Non-accident repairs can get expensive, so knowing what your car insurance policy might cover can help you save some money and can get your car up and running. There are several policies that can help you cover a variety of repairs. Learning about what policies cover certain repairs can help you select the coverage policy you want. Keep on reading to learn more about what type of non-accident repairs car insurance can cover.
Does Car Insurance Cover Non-Accident Repairs?
Not all repairs are from accidents and you may be wondering if your insurance will cover repairs. Some policies cover these types of repairs so your car can stay safe without breaking the bank. Depending on the coverage you selected for your policy, your insurance company might cover small to large repairs to keep your vehicle up and running.
If you decide to increase your policy coverage to help you cover non-accident repairs, you might experience an increase in your annual premiums. You may be able to reduce these premium rates by maintaining a safe driving record, having a good credit score, or bundling your policies with your insurance provider.
Coverage Options That May Cover Non-Accident Repairs
Different policies can help you cover different types of non-accident repairs. Understanding what different policies may cover can help you create a plan that works best for you. Here are what different policies might cover for non-accident repairs:
Comprehensive Insurance
Comprehensive coverage can help you cover natural disasters or other damage that might happen to your vehicle. Reviewing your policy or contacting your insurance company can help you understand what non-accident repairs your policy may cover. Some examples of events that comprehensive insurance may cover include:
- Damage from animals
- Fire damage
- Vehicle theft damage
- Hail or flooding damage
- Vandalism
- Windshield damage
- Falling objects
Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
Some insurance companies also offer mechanical breakdown coverage that can help you pay for regular repairs. This coverage may only be available to newer cars under a certain mileage, so it’s a good idea to research your company’s requirements when adding this to your policy. Some items that this type of insurance might cover include:
- New brakes
- Engine parts
- New transmission
- Alternator replacement
- Cooling system
- Fuel system
- Steering components
- Air conditioning
When looking into this insurance policy, understanding how much this can affect your premium rates can help you determine if this is the right policy for you. Researching your vehicle’s warranty information can also help you determine if your car’s warranty covers items that this type of insurance policy may cover.
Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance can help you cover minor non-accidents that occur on the roadway. This can help you get back up and running, allowing you to get your vehicle to a nearby maintenance shop. Roadside assistance can also help you cover towing-related costs. Some things that roadside assistance may cover include:
- Flat tire
- Battery jump
- Lockout
Many insurance companies can help you contact roadside assistance and often have a method to contact roadside assistance through a mobile phone application. This can even help you receive assistance from local tow companies if your vehicle needs more extensive repairs.
Rental Reimbursement
Some companies and plans also cover a portion of your rental car expenses. This enables you to get around while your car is in the shop. Often, this type of coverage only applies to repair damage from a collision, so it’s a good idea to research your policy’s exact limitations before springing for a rental car.
What Does Car Insurance Not Cover?
Understanding the limitations of your car insurance can help you find other ways to cover additional repairs or damage. Some events that car insurance may not cover include:
- Mechanical failures
- Faulty repairs
- Maintenance service
- Rust damage
If you opt for mechanical breakdown insurance, there are a few items that this type of policy may not cover. Those items include:
- Vehicle warranty
- Owner damage
- Vehicle recall
- Standard car insurance repairs
- Preexisting vehicle conditions
- Routine car care
What Other Options Can Help Protect My Car?
To further reduce any non-accident repair costs, you might cover your repair costs through your vehicle’s warranty. These warranties often come with new and certain used cars that can help pay for some mechanical breakdowns. These breakdowns are often outlined by your vehicle’s warranty provider and have certain stipulations and mileage requirements for you to qualify for warranty coverage. Warranty policies vary between vehicle manufacturers, so it’s important to research your car’s specific warranty specifications. Some common warranty policies last for three years or 36,000 miles. Some common warranty policies include:
- Comprehensive warranty
- Powertrain warranty
- Restraint systems warranty
- Corrosion warranty
- Emissions warranty
- Hybrid component warranty
- Electric vehicle (EV) component warranty
- Extended warranty
It’s important to understand that warranties generally don’t cover normal wear and tear on your vehicle. Additionally, some warranties might be void if you change car parts yourself. If you’re taking your vehicle on the track or taking it off-road, your warranty policy may not cover repairs if you incur any damage. Hauling or towing more than your vehicle can handle can also void a warranty.
Understanding how car insurance can help you cover non-accident repairs can help you determine the amount of coverage you want for your vehicle. Comparing policies from different insurance providers can help you determine which company offers the plan and coverage you want at an ideal price.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
