When your vehicle gets damaged, the first question you may ask is, does my car insurance cover repairs? It is worth checking whether your car insurance provider offers policies that cover repairs. However, repair coverage depends on the repair type and the cause behind the issue. Your insurers won’t pay for repairs unless the problems are covered under incidents like accidents, vandalism, or severe weather.
This blog explores the answers to some common questions about whether car insurance covers repairs, what to do in case of car repairs, and what additional options you have to protect your car.
Why Do You Need Car Insurance?
Car insurance is crucial to provide the necessary safety net during an accident, theft, or other damage to the vehicle. However, many people need clarification about the extent of coverage offered by their car insurance policy, particularly when it comes to repairs.
Most states mandate drivers to have car insurance. You may require only minimum liability insurance to cover the driver’s property damage or injury costs in accidents.
You are advised to add comprehensive or collision coverage to your policy. It will protect your car from certain types of damage. Comprehensive coverage protects from damages caused by vandalism, theft, and natural disasters. Collision coverage helps when there is damage to the car from any accident, no matter who is at fault.
What is Car Repair Insurance?
Even though collision and comprehensive coverage help in saving crucial out-of-pocket costs, they won’t protect against a mechanical breakdown. This is where car repair insurance, or mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI), comes into view.
Only a few auto insurance providers offer mechanical breakdown insurance in the United States. Those who provide such coverage have various terms and conditions.
Mechanical Breakdown Insurance is quite similar to an extended car warranty as both cover identical aspects. However, MBI does not cover replacing wear-and-tear items like brake pads, spark plugs, filters, or tires. On the contrary, it helps pay for repairs to critical engine components and other essential parts in the case of a breakdown.
Does Car Insurance Cover Repairs?
In most car insurance coverage, mechanical problems are usually not included in standard policies. However, some mechanical problems are covered by comprehensive and collision auto insurance. Car insurance is particularly designed to cover the costs of vehicular accidents and other unexpected damages. Your insurance policy may provide coverage for some mechanical issues, depending on your situation:
- If you are involved in a car accident, your insurance policy generally covers repairing your vehicle. This includes any mechanical problems that may have resulted from the accident, such as damage to the engine or other components. However, if the mechanical problem was not caused by the accident, it may not be covered by your insurance policy.
- If you are involved in a collision with an animal while driving, your insurance policy may cover any mechanical problems resulting from the accident. However, your insurance policy will not provide coverage if your car breaks down because of regular wear and tear or a pre-existing mechanical issue.
- If your car breaks down while driving, your auto insurance policy will not provide coverage for repairs unless the breakdown results from an accident or collision. You can also purchase additional coverage for roadside assistance to cover the costs of towing and other services if your car breaks down.
- If you experience engine trouble after a crash, the cost of repairs isn’t covered. However, the specific coverage will depend on your policy’s details and the engine trouble’s cause. For example, if the engine trouble was caused by a defect in the vehicle’s design, it may be covered under a manufacturer’s warranty rather than your insurance policy.
How To Claim Car Insurance For Repairs
In case you have purchased comprehensive or collision car insurance coverage, file a claim for car repairs caused by events covered in your policy.
For instance, if a heavy item falls on your vehicle’s hood, causing a severe dent, comprehensive coverage will cover the damage. However, if your car’s hood is already rusty and has scratches, the insurance won’t cover its repairs.
Check all your documents and damages, then contact the insurance company to ask what you’ll require to file your claim. Your insurance agent will provide all details regarding the ins and outs of filing the claim.
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Can My Car’s Warranty Help?
Yes, your vehicle warranty can help cover certain mechanical problems. Many new vehicles come with a warranty from the manufacturer. It covers certain repairs and replacements for a specific period of time or mileage. Additionally, some dealerships offer extended warranties that can provide coverage beyond the manufacturer’s warranty period.
Note that vehicle warranties only cover mechanical problems due to defects in materials or workmanship. They will not cover regular wear and tear, routine maintenance, or damage caused by accidents or misuse.
If you experience a mechanical problem that your warranty may cover, it’s important to contact your dealership or manufacturer to begin the claims process. There’s a possibility that you will have to pay a deductible or other out-of-pocket costs, depending on your warranty terms.
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Will Insurance Cover a Rental If My Car Breaks Down?
If you need a rental when your car breaks down, your auto insurance can help. Some policies include rental car coverage, which helps pay for a rental car at a time when your vehicle is under repair. However, this coverage only applies if the breakdown was caused by an incident covered by your insurance policy, such as an accident or theft.
Conclusion
To answer the question: Does my car insurance cover repairs? In most cases, car insurance covers repairs caused by an accident or a covered incident, such as theft or vandalism. However, it will typically not cover breakdowns from normal wear and tear of your vehicle. Additionally, there are other options you can use to help protect your car, such as extended warranties or preventative maintenance. Explore all your options through your auto insurance policy regarding car repairs.