Does Your Car Insurance Cover Engine Failure?

Engine failure is a major expense that can leave you stranded and without a car.
Depending on the cause of the failure, it can cost anywhere from a few hundred
dollars to several thousand dollars to repair or replace an engine.

If you’re wondering whether your car insurance covers engine failure, the answer is:
it depends.

In general, most car insurance policies do not cover engine
failure.
However, there are some exceptions.

When is Engine Failure Covered by Insurance?

There are a few situations in which engine failure may be covered by insurance:

• If the engine failure is caused by a covered peril.
  Covered perils are events that are specifically listed in your insurance policy as
  being covered.
  For example, if your engine fails due to a fire, theft, or vandalism, it may be
  covered by your insurance.
• If you have purchased additional coverage.
  Some insurance companies offer additional coverage that can extend your coverage to
  include engine failure.
  This coverage is typically called “mechanical breakdown insurance” or “extended
  warranty.”

When is Engine Failure Not Covered by Insurance?

In most cases, engine failure is not covered by insurance.
This is because engine failure is typically considered to be a maintenance issue,
not a covered peril.

Some of the most common reasons why engine failure is not covered by insurance
include:

• Lack of maintenance. If you fail to maintain your car properly,
  this can lead to engine failure.
  For example, if you don’t change your oil regularly, this can cause the engine
  to overheat and fail.
• Wear and tear. As your car ages, the engine will naturally wear out.
  This can eventually lead to engine failure.
• Manufacturer defects. In some cases, engine failure may be caused by
  a manufacturer defect.
  If this is the case, you may be able to file a claim with the manufacturer.

What to Do If Your Engine Fails

If your engine fails, the first thing you should do is contact your insurance
company.
They will be able to tell you whether or not your engine failure is covered.

If your engine failure is not covered by insurance, you will need to pay for the
repairs or replacement yourself.
The cost of repairs will vary depending on the severity of the damage.

To help prevent engine failure, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s
maintenance schedule.
This includes changing your oil regularly, checking your fluids, and having your car
inspected regularly.

You may also want to consider purchasing additional coverage that can extend your
coverage to include engine failure.
This coverage is typically called “mechanical breakdown insurance” or “extended
warranty.”