Is Engine Failure Covered Under Car Insurance?

The engine of your car is its heart; your car cannot function smoothly in case its engine has aged. If not maintained well, the engine can get damaged, attracting a heavy repair or replacement cost. Engine is one of the most expensive parts of the vehicle.

While you may already have a car insurance policy and think that the engine failure cost would be covered by your insurer. But will you get the coverage for engine repair or replacement by your insurer?

Causes of car engine failure

Engine failure can cost you heavily. Hence, it is important to understand the common causes that may lead to failure of the car’s engine. Here are a few common reasons as to why a car’s engine can stop working.

Overheating of engine

In case your car’s cooling system has damaged or the head gasket has blown then the engine may start heating, leading to an increase in chances of engine failure.

Less engine oil

Low level of engine oil can lead to wear and tear of the engine, often resulting in engine failure.

Water ingression

Another common reason for engine failure is water ingression, especially in areas with heavy rainfall.

Few of the other common reasons for engine failure include oil leaks, combustion in the engine, wrong fueling, ignoring the engine oil light.

Does car insurance cover engine damage?

Car insurance covers engine damage only if you have comprehensive car insurance. Consider you have purchased car insurance cover and the car meets with a road accident. The damages caused to the car will be covered under the car insurance policy. Car insurance claim can be made only in case of engine damage caused due to an accident.

On the other hand, in case the car’s engine is damaged in case of negligence or regular wear and tear then a car insurance policy will not provide coverage for the same. Coverage will not be provided in case the car's engine is damaged due to mechanical failure.

Car insurance will not provide coverage for expenses that are not directly arising out of accidental damages, theft or fire. However, if you want to cover loss or damage caused to a car's engine, then you can opt for engine protection add-on.

What is an engine protection add-on?

Engine protection cover is an add-on that you can purchase along with your base car insurance policy at an extra cost. This add-on provides coverage for a car's engine even if it is not resulting from an accident.

Engine protection add on provides coverage for the costs incurred in repairing or replacing a car’s engine and its parts. For instance, in case of driving in heavy rains, the car gets submerged in water due to which the engine gets damaged. In such a situation, an engine protection add-on will provide coverage for the cost of repairs of the damages sustained by the car’s engine due to waterlogging.

When does car insurance cover engine damage?

Car insurance provides coverage for engine damage in following scenarios:

• Collision that leads to engine damage
• In case if the engine stops operating due to water damage
• Engine has caught fire
• The engine was vandalized

Engine damage is only covered in case you have appropriate insurance coverage

When does car insurance not provide coverage for engine damage?

Insurance coverage for engine damage is not provide in case of below scenarios:

• Regular wear and tear of the engine
• Breakdown of the engine due to lack of oil
• Mechanical failure of the engine

Coverage provided under engine protection cover add-on

Engine protection add-on cover provides coverage to the engine in case of damage caused to the car’s engine, damages caused to the gearbox, lubricant oil leakage, damages caused to hydrostatic lock, damage caused to the undercarriage, consumable and labor costs are covered as well.

Engine protection cover add-on does not provide coverage in case of damages caused due to force start, consequential damage, regular wear and tear, etc.

Is it worth purchasing an engine protection cover?

Thinking whether you should purchase engine protection cover or not, here’s why it can be a good choice to do so

• You get financial coverage in case your car is damaged even without being involved in an accident
• The cover is ideal to purchase in case you are living in a flood prone area as it covers damages arising out of water ingression
• Having an engine protection add on will save on out of pocket expenses

Conclusion

A comprehensive car insurance policy will not provide coverage in case of engine damage not caused due to an accident. But you do have an option to purchase engine protection cover that can help you get protection in case of unforeseen damages caused to the engine.