Hello, everyone! I’m Melanie Lopez from Boston, and I’m excited to introduce you to my website, American National Car Insurance. If you’ve ever wondered whether car insurance covers repairs, you’re in the right place
In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about car insurance and repairs, in simple and easy-to-understand terms. I’ll also provide detailed examples, FAQs, and tables to help you navigate this topic with ease. Let’s dive in!
Does Car Insurance Cover Repairs – Covered Losses Explained
Car insurance can cover repairs, but it depends on the type of policy you have and the situation. Typically, insurance will cover repairs if they are caused by a covered loss. A covered loss means an event that is included in your insurance policy, like an accident or natural disaster.
For example, if you are in a car accident and your vehicle is damaged, your insurance company may cover the repair costs. However, this is usually limited to the terms of your policy. If the repair costs exceed 70% of your car’s value, the insurer may consider the car a total loss and offer a payout instead of covering the repair.
Examples of Covered Losses
| Covered Loss | Type of Coverage Needed | Will Repairs Be Covered? |
| Car accident | Collision coverage | Yes, if it’s a covered event |
| Tree falls on car | Comprehensive coverage | Yes |
| Hail damage | Comprehensive coverage | Yes |
| Vandalism | Comprehensive coverage | Yes |
Does Car Insurance Cover Repairs – Regular Repairs and Maintenance
Unfortunately, car insurance does not cover regular repairs or maintenance. This includes issues like engine failure, worn brakes, or a dead battery. These problems occur due to normal wear and tear, which is not the responsibility of your insurance provider.
For instance, if your car’s transmission fails, you’ll need to pay for the repairs out of pocket or rely on a warranty if you have one. Warranties are designed to cover these types of issues, not car insurance policies.
Examples of Non-Covered Repairs
| Type of Issue | Covered by Insurance? | Covered by Warranty? |
| Engine failure | No | Yes (if under warranty) |
| Worn-out tires | No | Yes (limited warranty) |
| Dead battery | No | Yes (if under warranty) |
| Brake pad replacement | No | Yes (limited warranty) |
Does Car Insurance Cover Repairs – When Does Insurance Pay for Repairs?
Insurance typically pays for repairs under specific circumstances. Let me share a real-life example to make it clearer. Suppose you’re driving and hit a pothole, damaging your car’s suspension. If you have collision coverage, this would likely be covered because it’s related to a driving incident.
On the other hand, if your engine fails due to poor maintenance, insurance will not help. Always check your policy details and keep your car well-maintained to avoid surprises.
When Insurance Pays for Repairs
| Scenario | Coverage Type | Will Insurance Pay? |
| Hitting a pothole | Collision coverage | Yes |
| Car breaks down | Not covered | No |
| Accident caused by a third party | Liability coverage | Depends (if at fault) |
| Damage from flooding | Comprehensive coverage | Yes |
Valuable Suggestions for Car Owners
- Understand Your Policy – Always read your insurance policy carefully to know what is covered.
- Maintain Your Car – Regular maintenance can prevent costly breakdowns.
- Consider Add-Ons – Add roadside assistance or rental car coverage for extra protection.
- Shop Around – Compare insurance options to find the best coverage for your needs.
- Keep Records – Document all repairs and maintenance to avoid disputes during claims.
FAQs on Does Car Insurance Cover Repairs
What types of repairs does car insurance typically cover?
Car insurance covers repairs caused by accidents, natural disasters, vandalism, and other covered events. For example, collision coverage will pay for repairs after a car accident, while comprehensive coverage protects against damage from theft or storms.
Will insurance cover a blown engine?
No, a blown engine is usually considered wear and tear, which insurance does not cover. This type of issue is best addressed through a vehicle warranty.
Can I add coverage for mechanical breakdowns?
Some insurance companies offer mechanical breakdown insurance as an add-on, but it’s not common. This type of coverage functions like a warranty for major repairs.
Does car insurance cover towing and roadside assistance?
Towing and roadside assistance are often optional add-ons. If included, your insurance will pay for towing to a repair shop, but the repairs themselves are not covered.
Conclusion
Car insurance can be a lifesaver in certain situations, but it’s not a one-stop solution for all car repair needs. It’s important to understand the difference between covered losses and regular maintenance.
By knowing what your policy includes, you can avoid unexpected expenses and make informed decisions. Don’t forget to explore additional coverage options like warranties or roadside assistance if needed.
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Melanie Lopez is a passionate content specialist at American National Car Insurance, dedicated to simplifying car insurance for every American driver. With years of industry expertise, she crafts informative and engaging articles to help users make confident insurance decisions.