Complete Guide

How to Calculate Your Pro-Rata Refund

Don't trust the dealer's math. Learn the exact formula for time vs. mileage proration to ensure you get every penny back.

6 min readUpdated January 2026

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The Proration Formula

Refunds are usually based on Time or Mileage, whichever yields the *smaller* refund (benefiting the provider).

Formula: (Unused Portion / Total Warranty) x Purchase Price

  • Example:
  • Price: $3,000
  • Term: 60 months / 60,000 miles
  • Used: 15 months (25%) / 20,000 miles (33%)

Calculation: Since you used 33% of the miles but only 25% of the time, they will use the Mileage usage to calculate the refund. Remaining: 67% Refund: $3,000 x 0.67 = $2,010

Frequently Asked Questions

Do they deduct claims paid?

It depends on the state. In California, they generally cannot deduct claims from the refund. In other states, they subtract any repair costs they paid from your refund check.

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Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about consumer protection rights and is intended for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and individual circumstances differ. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.

Last updated: 2026-01-24.