Does my car insurance cover damage caused by a brake failure?

If your car encounters a brake failure and this causes an accident, you may be worried about the consequences.

In addition, you may wonder whether your car insurance covers damage caused by a brake failure. This is one of the most common things people need to know about how to correctly handle a car accident. We understand your concern and can provide you with some answers below.

What type of insurance can cover damage caused by a brake failure?

Liability insurance (such as broad form car insurance coverage) should pay for consequential damage to third-party property should you cause a collision following a brake failure. (For more information, read our “Best Broad Form Coverage Car Insurance Company“).

If you work with the best collision coverage car insurance companies, they will pay for repairs to your vehicle in this situation. This insurance should also pay for any repairs to mechanical components that may have been damaged in the accident.

For example, if you can show that the accident damaged parts of your brake system, your insurance company may also pay to replace these parts.

If you have a policy with one of the best comprehensive coverage car insurance companies, this may provide some protection if you hit a wild animal when your brakes fail to work.

Read more: Does car insurance cover damage caused by a collision with an animal if I only have liability coverage?

Can insurance cover the cost of replacing a brake system?

Standard car insurance policies do not cover mechanical failures. However, the company may agree to repair or replace certain mechanical components if the accident damages them.

Does car insurance cover non-accident repairs? If you hit another vehicle or object and this caused direct damage or failure to a component (such as engine, transmission or radiator), repair or replacement could be covered by insurance.

Read more: Does my car insurance cover damage caused by a transmission failure?

You would need collision cover unless another party caused the accident. In this case, you can claim against that party’s insurance and include the cost of the parts.

Is it possible to get any form of insurance for mechanical parts?

You may have a vehicle warranty in place or can purchase an extended warranty instead. These policies often cover the cost of replacing mechanical parts, but certain exclusions exist.

For example, they don’t cover failures caused by wear and tear. In addition, a few insurance companies may offer a specialist type of car insurance coverage known as MBI (mechanical breakdown insurance), which has similar terms to an extended warranty.

How can you avoid an accident caused by brake failure?

Always take your vehicle in for any recommended service visits and ensure that you entrust the work to a qualified mechanic. You may want to schedule additional visits if you drive your vehicle extensively and cover more distance than the average motorist.

A mechanic will change brake fluid, pads, and other consumables when needed, which should help you avoid the risk of any brake failure.

Case Studies: Car Insurance Coverage for Damage Caused by Brake Failure

Case Study 1: Liability Coverage for Brake Failure Collision

Emily experienced a brake failure while driving and collided with another vehicle. As a result, the other driver’s car was damaged, and they sustained injuries. Emily’s liability insurance, as required by her state, covered the property damage and medical expenses of the other driver. Her insurance company handled the claims and provided financial protection in this unfortunate situation.

Case Study 2: Collision Coverage for Brake Failure Damage to Vehicle

Mark’s brakes failed while he was driving, causing him to crash into a concrete barrier. His vehicle sustained significant damage, including damage to the braking system itself. Luckily, Mark had collision coverage as part of his car insurance policy. His insurance company covered the cost of repairing the damages to his vehicle, including the necessary repairs to the braking system.

Case Study 3: Comprehensive Coverage for Brake Failure and Wildlife Collision

Sarah’s brakes failed, and she ended up colliding with a deer on the road. The collision caused damage to her vehicle and required repairs to the braking system. Fortunately, Sarah had comprehensive coverage, which includes coverage for damages caused by wildlife collisions. Her insurance company covered the cost of repairing her vehicle.

Read more: Does my car insurance cover damage caused by a deer or other wildlife?

Could a car insurance company cover damage caused by a brake failure?

If you get into an accident caused by brake failure, your insurance company will cover damage to third parties. If you have collision insurance coverage, the company will also pay for the damage to your vehicle.

If the accident caused direct damage to the braking system, your insurer will typically pay to repair or replace these parts.