Mechanical Breakdown Coverage: Is It Part Of Auto Insurance?

Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) is an optional add-on to your car insurance policy that covers repairs to your vehicle's essential components in the event of a mechanical breakdown. While standard car insurance policies cover accidents and damage to the body of your car, MBI covers the cost of repairing or replacing major vehicle systems, such as the engine or transmission, which are not typically covered by standard policies. MBI is similar to an extended warranty but provides broader coverage and is more affordable, with costs ranging from $30 to $100 per year on average.

What is mechanical breakdown insurance?

Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) is an optional coverage that provides protection for repairs not typically covered by standard car insurance. It is an extra layer of protection that you can add to your auto insurance policy. It covers the cost of repairs to your vehicle's essential components if your car breaks down.

MBI covers repairs to some of your vehicle's most critical systems, such as the engine, transmission, drive axle, air conditioning, heating, steering, suspension, emissions, and exhaust. It is worth noting that MBI does not cover routine maintenance or upkeep, such as changing fluids, replacing spark plugs, filters, brake pads, or tires. It also does not cover damage caused by collisions.

MBI is typically purchased through a car insurance company and added to an existing insurance policy for a low monthly cost. The cost of MBI varies depending on factors such as the type of car, mileage, and insurance provider. On average, MBI costs between $30 and $100 per year.

MBI is a good option for those with newer vehicles who want to avoid paying out-of-pocket repair costs and those who plan to keep their vehicles for a long time. It provides peace of mind and helps to ensure that your vehicle stays fully functioning.

What does mechanical breakdown insurance cover?

Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) is an optional add-on to your car insurance policy that covers the cost of repairs to your vehicle's essential components in the event of a mechanical breakdown. This includes repairs to the engine, transmission, and brakes, which are not typically covered by standard car insurance policies. MBI is similar to an extended warranty but provides more coverage and is often more affordable.

MBI covers repairs to the following systems in your vehicle:

• Engine
• Transmission
• Brakes
• Steering
• Air conditioning
• Fuel system

It's important to note that MBI does not cover routine maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, or brake pad replacements. Wear and tear on parts like belts, hoses, and brakes are also generally excluded from coverage. Additionally, MBI does not provide coverage for towing or damage resulting from accidents, collisions, or environmental factors.

The cost of MBI varies depending on the type of vehicle, mileage, and insurance provider, but it typically ranges from $30 to $100 per year. It is worth considering if you have a newer vehicle, plan to keep your vehicle for a long time, or are concerned about covering out-of-pocket repair costs.

What doesn't it cover?

Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) is an optional coverage that provides protection for repairs not typically covered by standard car insurance. However, there are certain exclusions to what is covered by MBI.

MBI does not cover routine maintenance services, including oil changes, spark plug replacement, tire rotations, and other wear and tear components. This includes fluids (coolant, washer fluid, brake fluid), brake pad replacement, wiper blades, air filters, oil filters, and other similar items.

Additionally, MBI does not cover towing or damage resulting from accidents, collisions, or environmental factors. It also does not cover repairs made necessary by intentional damage, corrosion, misuse, or improper maintenance.

It's important to note that the specific exclusions may vary depending on the insurance provider and the policy details, so it's always a good idea to carefully review the terms and conditions of your MBI policy to understand exactly what is and isn't covered.

How much does it cost?

Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) is an optional add-on to your insurance coverage. It is not included in auto insurance. The cost of MBI varies depending on several factors, such as the type of car, the mileage on the odometer, and the insurance provider. On average, MBI costs anywhere between $30 and $100 per year as an add-on policy. This is a more affordable option when compared to an extended car warranty, which offers similar coverage.

MBI is generally purchased as an add-on to an existing insurance policy for a low monthly cost. The cost of MBI depends on the value of the car, the length of the policy, the mileage, and the type of vehicle. For example, luxury cars or electric vehicles may have higher MBI costs due to their higher repair costs.

The cost of MBI can also vary depending on the insurance company. It is recommended to get quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best cost and coverage for your vehicle's needs. Additionally, MBI policies tend to have higher deductibles, so it's important to consider the out-of-pocket costs associated with the policy.

When deciding whether to purchase MBI, it's important to consider the reliability of your car and the likelihood of a major breakdown. MBI may be a good option if you have a newer car, plan to keep your vehicle for a long time, or are concerned about covering repair costs out of pocket. However, if your vehicle is older, has higher mileage, or you have a budget for repairs, MBI may not be necessary.

Is it worth the price?

Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) is an optional coverage that provides protection for repairs not typically covered by standard car insurance. It covers repairs to a vehicle's essential components in the event of a breakdown. This includes repairs to the engine, transmission, and brakes, which are not covered by standard car insurance policies. MBI is similar to an extended warranty but provides more coverage. It is worth considering if you are worried about covering out-of-pocket repair costs, or if you plan to keep your vehicle for a long time.

The cost of MBI varies depending on the provider, the type of car, and the mileage on the odometer, but it typically ranges from $30 to $100 per year as an add-on policy. This is more affordable than an extended warranty, which can cost between $400 and $900 per year. MBI is also more flexible in terms of where you can take your car for repairs, whereas extended warranties may require you to use specific mechanics and garages.

However, MBI does have some drawbacks. It does not cover routine maintenance and wear and tear items such as fluids, brake pad replacements, and tire rotations. Additionally, it may not be worth it for those who have reliable vehicles with low average repair costs or who have money set aside for repairs. Furthermore, MBI is not offered by every insurance company, and not all cars qualify for coverage. For example, Geico, one of the largest providers of MBI, requires that the car be less than 15 months old and have less than 15,000 miles on the odometer.

Ultimately, the decision to purchase MBI is a personal one. It may be worth it for those with newer or less reliable vehicles who are concerned about the cost of repairs. However, for those with reliable vehicles or those who have money set aside for repairs, it may not provide enough value to justify the additional cost. It's important to consider your vehicle's reliability, average repair costs, and the likelihood of a breakdown when deciding whether to purchase MBI.

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