Transmission Repairs: Are You Covered By Auto Insurance?

Whether your auto insurance covers transmission repair depends on the cause of the damage. If the damage is due to normal wear and tear, mechanical failure, or other non-accidental causes, it is unlikely to be covered. However, if the damage is caused by a covered peril, such as a collision, flood, or vandalism, your insurance may cover the repairs. It's important to review your insurance policy and understand what is covered to determine if transmission repairs are included. In some cases, you may need to purchase additional coverage, such as mechanical breakdown insurance, to ensure protection against transmission issues.

Transmission repair is covered by auto insurance if the damage is caused by a covered incident

Transmission repair can be extremely expensive. Unfortunately, standard auto insurance policies do not cover transmission repairs unless the damage is caused by a covered incident. This means that if your transmission breaks down due to mechanical failure or general wear and tear, you will have to pay for the repairs yourself. However, if your transmission is damaged as a result of a covered incident, your insurance company may cover the cost of repairs.

So, what is considered a covered incident? Covered incidents typically include accidents, collisions, and other sudden and accidental types of damage. For example, if your vehicle is involved in a collision that results in front-end damage, and the impact causes damage to the transmission, your insurance company may cover the cost of repairs. Similarly, if your vehicle is caught in a flood and the engine is submerged, causing damage to the transmission, this would also be considered a covered incident.

It is important to note that the specific details of what is covered can vary depending on your insurance company and policy. Therefore, it is always a good idea to carefully review your policy documents and contact your insurance agent to clarify what is and isn't covered. Additionally, keep in mind that if the cost of repairing your transmission is too high, your insurance company may consider your vehicle a total loss and reimburse you for its value instead of covering the repairs.

If you want additional coverage for mechanical breakdowns, you can consider purchasing mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI). MBI covers repairs to all mechanical parts of your vehicle, including the transmission. However, MBI is typically only available for newer vehicles and may not be offered by all insurance companies.

Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) covers transmission repairs

Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) is an optional type of insurance that provides coverage for the major systems in your car, like the engine and transmission, which are not covered by standard car insurance policies. MBI is similar to an extended warranty but provides more coverage. It is sometimes referred to as car repair insurance.

MBI covers the cost to repair or replace the major components of your vehicle if they break down due to mechanical failure. This includes repairs to the radiator, fuel and exhaust systems, brakes, and suspension systems. It's important to note that MBI does not cover damage caused by an accident, misuse, or abuse, and it does not cover the cost of routine maintenance such as oil changes.

MBI is available for new or leased cars that are less than 15 months old and with less than 15,000 miles. The customer must also be the first owner of the vehicle. Once purchased, MBI can be renewed for up to seven years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

The cost of MBI varies depending on factors such as the type of vehicle, the number of miles to be covered, and the length of the contract. On average, MBI costs around $100 per year, with a deductible of about $250.

If you're considering MBI, it's important to review the specific terms and conditions of the policy, as coverage can vary among insurance providers.

Collision coverage may cover transmission damage

Collision coverage is an auto insurance policy that helps pay for the cost of repairs to your vehicle if it's involved in a collision with another vehicle or object. This type of coverage is particularly useful if you're at fault for the accident, as it can help cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle, regardless of who is at fault. It's important to note that collision coverage has its limitations and doesn't cover all types of damage to your vehicle.

In terms of transmission damage, collision coverage may provide protection in certain scenarios. For instance, if your vehicle sustains front-end damage in a collision, it could result in damage to the transmission and other mechanical parts. In this case, collision coverage would typically extend to the transmission repairs, as it is directly related to the covered incident.

Similarly, if your vehicle is parked and hit from behind, causing it to lurch forward, the transmission could be damaged by being forced to move while in the wrong gear. Collision coverage would likely apply in this scenario as well, as the damage is a direct result of the collision.

It's worth noting that not all transmission issues are covered by collision insurance. If your transmission fails due to mechanical problems, general wear and tear, or non-accidental causes, it would not be covered by collision coverage. Insurance companies determine what damages to cover based on the cause of the damage, rather than the type of damage. Therefore, it's essential to review your policy carefully to understand what is and isn't covered.

Additionally, if you're considering purchasing collision coverage, it's important to weigh the costs and benefits. Collision coverage may increase your insurance premiums, so it's crucial to assess your financial situation and the value of your vehicle before making a decision.

Comprehensive coverage may cover transmission damage

Comprehensive coverage is an optional type of car insurance that covers damage to your vehicle in certain situations that don't involve a collision. Comprehensive coverage can be used no matter who is at fault and helps pay for repairs over your deductible, so you're not stuck paying the entire bill yourself. It is important to note that comprehensive coverage does not cover damages caused by hitting another vehicle or object, or normal wear and tear on your vehicle.

If you are unsure whether your comprehensive coverage includes transmission damage, it is best to contact your insurance provider and review your policy. It is important to understand what your coverage includes so that you can make informed decisions about your vehicle repairs and maintenance.

In addition to comprehensive coverage, there are other types of coverage that may help cover the cost of transmission repairs. For example, collision coverage may apply if you hit another object, such as a tree or fence, or if your car is hit while parked and the transmission is damaged. Uninsured motorist coverage may also provide protection if another driver damages your transmission and doesn't have adequate insurance to cover the repairs.

Uninsured motorist coverage may cover transmission repair

Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to protect you from unexpected costs in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. This type of coverage ensures that you are not left financially responsible for repairs that should be covered by the other driver's insurance.

It is worth noting that standard auto insurance policies typically do not cover transmission repair unless the damage was caused by a covered incident, such as an accident or bad weather. In most cases, you will need to have specific mechanical breakdown insurance coverage or a warranty that covers the transmission for the repairs to be included.

Additionally, comprehensive coverage may also cover transmission repair if the damage was caused by events beyond your control, such as theft, vandalism, or weather-related issues. On the other hand, collision coverage may apply if the damage was caused by hitting an object or another vehicle.

Frequently asked questions