Does Car Insurance Cover Mechanical Problems?

When your car breaks down due to a mechanical failure, you may wonder if your car insurance policy will cover the cost of repairs. Unfortunately, standard car insurance does not cover mechanical problems unless they result from a covered incident. However, there are alternatives like mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) and extended warranties that can provide coverage.

If your vehicle is experiencing serious mechanical issues and repairs are too expensive, selling it might be a better option. Platforms like CarBrain offer a quick and hassle-free way to get cash for cars with mechanical problems.

What Does Car Insurance Typically Cover?

Car insurance policies are designed to protect you financially in case of accidents, theft, or other covered damages. Common types of coverage include:

• Liability Insurance – Covers damages you cause to other people or property.
• Collision Insurance – Pays for damage to your vehicle from accidents, regardless of fault.
• Comprehensive Insurance – Covers non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism, and weather damage.

However, these policies do not cover mechanical failures resulting from wear and tear, manufacturing defects, or lack of maintenance.

For more details on how insurance coverage affects damaged vehicles, check out CarBrain’s guide on damaged car values.

Does Car Insurance Cover Repairs for Mechanical Issues?

Most car insurance policies do not cover repairs due to mechanical failures, such as engine breakdowns or transmission issues. However, insurance may cover repairs if:

• The damage was caused by a covered event, such as a car accident.
• The issue resulted from theft or vandalism (covered by comprehensive insurance).
• You have mechanical breakdown insurance (if applicable).

For example, if your engine fails due to a collision-related oil leak, repairs may be covered under your collision insurance. But if the failure is due to old age, insurance won’t pay.

If you’re unsure whether to repair or sell your damaged car, this CarBrain article provides insight into making the best financial decision.

Understanding Mechanical Auto Insurance

Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) is a specialized type of coverage that helps pay for mechanical issues unrelated to accidents. It’s similar to an extended warranty but offered by insurance companies. MBI typically covers:

• Engine and transmission issues
• Electrical system failures
• Air conditioning and heating problems

However, not all insurance companies offer MBI, and coverage limits vary. Check with your provider to see if this is an option.

Mechanical Failure Service Contracts: An Alternative Option

If you want protection beyond standard insurance, a mechanical failure service contract (also known as an extended warranty) might be a good investment. These contracts cover:

• Repairs for major components
• Parts and labor for certain mechanical failures
• Some roadside assistance services

Unlike insurance, these plans require upfront payments and may have strict conditions for coverage eligibility.

To explore whether a mechanical failure service contract is worth it, read CarBrain’s breakdown on extended warranties.

Will Insurance Cover Engine Failure?

In most cases, insurance does not cover engine failure unless it results from a covered event, such as:

• An accident damaging internal components
• Flooding or fire affecting the engine
• Theft or vandalism leading to engine damage

For non-accident-related failures, you’d need mechanical breakdown insurance or an extended warranty.

If your engine has failed and insurance won’t cover the repairs, you can sell your damaged car to CarBrain for a fair price and avoid costly repairs.

Can a Car Be Totaled Due to Mechanical Failure?

Yes, a car can be considered a total loss if the cost of repairing a mechanical failure exceeds its value. However, insurance will only pay if the mechanical issue was caused by a covered event (like an accident or natural disaster). Otherwise, you’ll have to cover the costs yourself.

If your car is totaled due to mechanical issues, CarBrain can help you sell it quickly and get a fair price. Learn more about how total loss values are determined before making a decision.

Does Full Coverage Car Insurance Cover Repairs?

Many drivers assume full coverage means all repairs are covered, but that’s not the case. Full coverage insurance typically includes:

• Liability insurance
• Collision insurance
• Comprehensive insurance

While this provides financial protection in many situations, it does not cover normal wear and tear or mechanical breakdowns.

What Does Car Insurance Not Cover?

Car insurance policies usually exclude:

• Routine maintenance (oil changes, brake pads, tire replacements)
• Mechanical failures due to wear and tear
• Manufacturer defects (covered by warranties instead)
• Intentional damage

If you’re dealing with a major repair that insurance won’t cover, CarBrain offers a simple way to sell your car for a competitive price.

How to Protect Yourself from Costly Mechanical Repairs

To avoid unexpected expenses from mechanical issues, consider the following options:

• Regular Maintenance – Keep up with oil changes, brake checks, and other routine services.
• Mechanical Breakdown Insurance – If available, this policy can help cover major mechanical failures.
• Extended Warranty – Provides additional coverage for expensive repairs.
• Selling the Car – If repairs are too costly, selling your car to CarBrain can be a smart financial move.

CarBrain specializes in purchasing vehicles with mechanical problems, offering instant quotes and free towing. Get an offer today and see how much your car is worth.

Final Thoughts

Car insurance typically does not cover mechanical problems unless they are caused by a covered event like an accident or theft. If you want additional protection, you may need mechanical breakdown insurance or an extended warranty. If your vehicle is facing costly repairs, consider selling it to CarBrain for a hassle-free experience.

For more car-related insights, visit the CarBrain blog for expert advice on car insurance, repairs, and selling options.

By understanding your options, you can make informed decisions about car insurance and mechanical breakdowns, saving yourself time and money in the long run.