Cancelling dealer add-ons in California
California has some of the strongest consumer protections for car buyers in the US. If you bought a car in California and your deal included GAP insurance, an extended warranty, or a service contract, you have 60 days to cancel for a full refund.
California rules at a glance
60 days
Full refund window from the purchase date
After 60 days
Pro-rata refund for the unused portion of the contract
Cancellation fee
Lesser of $25 or 10% of the contract price, after 60 days only
Where to cancel
Finance department at the selling dealer
Refund timeline
4 to 8 weeks after submitting the cancellation form
Which products can be cancelled
GAP Insurance
60-day full refund window in California
Cancellable
Extended Warranty / VSC
Pro-rata refund after 60 days
Cancellable
Bundle Service Contract
Check your specific contract for terms
Cancellable
Tire and Wheel Protection
Usually cancellable if no claims made
Cancellable
Credit Life / Disability Insurance
30-day full refund in most cases
Cancellable
Paint and Interior Protection
Product already applied, cannot be cancelled
Not cancellable
Window Etching / Theft Protection
Physical installation, cannot be reversed
Not cancellable
How to cancel in California
1
Check your purchase date
Count 60 days from when you bought the car. If you are within that window, you get a full refund. After 60 days, you still get a pro-rata refund.
2
Gather your documents
Find your purchase agreement and any contract documents from the finance office. You will need the contract number and provider name.
3
Go to the dealer finance department
Walk in and tell them you want to cancel. In California, dealers are required to process cancellation requests. Ask for the finance manager.
4
Fill out the Cancellation Request Form
The dealer will provide a form. Fill it out, sign it, and keep a copy. Note the date you submitted it.
5
Follow up
Refunds take 4 to 8 weeks. If your car is financed, the refund goes to your lender. Call your lender to confirm it was applied to your loan balance.
What to say
Script
"Hi, I bought a car here recently and I would like to cancel my [product name]. I am within my 60-day cancellation window under California law. Can you give me the Cancellation Request Form?"
Not sure what is in your paperwork?
Upload your car purchase documents. Sherlock5 identifies every add-on, checks whether you are within the California 60-day window, and tells you exactly what to do. Free scan, takes 20 seconds.
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Common questions
What if I am past 60 days?
You can still cancel and get a pro-rata refund for the unused portion of your contract. The refund will be smaller, but for a 5-year contract with 3 years remaining, that could still be $1,000 or more.
Does the 60-day rule apply to all add-ons?
The 60-day full refund rule in California applies specifically to vehicle service contracts (VSCs) and GAP insurance. Other products may have different cancellation terms as written in your specific contract.
Can I cancel if I bought the car at a private party?
No. Dealer add-on cancellation only applies to products sold through a dealership finance office, not private party sales.
What if the dealer refuses to cancel?
You can file a complaint with the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) or the California DMV. You can also contact the product provider directly using the contact information on your contract.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Cancellation terms vary by contract.