Does Car Insurance Cover Non-Accident Repairs? Brini Breaks Down The Details
Does Car Insurance Cover Non Accident Repairs
Hey there! I’m having one of those days that nothing is going wrong until you run into a little bump on the road. Not a literal bump but more like those unexplained car issues that can arise out of nowhere. This got me thinking: Why not ask if car insurance covers things that aren’t accidents, too? So, let us find out the answer together!
Brini Breaks Down The Details
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Normally, car insurance helps in those unfortunate instances where your vehicle is damaged due to an event such as an accident, tree branch falling, or vandalism. Yet, with non-accident repairs Imean replacing blow by things like bad engine, and that flat tire, it is not usually covered under typical auto insurance policy.
You’re likely asking, “Then what is actually covered by my policy?” The silver lining, of course, is that you can cover for some specific add-ons or coverage, like mechanical breakdown insurance, to assist with those non-accident related repairs. However, this is where the trick lies: anything that occurs on a daily basis cannot be assisted by most standard policies. However, if your car is simply aging and needs some love, then you will be paying for that.
What Car Insurance Covers?
Now, standard car insurance is that policy you pay for to cover all those things that may never happen: an accident, a stolen car, damage done by a storm. It just works as a safety blanket for when your car gets damaged in a situation you could not control.
If you get into a fender bender, or a wind storm knocks a tree branch down on your car, both of those scenarios are covered by any comprehensive and collision insurance you have. This is exactly the sort of destruction that car insurance is for.
But things like an engine breakdown or bald tires are hors d’oeuvres that your car insurance policy will not serve, even if ordered. In land, insurance is there for calamities, not for upkeep, nor for flaws due to age and use. This is why you should remember that car insurance does not cover repairs that do not involve an accident or normal routine maintenance such as changing the oil or brake work.
When Can Car Insurance Save The Day?
Now you may be asking yourself, “Alright, but my regular car insurance is not going to come to my assistance with that pesky flat tire, but what else is out there? Enter add-ons like Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI). MBI is essentially a ticket to ride; it protects your car from its old age due to mechanical failure — not if you got into a car accident.
This type of coverage is ideal if your car needs repairs but the issue is not related to an accident. For example, if you need to shell out for a new transmission or an engine that lays down the sword, MBI could swoop in and save the day. Perfect for those who want some more peace of mind when it comes to those surprise repair bills that aren’t accident related.
Why Are Non-Accident Repairs Not Covered?
This is where it gets a bit finicky: why is it that insurance can’t help with regular repairs? Actually, the answer has everything to do with wear and tear and how those limits of coverage are set. The purpose of insurance policies is to protect against unexpected events such as accidents, theft, or natural disasters. On the contrary, general wear and tear is something that occurs over a period of time whilst you are using your vehicle. This is simply just life, and maintenance needs such as these are considered part of vehicles and their upkeep and are typically not covered by insurance companies.
Insurance providers have a difference between damages to your vehicle due to accident events and those of a maintenance nature since the latter are almost always avoidable through proper car maintenance. In other words, if you didn’t follow the schedule of oil changes or you didn’t get your brake pads replaced, then insurance won’t come to your rescue.
What To Do If You Need Non-Accident Repairs?
So, what do you do if you are facing a non-accident repair and sitting in a bit of a jam? For starters, being proactive about car care is always a good thing to do. Preventive measures such as regular check-up, timely oil changes and tire pressure tracking help immensely to save from the shock of big repair bills in future.
For extra protection, an extended warranty or MBI may be added to your own policy. These alternatives are useful for issues that fall outside of what typical car insurance covers for repair. Nevertheless, they can be useful if you are concerned about unforeseen non-collision-related repair costs. Also, always read through your policy before you get into a bind and need help with your car to find out what’s covered and what’s not.
What Do You Need To Look Out For In Your Car Insurance?
A complete coverage guide explained When shopping for car insurance, it helps to be familiar with the various types of coverage — and what each typically provides. Mandatory coverage provides only third-party coverage; that is if you get a legal liability to a third party, you will be compensated but your car is not repaired. You’ll have to add collision insurance for damages caused by accidents, and comprehensive coverage for all the non-collision events (like a theft or a storm that holds your car).
But to cover non-accident repairs, like mechanical problems, you’ll have to consider Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) or extended warranties. Standard car insurance doesn’t typically cover these extras, but it can be a big comfort if your car begins having mechanical failures.
Conclusion
FAQ
MBI, on the other hand, covers repairs that are not due to accidents, such as engine troubles, transmission faults, etc.
Comprehensive insurance is for weather damage or theft, not regular repairs.
Insurance does not cover typical maintenance, such as oil changes or brake changes.
Keep Mechanical Breakdown Insurance / an extended warranty in your policy,
In general, no. Electrical fires that are not the result of an accident often are not covered.
