Will car insurance cover repairs? Yes. Car insurance can help pay for repairs if the damage is the result of an accident or another covered event, like theft or fire.
However, routine wear and tear repairs or mechanical breakdowns aren’t usually covered by your auto insurance policy. Here’s what auto insurance coverage can and can’t cover, from accidents to engine failures.
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, routine maintenance like an oil change isn’t usually covered by car insurance.
Whether it’s a routine maintenance check-up, a mechanical breakdown, or a blown motor, car insurance probably won’t cover the cost of fixing or replacing your car.
Let’s hope your car doesn’t break down, but be prepared to pay out-of-pocket if you need routine maintenance or a mechanic if it does.
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Collision coverage helps cover the cost of repairs if your car gets into an accident with another car or an object, like a fence or a tree.
It can also help pay for damage if you’re in a one-car accident — for example, if you roll over. Collision coverage may also cover damage that happens when your car hits a pothole.
Collision coverage is optional unless you’re leasing your car or it’s financed, in which case you may be required by the dealership or lender to have it.
You can also choose your deductible. If you don’t have collision coverage, you’ll likely be responsible for the entire cost of repairs or replacement.
If your car is totaled in an accident, comprehensive coverage usually pays up to the car’s actual cash value – that’s what it was worth when the accident happened.
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If your car gets damaged in an accident, comprehensive coverage can help pay for repairs. Generally, comprehensive coverage covers damage caused by hazards, such as:
- Fire
- Theft
- Drivetrain
- Exhaust
- Power system
- Engine
- Transmission
- Brakes
- Steering
- Air conditioning
- Fuel system
So, in the event of a tree falling on your hood or an animal accident, comprehensive coverage could help pay for bodywork and repairs as a result of the accident.
What Alternatives Exist for Car Repair Insurance?
Consider buying a car warranty for extra protection against expensive repairs. Roadside assistance offers towing, flat tire, and jump-start services through memberships or need-by-need basis.
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Who Pays for Repairs After an Accident?
If you’re the at-fault driver, your insurer will cover your repairs after you cover the deductible. If the other driver is at fault, you can file a claim or opt to have your insurer pay for your repairs.
If there’s a disagreement, both insurers can sue each other. Purchasing car repair insurance or extended warranty coverage can help offset repair costs.
Comprehensive coverage is optional, just like collision coverage. You’ll also be responsible for your deductible, and there will be coverage limits.
Car insurance won’t pay for you to rent a car if it breaks down. However rental reimbursement coverage will help you pay for rental cars or other transportation after an accident.
For instance, you might need a rental car while your car is being repaired after an accident.
This type of coverage helps you pay for rental car rentals or other transportation, like bus or train tickets.
Rental car coverage is sometimes referred to as rental car coverage. It’s an optional cover that usually has limits.
If you’re looking for extra protection from costly repairs, you might want to look into a car warranty.
According to Edmunds, car warranties are often included with new cars and are designed to help cover certain mechanical breakdowns.
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A warranty typically covers certain parts or defects for a certain period or until your car reaches a certain number of miles.
Roadside assistance is another option you may want to look into. This type of program often offers two services after a breakdown.
It can also jump-start your car if it’s dead, change your tire if it has flat tires, and more. You can access roadside assistance through memberships, auto insurance coverage, or as an as-needed service.
Auto insurance doesn’t usually cover mechanical repairs or routine maintenance, but it does provide coverage for a wide variety of scenarios, from hail damage to car accident repairs.
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Check your policy to see what coverages you have and contact your insurance provider for more information.
