Do you ever feel like your car is your trusty sidekick, always there to take you where you need to go? Well, just like any good sidekick, your car needs protection too. That’s where car insurance comes in, providing a shield for your vehicle and finances in case of any accidents or damage. But what about engine repairs? It’s trickier than a simple fender-bender.
In this article, we’ll dive into whether car insurance covers engine repairs and some common exclusions and alternative options.
What Kind of Repairs Does Car Insurance Cover?
Typically, car insurance does not cover engine failure or mechanical problems caused by normal wear and tear, even if you have full coverage. However, specific engine repair types may be covered if they are directly linked to a covered claim.
Two coverage types included in a full coverage auto insurance policy are collision and comprehensive coverage. These coverage options will usually pay to repair your engine if it is damaged due to a covered claim, such as an accident or a non-collision event like theft, vandalism, or a natural disaster. It’s important to review the terms and conditions of your policy to understand the specific types of repairs that are covered.
When Does Car Insurance Cover Engine Repair?
Car insurance usually includes coverage for engine repairs under certain circumstances. If you have comprehensive and collision coverage, your policy will generally cover engine repairs if the engine is damaged in an accident or due to an event outside your control. For example, if a tree branch falls on your vehicle and damages the engine, your car insurance will likely pay for the cost of repairs.
Additionally, uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage coverage can help cover the cost of engine repairs if someone with little or no insurance hits you. But it’s essential to note that car insurance will not typically cover the expense of fixing or replacing the engine if it breaks down due to normal wear and tear or suffers a mechanical failure.
It’s worth mentioning that some insurers, such as Allstate , may offer a vehicle protection plan and mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) that can provide coverage for engine repairs not covered by your warranty. However, these options are less common than comprehensive, collision, or uninsured motorist coverage, and their availability may vary by state.
Is There Any Coverage That Does Cover Engine Failure?
While car insurance typically doesn’t cover engine failure, there are alternative coverage options that may protect such instances. One of the primary options is a warranty. If you have purchased a warranty for your vehicle, engine failures and other mechanical problems may be covered, depending on the terms and conditions of the warranty. There are different types of warranties available, including:
- Bumper-to-bumper warranty: This type of warranty provides coverage for most components of your vehicle, including the engine, transmission, and electrical systems, for a specific period or mileage.
- Powertrain warranty: A powertrain warranty covers the major components that make the vehicle move, such as the engine, transmission, and drivetrain.
Another coverage option to consider is mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI). MBI is a separate insurance policy that you can purchase from your car insurance company. It provides coverage for mechanical failures and breakdowns that are not covered by your warranty or standard car insurance policy. MBI can be valuable to your coverage if you want extra protection for engine failures and other mechanical issues.
How Does Insurance Deal with Engine Failure?
When it comes to engine failure claims, insurance companies typically follow a specific process. If your engine fails and you believe your insurance policy should cover it, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the claim. They will guide you through the claims process, which may involve providing documentation, such as photographs of the damaged engine and repair estimates.
Insurance companies will assess the cause of the engine failure and determine if it falls under the coverage provided by your policy. If it is determined that the engine failure is covered, the insurance company will work with you to arrange repairs or provide compensation based on the terms of your policy.
What Things Does Car Insurance Typically Not Cover?
While car insurance provides vital coverage, there are certain exclusions and limitations regarding engine repairs. Here are some common items that car insurance policies typically do not cover:
- Personal Items in Your Car: Car insurance generally does not cover personal belongings that are damaged or stolen from your vehicle. Car insurance does not cover items such as electronics, clothing, or luggage. To protect personal items, you may need separate renters or homeowners insurance.
- Intentional Damages: If you intentionally cause damage to your own engine or vehicle, car insurance will not cover the cost of repairs. Insurance protects against accidental damage or events out of your control.
- Regular Maintenance & Repairs: Car insurance does not cover routine maintenance or repairs resulting from wear and tear. It is your responsibility as a vehicle owner to maintain your car and keep it in good working condition.
- Losses Above Your Policy’s Limits: Car insurance policies have coverage limits. If the cost of engine repairs exceeds your policy’s limits, you will be responsible for covering the remaining expenses.
- Commercial Use: If you use your vehicle for commercial purposes, such as ridesharing or delivery services, your personal car insurance policy may not provide coverage for engine repairs. You may need to purchase additional commercial auto insurance to ensure adequate protection.
It’s essential to review your car insurance policy and understand the specific exclusions and limitations to avoid any surprises when filing a claim for engine repairs.
Will Gap Insurance Cover Engine Failure?
Gap insurance is an optional coverage that can be included in an auto insurance policy. However, it does not cover engine failure or other mechanical problems with your vehicle. Gap insurance primarily covers the difference between the book value of your totaled car and the amount you still owe on it in the event of a covered claim.
For example, if your car is declared a total loss after an accident, and the insurance company determines that the actual cash value of your vehicle is lower than the remaining balance on your car loan or lease, gap insurance will bridge the gap and cover the remaining amount owed.
Gap insurance is specifically designed to protect against financial loss in the event of a total loss, and it does not provide coverage for engine failures, normal wear and tear, or other mechanical issues with your vehicle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, standard car insurance policies usually don’t cover engine repairs unless a covered accident or peril causes them. Comprehensive and collision coverage may protect engine repairs if a covered claim causes damage. However, reviewing your policy to understand the specific terms and conditions to ensure you have adequate protection is essential.
Alternative coverage options to consider include warranties like bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties or mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) to protect your finances in case of mechanical problems not covered by your warranty or insurance policy. Remember that car insurance has exclusions and limitations, so it’s crucial to be aware of them. By understanding your coverage options and limitations, you can make informed decisions to ensure that you have appropriate protection for your vehicle and engine repairs.
FAQs
Will my car insurance cover engine repairs if my engine fails due to normal wear and tear?
No, car insurance generally does not cover engine repairs resulting from normal wear and tear. Car insurance is designed to protect against accidental damage or events outside of your control. Engine failures due to regular maintenance and age-related wear are considered a part of regular vehicle ownership responsibilities and are not typically covered by insurance.
What should I do if my engine fails and I suspect it’s due to a covered claim?
If you believe your engine failure results from a covered claim, such as an accident or a non-collision event like theft or vandalism, you should contact your insurance company to report the claim. They will guide you through the claims process, which may involve providing documentation and evidence of the covered event. The insurance company will assess the cause of the engine failure and determine if it falls under the coverage provided by your policy.
Can I purchase additional coverage to protect against engine failures not covered by my car insurance policy?
Yes, additional coverage options are available to protect against engine failures not covered by standard car insurance. Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) is a separate policy that you can purchase from your car insurance company. MBI provides coverage for mechanical failures and breakdowns that are not covered by your warranty or standard car insurance policy. It can be valuable if you want extra protection for engine failures and other mechanical issues.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals in legal and financial fields before making any decisions.