## Does Car Insurance Cover Engine Repairs?
Introduction
Owning a car comes with its fair share of responsibilities, including maintaining the vehicle and being prepared for unexpected repairs. Engine repairs are among the most significant and expensive that can occur, which is why many drivers wonder if their car insurance policy covers such repairs. The answer depends on the type of coverage you have and the specific cause of the engine failure.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage, also known as “other than collision” coverage, is an optional type of car insurance that covers damages caused by events other than collisions. This includes incidents such as theft, vandalism, hail, and flooding. **Engine repairs may be covered under comprehensive coverage if the cause of the failure is a covered peril, such as a flood or fire.**
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage is another optional type of car insurance that covers damages caused by a collision with another vehicle or object. **Engine repairs may be covered under collision coverage if the collision directly caused the engine damage.** For example, if you hit a tree and the impact damages the engine, collision coverage would likely cover the repairs.
Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) is a separate insurance policy that covers the cost of repairing or replacing major mechanical components, including the engine. **MBI is not included in standard car insurance policies and must be purchased separately.** MBI policies typically have a deductible and may limit the amount of coverage for engine repairs.
Exclusions to Coverage
There are certain situations where engine repairs may not be covered by car insurance. These include:
* **Wear and tear:** Car insurance policies do not cover normal wear and tear to the engine. If the engine fails due to age and regular use, repairs will not be covered.
* **Lack of maintenance:** If the engine fails due to a lack of proper maintenance, such as failure to change the oil or replace worn parts, repairs may not be covered.
* **Pre-existing conditions:** If the engine had a pre-existing condition before the insurance policy was purchased, repairs related to that condition may not be covered.
* **Intentional acts:** If the engine damage was caused by an intentional act, such as arson, repairs may not be covered.
How to Determine Coverage
To determine if your car insurance will cover engine repairs, you should:
1. **Check your policy documents:** Review your car insurance policy to see if comprehensive coverage or collision coverage is included. If you have MBI, check that policy as well.
2. **Contact your insurance company:** Call or visit your insurance agent to discuss the specific details of your coverage and ask if engine repairs are covered.
3. **Get an inspection:** If you are unsure about the cause of the engine failure, you may want to get an inspection by a mechanic. This will help determine if the repairs are covered by insurance.
Conclusion
Whether or not car insurance covers engine repairs depends on the type of coverage you have, the cause of the failure, and the specific policy conditions. Comprehensive coverage and collision coverage may cover engine repairs in certain situations, while mechanical breakdown insurance can provide additional protection. By understanding your coverage and the exclusions that apply, you can be better prepared for unexpected engine repairs.
