A blown engine can cost thousands of dollars to repair, so it's important to know whether your auto insurance will cover it. Unfortunately, standard car insurance policies do not typically cover engine damage or mechanical breakdowns. However, there are some exceptions and additional coverage options that may provide protection in certain situations. For example, if your engine failure is due to an accident covered by collision or comprehensive insurance, the repairs may be covered. Additionally, mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) can be purchased as optional coverage to protect against engine damage due to mechanical issues or normal wear and tear. Furthermore, if your vehicle is relatively new, it may still be covered under the manufacturer's warranty, which includes mechanical issues for a certain period or mileage. In summary, while basic car insurance may not cover a blown engine, there are additional coverage options and warranties available to help mitigate the financial burden of unexpected engine repairs.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Will auto insurance cover a blown motor? | Depends on the policy type and cause of the engine blowout |
Types of auto insurance that cover a blown motor | Comprehensive insurance, collision insurance, mechanical breakdown insurance |
Conditions under which auto insurance covers a blown motor | The blown motor is caused by commonly covered perils; the damage is covered under the car's warranty; the damage is caused by an accident or other insurable event |
Types of auto insurance that do not cover a blown motor | Liability-only insurance, gap insurance |
What You'll Learn
Comprehensive insurance may cover a blown engine
Comprehensive insurance is a type of coverage that helps pay to repair or replace your car if it is stolen, vandalised, or damaged in a fire or other mishap like severe weather events. It also covers damage from hitting an animal. Comprehensive insurance is sometimes called "other than collision" coverage.
When filing a comprehensive insurance claim for engine repair, you may need additional documentation, such as regular maintenance records or recent mechanic reports, to prove that the engine was sound before the incident.
To protect your vehicle against general engine failure, you may need to purchase an extended warranty or mechanical breakdown coverage.
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Collision insurance may cover a blown engine
Collision insurance is an optional car insurance policy that covers damage to your vehicle if you are in an accident that is your fault. If you are in a collision and your car requires repairs, your collision coverage will cover the costs of those repairs. However, it is important to note that collision insurance does not cover mechanical breakdowns or issues.
If your engine fails due to a collision, those repairs would be covered by collision insurance. For example, if you are in a car accident and your engine is damaged as a result, collision insurance would cover the cost of repairing or replacing the engine.
On the other hand, if your engine fails due to mechanical problems, normal wear and tear, or neglect, collision insurance will not cover the repairs. In that case, you would need to look into other options, such as mechanical breakdown insurance or a warranty, to cover the cost of repairs.
It is also important to note that collision insurance is subject to deductibles, which will affect your rates. Additionally, collision insurance is not available in all states, so it is important to check with your insurance provider to see if it is an option for you.
In summary, collision insurance may cover a blown engine, but only if the engine failure is the result of a collision and not due to mechanical issues or normal wear and tear. It is important to understand the specifics of your insurance policy and what is and is not covered.
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Mechanical breakdown insurance can cover a blown engine
Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) is an optional insurance policy that can be purchased as an add-on to an existing car insurance policy or as a standalone policy. It covers the costs of repairing or replacing essential components of a vehicle, including the engine, transmission, brakes, and power system. MBI functions as an extended warranty, protecting against unexpected breakdowns and high repair costs.
MBI is especially useful for newer, higher-value, or luxury vehicles, as it provides coverage for mechanical issues that are not typically included in standard car insurance policies. While standard car insurance covers damages resulting from accidents or external causes, it does not cover mechanical breakdowns or engine failures due to normal wear and tear.
When considering MBI, it's important to note that it is only available for newer vehicles, usually those that are 1-3 years old, and not all insurance companies offer this type of coverage. Additionally, MBI often comes with a high deductible, meaning there may be out-of-pocket expenses for the policyholder.
In summary, mechanical breakdown insurance can provide valuable coverage for a blown engine, filling the gaps left by standard car insurance policies. By purchasing MBI, vehicle owners can gain peace of mind knowing that they are protected from the financial burden of unexpected mechanical issues.
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Extended warranties may cover a blown engine
An extended warranty is a service agreement that covers certain types of repairs or replacements for a product beyond the manufacturer's original warranty. While an extended warranty can help protect your car in case something malfunctions or breaks, not all repairs are covered. The items covered by an extended car warranty vary based on the type of warranty you buy and the company you buy it from.
A bumper-to-bumper warranty typically offers the most comprehensive coverage, covering all necessary repairs and replacements for nearly every part of your vehicle. Powertrain warranties are slightly less comprehensive and generally cover only major vehicle components such as the engine, transmission, and drive axle assemblies. Drivetrain warranties cover nearly everything that powertrain warranties cover except for your car's engine.
The engine is usually one of the most important parts covered by an extended warranty. An extended warranty offers further protection for the engine and related parts after the original manufacturer's guarantee expires. Depending on the exact terms and circumstances stated in the warranty contract, the engine coverage under an extended warranty may change. But often, it offers defence against a variety of problems, including defective parts, mechanical failures, and even natural wear and tear.
An engine-specific extended warranty provides a measure of financial stability. It protects vehicle owners from the potentially high expenses of fixing or replacing a broken engine, which can be caused by several things, including wear and tear over time, flaws in the manufacturing process, or unplanned failures.
There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to extended warranties and engine coverage. First, check to see if the warranty conditions include engine failure. Engine coverage is listed clearly in a trustworthy warranty, along with the systems and parts that are covered. Make sure all important engine parts, including the crankshaft, pistons, and cylinder block, are explained clearly and without any ambiguity.
Additionally, the length of the coverage is important. Determine whether the warranty offers long-term protection by extending far enough past the manufacturer's warranty. Extended warranty durations provide comfort, particularly as cars are older and more prone to mechanical problems. Another important consideration is mileage restrictions. Verify whether any mileage limits are included with the warranty and that they correspond with your driving style.
While extended warranties can provide valuable protection against unforeseen repair costs, it is crucial for vehicle owners to approach them with a clear understanding of the terms and conditions. Claims may face rejection due to factors such as insufficient maintenance records, pre-existing issues, unauthorized repairs, or excluded components. To make the most of an extended warranty, diligent adherence to maintenance schedules, prompt reporting of issues, and the use of authorized service providers are essential.
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Gap insurance does not cover a blown engine
Gap insurance is recommended for drivers who finance or lease their vehicles and are worried about being "upside down" on their loan or lease if the car is totaled in an accident. It is also usually recommended for leased vehicles. However, it does not provide coverage for engine failure, normal wear and tear, or other mechanical problems with your vehicle.
While gap insurance does not cover a blown engine, there are other options for coverage. Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI), for example, can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing a blown engine. MBI is available as an endorsement to an existing car insurance policy or as a standalone policy. It covers the costs of select repairs to essential components in your vehicle, including the engine. However, it is important to note that MBI is only available for newer vehicles and is not offered by all insurance companies.
Another option for coverage is a warranty. A warranty is a contract that covers repairs or replacement needed for your vehicle or specific systems within your vehicle. It may cover repairs that your insurance won't, but it generally won't cover normal wear and tear, neglect, or maintenance issues. There are two common types of warranties: bumper-to-bumper and powertrain. A bumper-to-bumper warranty covers most parts and systems in your vehicle and typically lasts three to five years. On the other hand, a powertrain warranty only covers repairs or replacement of the car's powertrain, including the engine, transmission, and driveshaft.
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Frequently asked questions
No, ordinary car insurance does not cover engine damage. This includes issues such as a blown engine, a seized engine, engine failure, a faulty transmission, or brakes that need replacement. Mechanical breakdown insurance, however, will cover a blown engine.
Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) is an optional policy that you can purchase in addition to your regular car insurance. MBI covers the purchase of major car parts like the engine, but it will also kick in if you need to replace your transmission, brakes, power system, and the like.
A blown engine refers to an engine that has suffered “catastrophic damage” that has impacted the motor and thus requires extensive repairs. A failed engine, on the other hand, means there was a malfunction in one part of the engine, and that caused the entire system to stop working.
If your engine fails and you lose power, shift into neutral, put on your emergency flashers, and find a safe place to pull over. Call for roadside assistance, and then contact your insurance provider.