There are seven different types of auto insurance coverage, and some of these do apply to repair coverage. Collision insurance and comprehensive auto insurance are two types that involve coverage of some repairs. They do not cover every single type of repair your automobile may require, though.
Collision Auto Insurance
Collision insurance provides coverage for exactly what it sounds like: a collision. When a collision with another vehicle or an object occurs, this coverage applies to the damages that occurred to the policyholder’s vehicle. It also helps cover damages that result from a single-car that rolls or falls over. It will help cover the damages or even the cost to replace your vehicle. This type of insurance is typically required by a lender if you are leasing or financing your car. If you have paid off your vehicle, it may be optional on your auto insurance policy. It will not cover damages that are not related to driving the vehicle, such as weather damage, damages that occur to another person’s automobile, or medical bills for either party involved in an accident. You will have to pay your out-of-pocket deductible for auto repairs for coverage to apply.
Comprehensive Auto Insurance
If your vehicle endures non-accident related damage, then comprehensive auto insurance can help cover repairs. Damages that comprehensive auto insurance cover includes:
- fire
- theft
- vandalism
- natural disasters
- falling objects
- animal damage
If you receive damages due to these instances, then your comprehensive auto policy can help cover the cost of bodywork and mechanical damage that is in need of repair. You are required to pay your out-of-pocket deductible first before this policy helps cover repairs.
Repairs Auto Insurance Does Not Cover
Auto insurance policies do not cover all types of auto repairs. Repairs that are considered “general maintenance,” or natural wear and tear that occurs over time are not covered under your auto insurance policy. Basically, it does not cover the repairs needed for a breakdown.
How Can I Receive Auto Repair Coverage?
Car repair insurance, or mechanical breakdown insurance, is a form of coverage that covers mechanical repairs after a vehicle’s warranty expires. Mechanical breakdown insurance covers the major parts of your vehicle that are not covered by a standard auto insurance policy. This type of insurance is similar to an extended warranty but with more system coverage. Here is what mechanical breakdown insurance does cover:
- engine
- drivetrain
- transmission
- brakes
- exhaust
- power system
Some policies will even cover steering, air conditioning, and your power system as well.
There are a few things that mechanical breakdown insurance will not cover, such as:
- filters
- spark plugs
- brake pads
- tires
- fluids, such as coolant, oil, and wiper fluid
- normal maintenance repairs
Non-collision repairs can be quite costly, so enrolling in a mechanical breakdown insurance policy may benefit you. The additional coverage from this policy costs approximately only $100 yearly. To be eligible for mechanical breakdown insurance, you must have a used vehicle with less than 15,000 miles on it. You are covered for seven years, or 100,000 miles, whichever option you encounter first. You pay as you go, and your deductible is only about $250.
To learn more about the type of coverage you can get with an auto insurance policy, give All Things Insurance a call today!