Does Car Insurance Cover if Your Engine Blows?
What is Engine Blowing?
Engine blowing refers to a catastrophic failure of an internal combustion engine, usually caused by a sudden loss of oil pressure or coolant. This can cause severe damage to the engine’s internal components, such as the pistons, cylinders, and crankshaft.
Does Car Insurance Cover Engine Blowing?
Whether or not car insurance covers engine blowing depends on the specific terms of your policy and the cause of the failure.
- Comprehensive Coverage: This coverage typically includes damage to your car from non-collision events such as fire, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. If your engine blows due to an event covered by comprehensive, such as a fire or flood, the repair or replacement costs may be covered.
- Collision Coverage: This coverage pays for damage to your car caused by a collision with another vehicle or object. If your engine blows as a result of a collision, the repair or replacement costs should be covered by collision coverage.
- Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI): This is an optional add-on coverage that extends your policy to cover certain mechanical failures, including engine blowing. MBI typically has a higher deductible and premiums than comprehensive or collision coverage.
Exclusions
There are some situations where car insurance may not cover engine blowing:
- Lack of Maintenance: If your engine blows due to lack of proper maintenance, such as oil changes or coolant flushes, your insurance may not cover the repair or replacement costs.
- Pre-Existing Conditions: If your engine had a pre-existing condition that caused it to blow, your insurance may deny coverage.
- Modified Engines: If your engine has been modified from its original specifications, your insurance may not cover damage caused by the modifications.
Filing a Claim
If your engine blows and you believe you are entitled to coverage under your car insurance policy, follow these steps:
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company as soon as possible to report the incident.
- Gather Evidence: Document the damage to your engine with photos and videos. Gather any repair records or receipts.
- Submit a Claim: File a claim with your insurance company and provide them with all necessary documentation.
- Cooperate with the Insurance Adjuster: The insurance adjuster will investigate the claim and determine whether coverage is applicable.
Conclusion
Whether or not car insurance covers engine blowing depends on the specific circumstances and the terms of your policy. Comprehensive and collision coverage typically cover engine damage caused by non-collision events and collisions, respectively. Mechanical Breakdown Insurance can provide additional coverage for mechanical failures, including engine blowing. However, exclusions may apply for lack of maintenance, pre-existing conditions, and modified engines. In case of an engine blow, it is important to contact your insurance company promptly and provide them with all necessary documentation to support your claim.
