Is a Blown Engine Covered by Insurance?
Understand when your car insurance covers engine failure. Learn what's typically included and excluded from coverage.
A blown engine can be a significant and costly problem for any vehicle owner. Whether insurance covers a blown engine depends heavily on the specific cause of the damage and the type of auto insurance policy you possess. Standard car insurance generally focuses on damage resulting from accidents or specific external events, rather than mechanical failures. Understanding the nuances of your policy is key to determining potential coverage for such an issue.
Types of Insurance Coverage for Engine Damage
Several types of auto insurance policies might offer coverage for engine damage, depending on the circumstances.
Collision coverage addresses damage to your vehicle resulting from an accident involving another vehicle or an object, such as a tree or a pothole. If engine damage occurs due to such an impact, collision coverage may apply.
Comprehensive coverage, sometimes called “other than collision,” covers damage to your car from non-collision events that are beyond your control. This includes incidents like fire, floods, vandalism, falling objects, or hitting an animal. If your engine is damaged as a direct result of these types of events, comprehensive coverage could help with repair costs.
Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) is a distinct, optional policy specifically designed for mechanical failures, including engine components. Unlike standard auto insurance, MBI can cover repairs for unexpected mechanical breakdowns and electrical failures, often including those due to normal wear and tear, provided the vehicle meets certain eligibility criteria, such as age and mileage. MBI is typically offered by some insurers as an add-on and functions similarly to an extended warranty, though it may offer more flexible payment options and repair facility choices.
Events That May Trigger Engine Coverage
If your engine is damaged in a car accident, collision coverage typically applies to repair costs, whether you are at fault or another driver’s liability coverage is responsible. Damage from natural disasters like floods or fires, or from vandalism, can trigger coverage under a comprehensive policy. Striking an animal or encountering road debris that causes engine damage are also events that could be covered by comprehensive or collision insurance. Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) covers internal mechanical failures.
Circumstances Not Typically Covered
While various insurance types can cover engine damage, certain circumstances are generally excluded from standard auto insurance policies.
Damage resulting from normal wear and tear, or the gradual degradation of parts over time, is typically not covered. This exclusion exists because insurance is designed for sudden, unforeseen events, not expected maintenance or aging.
Engine failure due to a lack of routine maintenance, such as neglecting oil changes or fluid checks, is also commonly excluded. Insurers expect vehicle owners to perform necessary upkeep to prevent avoidable damage.
Issues arising from manufacturer defects or design flaws are generally the responsibility of the manufacturer or covered by a vehicle’s warranty, not by an auto insurance policy.
Additionally, pre-existing damage that occurred before the policy’s effective date will not be covered. Damage caused by intentional misuse or gross negligence on the part of the driver is also typically excluded from coverage.
Steps to File an Engine Damage Claim
If you experience engine damage and believe your policy offers coverage, the first step is to contact your insurance provider promptly. You will need to provide specific details about the incident, including the date, time, and the cause of the engine damage. Having information such as photos or videos of the damage, along with any relevant maintenance records, can strengthen your claim.
The insurer will typically assign a claims adjuster to your case, who will likely inspect the vehicle to assess the damage. You will need to understand your policy’s deductible, which is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance coverage begins.
The claims process timeline can vary, with simple claims potentially resolved within a few days to a couple of weeks, while more complex cases may take longer. Following up on your claim status and providing any additional requested documentation will help facilitate the process.