Yes, you can claim on car insurance for a broken engine, but only under specific circumstances outlined in your policy. Standard auto insurance is designed for sudden, accidental damage from crashes or external events, not for mechanical failures due to wear and tear or lack of maintenance. The key is proving the damage was caused by a covered "peril."
For a claim to be successful, the engine failure must be a direct result of a covered event. For instance, if you hydroplane during a storm and water enters the engine through the air intake (a phenomenon known as hydro-lock), this would likely be covered under your policy's comprehensive coverage. Similarly, if an engine fire starts due to an electrical short, that's typically covered. However, if the engine seizes because you drove with low oil pressure or it simply wore out over time, your claim will almost certainly be denied, as this is considered a maintenance issue.
The most relevant coverage for engine failure outside of an accident is often a mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) policy, which is an add-on or separate policy specifically for major component failures. It's more akin to an extended warranty than standard insurance.
| Scenario | Covered by Standard Insurance? | Likely Required Coverage |
|---|
| Engine damage from a car accident | Yes | Collision |
| Engine fire caused by an electrical fault | Yes | Comprehensive |
| Hydro-lock from driving through deep water | Yes | Comprehensive |
| Rodent damage to engine wiring | Yes | Comprehensive |
| Failure due to overheating from a cracked radiator | Maybe (if radiator damage was from a covered event) | Comprehensive/Collision |
| Seized engine from low oil (lack of maintenance) | No | Not covered |
| Timing belt breaks due to age/wear | No | Not covered |
| Normal wear and tear over high mileage | No | Not covered |
Before filing a claim, review your policy documents carefully and consider the cost of repairs versus your deductible. An adjuster will investigate the cause of the failure, and if it's deemed a maintenance issue, you'll be responsible for the full repair bill.
