What Is Car Repair Insurance?
Car repair insurance is a type of auto insurance coverage that pays to fix mechanical malfunctions after a car’s original warranty expires. This type of coverage is also referred to as mechanical breakdown insurance and can save you from paying thousands of dollars for major mechanical failures. Car repair insurance is available from major insurance companies such as Geico and Allstate.
What Does Car Repair Insurance Cover?
Car Repair Insurance covers mechanical malfunctions for your car's major systems, such as engine and transmission. Although this optional coverage has a lot to offer, there are a few features that it does not cover, so it's always best to check your policy if you want to make sure something is covered before filing a claim.
| Covered | Not Covered |
|---|---|
| Engine | Major repairs categorized as normal maintenance |
| Transmission | New filters |
| Brakes | New spark plugs |
| Exhaust | New tires |
| Power system | New brake pads |
| Steering, air conditioning, and the car’s fuel system (some policies) | Adding fluids (coolant, oil, wiper fluid, etc.) |
How Does Car Repair Insurance Work?
Car repair insurance is similar to extended warranties or service contracts sold by auto manufacturers and dealers. It covers the same kinds of things, which means it will pay to fix mechanical problems after your car’s new warranty has expired.
Not all insurance companies offer this coverage, and when they do, the policies typically have important limitations:
- Act quickly – You must begin your coverage when the car is fairly new. Geico, for example, will only allow you to sign up if your car less than 15 months old and has fewer than 15,000 miles on the odometer. Mercury requires that you sign up within 30 days of the expiration of your original warranty, and prices increase the closer you get to that expiration.
- Coverage ends as your car ages – You can’t keep the coverage as your car gets older and more likely to break down. In general you’ll need to drop this coverage after about 7 years or 100,000 miles.
Car repair insurance generally comes with a $100 - $250 deductible, so many minor repairs won’t be covered.
When your car needs a major repair, you will first contact your insurance company to file a claim – and to get pre-authorization. Then you’ll be able to go to any authorized repair shop you choose, and your insurance company will handle the payment of any costs over your deductible.
Car Repair Insurance vs. Extended Warranties
| Category | Car Repair Insurance | Extended Warranties |
|---|---|---|
| How You Pay | Payments made over time | Pay in full up front, but cost can be included in auto financing |
| Transferability | Non-transferable, but coverage can be dropped at any time | Coverage can usually be transferred to another owner when the car is sold |
| Refundable | Not applicable | Prorated refunds are generally available |
| Claims Process | File a claim with your insurer before taking the car in for repairs | No need to file claim |
| Choice of Mechanic | Repairs can be made at any licensed repair shop (with prior authorization) | May be limited to only certain car dealers or repair shops |
| Scope of Coverage | Usually provides bumper-to-bumper coverage with some exclusions | A range of plans offered from bumper-to-bumper with maintenance included, to coverage of only certain systems |
| Eligibility | Must be purchased when car is fairly new | Can be purchased at any time before the new-car warranty expires |
Is Car Repair Insurance Worth It?
Car repair insurance is worth it for some drivers because it removes worries about big expenses. Plus, it provides an added peace of mind for those who don’t know much about cars and who worry about haggling over repair costs.
But for most people, auto repair insurance is not a good value. Consider the following two factors:
- Overlap of coverage – Most insurers require you to purchase car repair insurance when your car is fairly new. In most cases this means you’ll be paying premiums while your car is still covered by the manufacturer’s new car warranty, meaning you get no benefit from the additional coverage. You can also expect to see higher rates if you choose to purchase car repair insurance when your car is older.
- When you need it – Today’s cars tend to be remarkably reliable in their first 7 years and 100,000 miles, so failure of major systems like engines and transmissions are rare for newer cars unless maintenance has been neglected. When the car is older and more likely to need expensive repairs, mechanical breakdown coverage will no longer be available.
Car Repair Insurance Companies
Car Repair Insurance Alternatives
There’s a better alternative. Instead of purchasing insurance coverage, consider taking these steps:
- Research – Start by considering reliability records before purchasing your car. You can compare different models’ reliability on websites like Consumer Reports and TrueDelta.
- Maintenance – Then make sure to keep up with the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. This is by far the best insurance against early catastrophe.
- Trusted mechanic – Ask friends to recommend a local mechanic or check online reviews, so that you have someone you trust when repairs and maintenance are needed.
- Save the money – Finally, take the money you would have spent on insurance or an extended service contract and add it to your emergency fund. That will give you protection from unexpected expenses of the automotive and non-automotive variety
- Compare with extended warranties – If you really want someone else to shoulder the risk of major car repairs, you’ll probably find a better deal by choosing an extended warranty, especially if you choose one from your car’s manufacturer. Price shop and keep in mind that the cost of an extended warranty is negotiable.
