Paul Sanchez
If your engine suddenly stops working while driving, you should pull over, call for roadside assistance, and contact your insurance provider. A blown engine can be expensive to replace or repair, but certain types of insurance can help cover the cost. Whether your insurance covers a blown engine depends on your policy type and what caused the engine to fail. Standard car insurance typically does not cover engine repairs unless they are the result of an accident or other peril covered by the insurance policy. If your engine failure is caused by commonly covered perils, such as a car accident or fallen tree branches, your insurance provider may cover it. On the other hand, if your engine failure is due to failed ignition switches, corrosion, transmission issues, or loose connections, your provider may consider it your responsibility for failing to maintain your vehicle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Engine failure covered by insurance? | Not usually, unless caused by an accident or other peril covered by the insurance policy. |
| What if I only have minimum liability coverage? | Your policy will only pay for damage and injuries to the other party in an at-fault accident. |
| What if I have full coverage? | Your policy covers damages to your own car in a variety of circumstances, through collision and comprehensive coverage. |
| What if the engine failure is due to an accident? | The damage is likely to be covered, once you pay your deductible. |
| What if I have gap insurance? | This won't cover engine failure, but will pay the difference between the book value of your totaled car and the amount you still owe on it. |
| What if I have an extended warranty? | This may cover engine failure, depending on the cause and the type of warranty. |
| What is mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI)? | An optional policy that covers the purchase of major car parts like the engine. |
| How much does MBI cost? | Around $100 a year, though the price varies depending on your provider and your car. |
| Does MBI have a deductible? | Yes, and it's often high. |
What You'll Learn
Collision coverage
If you have comprehensive coverage and collision coverage, your vehicle is protected against most issues, including a blown engine, as long as it is not due to neglect. Collision coverage can provide financial protection in the event of an accident, ensuring that you don't have to pay for all the repairs out of pocket.
It is also worth noting that if you have both collision and comprehensive coverage, your insurance company may require you to pay a deductible before they cover the cost of repairs. This deductible amount will vary depending on your policy and insurance provider.
If you are involved in an accident or your engine suffers damage from a covered peril, you should contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to initiate the claims process. They will guide you through the necessary steps, including speaking with a claims adjuster who will assess the damage and determine the next steps.
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Comprehensive coverage
It's important to note that comprehensive coverage will not cover engine failure due to mechanical problems or normal wear and tear. In such cases, you may need to purchase an extended warranty or mechanical breakdown coverage to protect your finances.
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Uninsured motorist coverage
In some states, you can also purchase uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage, which pays for repairs to your car if it is damaged by an uninsured driver. Collision coverage, which is available in every state, can also cover vehicle damage, regardless of whether the other driver is insured.
Underinsured motorist (UIM) insurance is similar to UM coverage but is designed for accidents caused by drivers with insufficient liability insurance to cover your medical bills.
The cost of uninsured motorist coverage varies depending on the state and the specific coverage limits selected. On average, it costs around $136 per year.
When deciding whether to purchase uninsured motorist coverage, consider the following:
- The level of health insurance coverage you already have. If you have good health insurance, you may not need additional coverage for medical expenses.
- The percentage of uninsured drivers in your state. If you live in a state with a high percentage of uninsured drivers, such as Mississippi, Michigan, or Tennessee, uninsured motorist coverage may be a wise investment.
- The availability of UMPD coverage in your state. If your state offers this coverage, it can provide additional protection for damage to your vehicle.
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Mechanical breakdown insurance
MBI is available for new or leased cars that are less than 15 months old and have less than 15,000 miles on the odometer. 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. After paying a deductible (usually between $100 and $500), MBI will cover the remaining cost of repairs to the original mechanical parts of the car, excluding maintenance and wear and tear.
MBI is particularly useful if you have a higher-value car, such as a luxury vehicle, which would be costly to repair. It is also beneficial if you have a new car and want to avoid the expense of unexpected breakdowns or engine failure. In addition, MBI can fill in any gaps in coverage that your manufacturer's warranty may have. While a vehicle warranty only covers repairs due to defective materials or improper manufacturing, MBI provides broader protection from mechanical failure for the entire length of your term.
MBI does not cover routine maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, or brake pad replacements. It also does not include towing services or repairs resulting from accidents, collisions, or environmental factors. However, you can add emergency roadside assistance to your policy for additional peace of mind.
When purchasing MBI, you can choose between pay-as-you-go monthly payments or annual payments. MBI is offered by some, but not all, insurance companies, and the cost of a policy will vary between carriers. Therefore, it is recommended to obtain quotes from multiple insurers to find the best rate.
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Extended warranties
An extended warranty, also known as a vehicle service contract, can help protect you from expensive auto shop bills. However, not all extended warranties cover a blown engine, and there are several factors to consider. Firstly, if your car has had its engine rebuilt, some extended warranty providers may not offer coverage. In such cases, they may offer specific coverage plans, such as powertrain coverage only. Additionally, you may need to prove that high-quality original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts were used during the engine rebuild.
It is important to be transparent about any modifications made to your vehicle when applying for an extended warranty. Failing to disclose that your engine was rebuilt or modified can result in a breach of contract and withdrawal of coverage. The eligibility criteria for extended warranties vary, and it is essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of your specific contract.
When considering an extended warranty for a vehicle with a rebuilt engine, documentation detailing the rebuild process, including the specific parts used and the qualifications of the mechanics, is crucial. A comprehensive inspection of the rebuilt engine by a reputable mechanic or organization may also be required. While extended warranties can provide peace of mind, they typically come with a higher premium for vehicles with rebuilt engines due to the increased risk of unexpected component failure and the potential severity of repairs.
It is worth noting that some insurance companies offer mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) or vehicle protection plans that function similarly to extended warranties and may cover engine repairs not included in your warranty.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the cause of the engine blowout and the type of insurance coverage you have. If the blowout was caused by an accident or other peril covered by your insurance policy, then your insurance provider may cover it.
Comprehensive insurance, collision coverage, and mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) may cover a blown engine. Comprehensive insurance covers damages caused by conditions other than collision, such as vandalism or extreme weather conditions. Collision coverage protects your car in case of a collision. MBI is an optional policy that covers the purchase of major car parts like the engine.
Full coverage insurance will only cover a blown engine if it was caused by a covered incident, such as a collision or comprehensive loss. Normal wear and tear or mechanical problems are generally not covered.
No, gap insurance does not cover a blown engine. Gap insurance is an optional coverage that pays the difference between the book value of your totaled car and the amount you still owe on it.
If your engine blows out and you don't have the appropriate insurance coverage, you may be able to turn to alternatives such as an extended warranty or mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI). An extended warranty is typically backed by the manufacturer and can be purchased from a car dealership. MBI is offered by some insurance companies as optional coverage that provides protection similar to a warranty.
