does car insurance cover mechanical repairs

[JohnnyMarie]

Standard car insurance does not cover mechanical repairs. Your policy is designed for sudden, accidental events like collisions or theft, not for the gradual wear and tear of your vehicle's components. If your engine fails or your transmission slips due to normal use, you will be responsible for the repair costs.

The primary purpose of auto insurance is to provide financial protection against unforeseen losses. This is typically broken down into several coverage types, none of which apply to mechanical failure:

• Liability Coverage: Covers damage you cause to others; it does not cover your own car.
• Collision Coverage: Pays for damage to your car from an accident with another vehicle or object.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Covers damage from non-collision events like fire, theft, or vandalism.

However, there is a specific product called Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI). This is a separate policy that functions more like an extended warranty. It can cover repairs to major components like the engine, transmission, and drivetrain after your manufacturer's warranty expires. Some insurers and third-party companies offer MBI, so it's worth asking about if you want that extra peace of mind.

Scenario	Typically Covered by Standard Auto Insurance?	Notes
Engine failure from a leaking oil seal	No	Considered a mechanical failure due to wear and tear.
Transmission damaged in a car accident	Yes	Covered under Collision coverage if you have it.
Alternator stops working	No	Standard wear and tear item.
Engine seized due to lack of oil	No	Considered a maintenance issue, not a sudden loss.
Broken axle from hitting a pothole	Possibly	May be covered by Collision, depending on the policy wording.
Electrical system failure	No	A standard exclusion in auto insurance policies.

The best way to avoid costly mechanical repairs is through consistent, preventative maintenance. Keep records of all services, as this can also be helpful if you need to dispute a claim or sell the car later.

[VonViolet]

Nope, regular insurance won't pay to fix your car if it just breaks down. It's for crashes and accidents, not for when a part wears out. Think of it this way: insurance handles the "oops" moments, not the "uh-oh, my car is getting old" moments. If you're worried about repairs, you might look into a separate mechanical breakdown policy or an extended warranty.

[McEmilia]

When I bought my new car, the dealer explained this clearly. Your auto insurance is for accidents. If the engine light comes on and the repair is $2,000, that's on you. But, my manufacturer's warranty covered those first few years. Now that it's expired, I'm considering a mechanical breakdown plan. It's a different product you buy to cover internal parts, separate from your State Farm or Geico policy.