When most people think about car insurance, they immediately think of protection after a crash. But what happens when your car needs repairs that have nothing to do with an accident? Things like a dead battery, a blown engine, or damage from a storm can raise a common question: does car insurance cover non-accident repairs?
The answer depends on the type of coverage you have, the situation, and your policy details.
Standard Car Insurance and What It Covers
Every car insurance policy is a little different, but most standard policies include two main types of coverage:
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Liability coverage – This pays for injuries or property damage you cause to other people in an accident. It doesn’t cover your own car repairs.
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Collision coverage – This helps pay for damage to your vehicle if you’re in an accident, no matter who is at fault.
Neither of these directly pays for everyday repairs like worn-out tires, new brakes, or replacing an old transmission. Those types of problems are considered normal wear and tear, and insurance companies expect car owners to handle them on their own.
Comprehensive Coverage for Non-Accident Damage
If you want protection for repairs that don’t come from a collision, you’ll need comprehensive coverage. This type of insurance can help with:
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Weather damage – hail, windstorms, flooding, or lightning.
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Fire damage – if your car catches fire unexpectedly.
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Theft or vandalism – covering stolen cars or damage from break-ins.
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Falling objects – like a tree branch smashing your windshield.
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Animal collisions – for example, if you hit a deer.
Comprehensive insurance doesn’t cover mechanical problems like a worn-out engine or faulty transmission. But it does step in when outside forces damage your car, even if it’s not an accident with another driver.
Non-Accident Repairs That Insurance Usually Does Not Cover
There are many situations where car insurance won’t help, even though you need repairs. Common examples include:
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Routine maintenance – oil changes, brake pads, new tires, or filters.
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Mechanical breakdowns – engine failure, electrical issues, or a blown head gasket.
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Cosmetic damage – paint fading or rusting over time.
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Upgrades or modifications – like adding custom rims or a new stereo system.
Insurance companies see these as the responsibility of the car owner, not something unexpected that needs coverage.
Extended Warranties and Mechanical Breakdown Coverage
If you’re worried about costly non-accident repairs, you may want to look into options outside of regular auto insurance:
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Extended warranties – Often sold by car dealerships or manufacturers, these plans cover certain mechanical failures after the original warranty expires.
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Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) – Some insurance companies offer this as an add-on. It can cover major repairs like transmission problems or engine issues, similar to a warranty.
These can provide extra peace of mind, but they come with limits and usually require an extra monthly payment.
Everyday Situations and How Insurance Applies
Let’s look at some common non-accident repair situations and see whether car insurance would help:
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Your battery dies in a parking lot.
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Not covered by standard insurance. You’ll need roadside assistance or to replace it yourself.
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A hurricane damages your car while parked at home.
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Covered if you have comprehensive insurance.
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Your brakes wear out after years of driving.
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Not covered. That’s routine maintenance.
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Someone scratches your car on purpose.
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Covered under comprehensive insurance as vandalism.
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Your transmission fails out of the blue.
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Not covered by standard car insurance. May be covered by warranty or MBI.
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Will Car Insurance Cover Repairs If You Are At Fault?
If you cause an accident, whether your insurance covers repairs depends on the type of coverage you have. Collision coverage is designed to pay for damage to your own vehicle, regardless of who is at fault. This means that even if you caused the crash, your insurance can help cover repair costs after you pay your deductible. On the other hand, liability coverage only pays for damage to other people’s property or injuries you cause, they won’t pay for your car repairs. It’s important to check your policy details to understand exactly what is covered and how much you’ll need to pay out of pocket.
Why Knowing This Matters
Understanding what car insurance does and doesn’t cover helps you avoid surprises when repairs come up. Many drivers assume their insurance will cover any problem with their vehicle, but that’s not true. Most of the time, car insurance is there to protect you from unexpected events, not regular upkeep or mechanical wear.
If you rely heavily on your car and worry about breakdowns, it may make sense to compare options like comprehensive coverage, extended warranties, or mechanical breakdown insurance.
Call Us Now for Guidance With Your Car Insurance Claim
While car insurance may not pay for everyday repairs, it plays a critical role after an accident or unexpected damage. If you’ve been in a crash and are struggling with your insurance company, it’s important to understand your rights.
At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, we help drivers across Florida fight for fair treatment after serious accidents. If your claim is denied or delayed, or if you’re unsure whether your coverage applies, our team can guide you through the process.
Call us today at (844) 643-7200 to speak with an experienced Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer about your situation.
FAQs: Car Insurance and Non-Accident Repairs
1. Does car insurance cover engine failure?
No. Standard car insurance does not cover engine breakdowns caused by wear and tear. You would need a warranty or mechanical breakdown insurance for that.
2. Will insurance pay if my car is damaged in a storm?
Yes, but only if you have comprehensive coverage. Storm damage from hail, wind, flooding, or falling trees is typically included.
3. Does car insurance cover a dead battery or worn-out brakes?
No. Routine maintenance and parts that wear out over time, like batteries, brakes, or tires, are not covered by car insurance.
4. What if my car is vandalized or stolen?
Comprehensive coverage usually covers theft, vandalism, or damage caused by someone intentionally harming your vehicle.
5. Can car insurance help if my transmission stops working?
No, not with a standard policy. Mechanical failures are considered the owner’s responsibility unless you have mechanical breakdown coverage or a warranty.
6. Is roadside assistance part of car insurance?
It can be. Some insurers offer roadside assistance as an add-on to cover towing, jump starts, or lockouts. It does not cover the actual cost of repairs.
7. What coverage should I buy to protect against non-accident repairs?
If you’re worried about unexpected issues, consider adding comprehensive coverage, mechanical breakdown insurance, or an extended warranty.