Does car insurance cover mechanical failure?

Does auto insurance cover mechanical failures? Mechanical failures can be sudden and costly, but there may be a way to get help with expenses.

Car insurance covers mechanical failures in specific situations, if you have the correct coverage on your policy. 

Read through this article to learn how car insurance covers mechanical failure and how you can compare car insurance.

After you’ve learned what it takes to get car insurance coverage for mechanical failure, enter your ZIP code in the free comparison tool above to compare the top companies near you.

Does car insurance cover mechanical failure?

It depends on the situation. Your auto insurance company will only cover mechanical failure as a result of an accident.

Here’s a list of types of coverage options that cover mechanical failure that occurs because of a car accident:

• Liability Coverage – Your mechanical failure is covered by the other driver’s insurance when the other driver is at fault in an accident
• Collision Coverage – Regardless of fault, an auto insurance company provides coverage for mechanical failure after you’ve been in an accident
• Comprehensive Coverage – Any mechanical failures that occur after a non-collision accident is covered by comprehensive insurance

If your car breaks down due to normal wear and tear or for any reason that doesn’t fall under the limits of your auto policy, your auto insurance company won’t cover any expenses related to vehicle repairs.

Can GAP insurance cover mechanical failures?

The answer is no. GAP insurance covers the difference between your vehicle’s value at the time of a total loss and the remaining balance on your car loan. 

If your vehicle is stolen or a total loss in a crash, and your insurance company pays out less than what you still owe on the loan, you can file a GAP insurance claim. 

Read more: Does my car insurance cover a stolen car?

So what can you do to ensure extra protection since car insurance companies don’t cover mechanical failure in most cases? Continue reading how warranties and mechanical breakdown insurance can help.

Do warranties cover mechanical failures?

Yes, they do. New and used vehicle warranties cover mechanical failures for a specified period of time, often between three and 10 years. (For more information, read our “Best Car Insurance Company for a Used Vehicle“).

When you have a mechanical failure, you can return your car to the dealership and get your car serviced for free.

Before your warranty expires, you can buy an extended warranty. Extended warranty terms and mileage limits vary for each company.

According to the Ford Motor Company, you can get a Powertrain Limited Warranty, which lasts for five years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first).

Does mechanical breakdown insurance cover mechanical failure?

Mechanical breakdown insurance covers mechanical failure, but it only covers specific parts of a car. It is not available from all types of auto insurance companies, and must be added as an optional coverage in most cases.

Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) is also known as car repair insurance, and is similar in many ways to a manufacturer’s warranty

Here’s a list of parts that are usually covered by mechanical breakdown insurance.

• Air conditioning
• Cooling systems
• Electrical systems
• Engine
• Exhaust
• Fuel systems
• Steering components
• Transmission

Read more:

• Does my car insurance cover damage caused by a transmission failure?
• Does my car insurance cover damage caused by a manufacturer’s defect?

Mechanical breakdown insurance does not cover maintenance or wear and tear. In other words, you won’t get coverage for rust damage.

Also, mechanical breakdown insurance doesn’t cover damage from accidents. 

Which car insurance company has mechanical breakdown insurance?

You find mechanical breakdown insurance companies all over the internet. However, even some of the major insurance companies don’t carry it.

GEICO is one big auto insurance provider that does offer mechanical breakdown insurance as a part of its insurance products. Many people mistake GEICO’s mechanical breakdown insurance as a GEICO extended warranty.

If you’re wondering what other companies offer this coverage, you’ll need to check with the specific company. Does Progressive insurance cover engine failure, for example? No, Progressive doesn’t provide car repair insurance.

Shop around until you can locate a company that carries the mechanical breakdown coverage you need.

Does car insurance cover mechanical problems?

If your mechanical problems are from normal wear and tear, a car insurance company won’t pay for any mechanical problem.

Your auto insurance company may cover mechanical problems that occur after an accident, if they are a direct result of that accident.

If you have roadside assistance, your insurance company may help with things like a dead battery or a flat tire, as well as towing.

Read more: Does my car insurance cover towing and roadside assistance?

Does car insurance cover bad repairs?

Car insurance companies do not cover poor repairs. Faulty repairs must be covered by the auto shop that performed the service. Car repair shops usually have a 30-day warranty for quality assurance to customers.

If you had repairs done for a covered claim and used one of your insurance company’s preferred shops, the work may be warrantied for longer.

If repairs don’t restore your vehicle, take it back to the auto repair shop and explain what’s happening to your car.

Does car insurance cover mechanic negligence?

Mechanic negligence is covered by the car repair shop’s general liability coverage.

Some auto repair businesses carry general liability insurance to avoid out-of-pocket costs.

However, shade-tree mechanics may not have it. We recommend that you get a licensed mechanic.

Although car insurance companies won’t pay for mechanic negligence, they can help you find a good mechanic.

Case Studies: Does car insurance cover mechanical failure?

Case Study 1: Sarah’s Accident-Related Mechanical Failure

Sarah was driving her car when she was involved in a serious accident. The impact of the collision caused mechanical damage to her vehicle’s engine. Fortunately, Sarah had comprehensive coverage on her car insurance policy, which covered the cost of repairing the mechanical failure caused by the accident.

She filed a claim with her insurance company, and they took care of the repair expenses, ensuring that Sarah didn’t have to bear the financial burden on her own.

Case Study 2: John’s Vehicle Breakdown Due to Normal Wear and Tear

John’s car suddenly broke down one day while he was driving to work. After having the car towed to a repair shop, he was informed that the breakdown was due to normal wear and tear and not the result of an accident or covered claim. John realized that his car insurance wouldn’t cover the repair costs for mechanical failures that aren’t accident-related.

Fortunately, John had purchased an extended warranty when he bought the car, which covered the cost of the repairs. The warranty provided him with the necessary protection for mechanical failures outside of covered claims.

Case Study 3: Lisa’s Mechanical Breakdown Insurance Coverage

Lisa’s car experienced a mechanical failure with its transmission. She had opted for mechanical breakdown insurance as an optional coverage on her auto insurance policy. When she took her car to the repair shop, the mechanic confirmed that the transmission needed to be replaced. Lisa contacted her insurance company and filed a claim for the mechanical failure.

Thanks to her mechanical breakdown insurance, the insurance company covered the cost of the transmission replacement, saving Lisa from significant out-of-pocket expenses.

Car Insurance Coverage for Mechanical Failure: What’s the bottom line?

Auto insurance only covers mechanical failure if it involves an accident or covered comprehensive claim. Car warranties and mechanical breakdown insurance are more equipped to cover mechanical failure.

Car insurance may not cover mechanical failure, but our free online quote tool can help search for affordable car insurance. Enter your ZIP code below to start comparing the best companies in your area.