenses will also be reimbursed. Original receipts must be provided.

If YOUR New Vehicle Limited or Powertrain Warranty is in effect, rental coverage will apply for only that amount in excess of the amount covered by that warranty or any courtesy transportation program.

 

I bought a GMPP (General Motors Protection Plan) Major Guard Coverage plan (it did cover but one problem before it expired last year, the cost of which was less than what I paid for the plan).

A bit OT, but I too bought GMPP Major Guard for my 2011 Volt. As I recall, it cost me $1200 or so. The $1200 insurance saved me from paying for a $200 repair! lol When I bought the Bolt EV, I did not get extended coverage. Been there, done that.

Anyway, good tip on the rental reimbursement, wordptom. $280 max for rental car coverage due to a backordered part is better than nothing, but still not enough to justify the insurance cost for those thinking of getting it when they buy a car.

 

They can't rent/lend wat they don't have. Rental cars are in short supply. Recently went to another city for a birthday party, looked into car rentals. They were between $350 and $1,000 per day. Never looked farther. Instead used mass transit day pass, under $12 for unlimited daily usage. Went all over the city, often faster than driving, didn't have to worry about parking.

 

My 2016 Volt LT has been waiting for BECM backorder since June 2nd. My dealership has been kind enough to book a rental and pay for it right away. I just couldn't pick up a rental that same day because apparently it had to be another Chevy available. I ended up w a Malibu. The dealership service manager suggested I call Chevrolet customer service to see if I could be reimbursted for the gas use that is not covered, but they didnt help in that regard. It sounded like if you call Chevrolet customer service directly they can reimburse you.