Does Car Insurance Cover Repairs?

Yes, car insurance covers repairs. But does it cover all types of repairs? Or just accidents and other perils? If you’re shopping for car insurance, it is essential to understand exactly which repair costs are covered.

As cars can breakdown, or have mechanical failure at any moment, does car insurance cover routine maintenance? How about something as simple yet important such as oil change?

In this article, you will learn what car insurance repairs cover, and what they don’t. Additionally, it also explores whether auto insurance covers mechanical failure, and recommendations for the types of auto insurance coverage to consider.

What Does Car Insurance Repair Cover?

First it is important to understand the core purpose of having car insurance. Car insurance has been specifically designed to financially protect you from accidental damage, or unprecedented events such as vandalism, fire outbreak, and natural disasters.

Before purchasing a car insurance policy, it is important to make sure you fully understand what it covers. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what car insurance repairs include.

Accidental Damage Repairs

If you run into an accident, and your car gets damaged, your car insurance will cover the repair costs up to your policy's coverage limit. If you were at-fault for the accident, then your auto liability insurance will cover the vehicle damage repair costs of the other driver.

To cover the damage repairs of your own car, there are auto insurance coverages such as collision auto insurance which specifically covers vehicle damages when your car crashes into an object, animal, or another vehicle regardless of whoever is at-fault.

Damages due to Vandalism, Fire Outbreak and Natural Disasters

There are times when your car can get damaged due to unprecedented incidents that are beyond your control such as vandalism, fire outbreak, and natural disasters like flood, earthquake, and dangerous storms.

These incidents can significantly damage your car, but the great news is if your car insurance policy includes comprehensive auto insurance then your car insurance policy will cover the repair costs up to your coverage limit.

What Does Car Insurance Repair Not Cover?

It is even more crucial to know what car insurance repairs don’t cover. If you set the wrong expectations, later it may be financially difficult for you to afford repairs that are not covered by your car insurance policy.

So, why it is absolutely essential for you to know, and understand repair costs that are not covered by car insurance as follows.

Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance is essential to ensure that your car functions properly, and for a safe driving experience. Typically, you would need to get your car’s routine maintenance done every 6 months or a year which mainly includes changing the oil filter, fixing brake pads, spark plugs, suspension system and more.

Although routine maintenance is vital especially to ensure vehicle safety, unfortunately it is not covered by car insurance. So, any repair costs for routine maintenance will not be covered by your car insurance policy.

Sudden Breakdown or Mechanical Failure

Typically, car insurance does not cover repair costs for sudden breakdowns or mechanical failures that aren’t caused by an accident. So, if your car suddenly breaks down, and does not work, then you will have to bear the repair costs out of pocket.

Although there’s an optional add-on insurance known as the Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) which does cover sudden breakdown due to engine failure, problems with suspension and transmission, and more.

Keep in mind that if the sudden breakdown is deemed a minor issue like routine maintenance, then it won’t be covered by your MBI insurance coverage either.

Damage Due to Racing, Stunts and Other Reckless Driving Behavior

Intentionally indulging in risky, negligent and reckless driving practices directly violates your car insurance agreement. This mainly includes racing, pulling dangerous stunts, and driving under influence (DUI).

These negligent, and risky behavior directly violates your car insurance agreement as you’re deliberately putting yourself at risk. So, if your car gets damaged while you’re racing, performing car stunts or driving under influence, you will not get any auto insurance coverage for the repair expenses. In worse case scenarios your car insurance may even get suspended or cancelled.

Excluded Drivers

If you have enlisted any excluded driver to your car insurance policy and if they get into an accident while driving your car, your car insurance policy won’t cover any repair expenses that’s incurred.

The person who was driving your car will either need to claim their own car insurance policy, or they need to compensate the repair costs out of pocket.

Types of Auto Insurance Coverage to Consider

There are different types of auto insurance coverage that’s designed to protect you in different circumstances. While a few are mandatory, others are essential auto insurance coverage that’s both crucial and extremely necessary. Here’s a detailed breakdown of mandatory, and optional auto insurance coverages that you should consider acquiring in Michigan.

If you’re looking for affordableauto insurance coverage here in Michigan, then you can consider exploring our insurance solutions. You can also visit offices located in Flint MI, Saginaw MI, and Mt Pleasant MI to consult with an auto insurance expert in-person.

PLPD Insurance

PLPD (personal injury and property damage) insurance is a mandatory liability auto insurance that covers bodily injuries, vehicle and property damage when you’re at-fault for a car accident. When it comes to car insurance repairs, the PLPD insurance will specifically pay the other driver to repair their vehicle damage expenses up to your coverage limit.

However, the PLPD insurance coverage only applies when it comes to accidental car repairs. In Michigan it is mandatory for you to get a minimum auto insurance coverage of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damages. Here’s a guide if you’re interested in learning how does PLPD insurance work inMichigan.

Collision Insurance

If you want to ensure that your car is financially protected from accidental damage for colliding with another vehicle, animal or object then it is crucial for you to ensure having collision auto insurance.

Although collision auto insurance is optional, it is extremely necessary as it covers car repair costs if the vehicle has been damaged due to any type of collision regardless of whoever is at-fault. Keep in mind that collision auto insurance only covers accidental damages, it won’t apply for any non-accidental damage including routine maintenance.

Comprehensive Insurance

Comprehensive insurance is an optional but valuable coverage that protects your vehicle from damage caused by unexpected events beyond your control. This includes theft, vandalism, fires, natural disasters, and severe weather conditions.

Just like collision auto insurance, comprehensive insurance coverage only covers accidents and other perils. It won’t cover your car if it experiences a mechanical failure, suddenly breaks down or requires routine maintenance.

Mechanical Breakdown Insurance

Mechanical breakdown is a common issue for cars, after all it’s a machine. So, if you want to cover your car’s repair costs for sudden breakdowns whether it’s an issue with the engine, transmission, breaks or any other mechanical failure, it is crucial to ensure having the Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI).

Unlike the other car insurance coverage, MBI insurance will cover you for non-accidental repairs. So, if you ensure that your car’s repair costs are covered for both accidental and non-accidental damage then it is vital for you to consider adding MBI to your car insurance policy.

The Bottom Line

If you’re still wondering whether car insurance covers repairs, typically yes. But most car insurance coverage only compensates for accidental damage. If you want auto insurance coverage for non-accidental damages too, especially due to sudden breakdowns and mechanical failure then you should consider having MBI insurance.

It’s understandable that it can get quite confusing especially when you need to determine which auto insurance coverages you should buy to get adequate financial protection within your budget.

So, if you need help determining a balanced combination of auto insurance coverages you can contact us to get a free quote and consultation with one of our insurance experts today.

FAQ

Does insurance cover vehicle repairs?

Yes, auto insurance does cover vehicle repairs, but most car insurance coverage only covers it for accidents and other perils.

Will insurance cover engine failure?

Car insurance coverage such as collision and comprehensive insurance covers engine failure but only if it’s due to accidental damage. If you want coverage for sudden breakdowns which can include both mechanical and engine failure you should consider acquiring mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI).

Does auto insurance cover mechanical failure?

Yes, most auto insurance coverage provides compensation for mechanical failure due to accidental damage. If you want to ensure covering mechanical failure even for non-accidental damages, you should consider adding mechanical breakdown insurance coverage (MBI).  

Does car insurance cover break in repairs?

Yes, comprehensive auto insurance covers repairs for break ins, vandalism and other perils that you’re beyond your control.