While you may already have a car insurance policy and assume that engine failure costs are covered, will your insurer actually pay for engine repair or replacement? Let’s find out.
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. The engine is one of the most expensive parts of the vehicle.
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 been 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, and 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 car insurance 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 vandalised
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.
Limitations of Engine Protection Cover in Car Insurance
Although Engine Protection add-on is an excellent cover to safeguard your car’s heart, it does have some limitations, like:
- Covers only specific causes like accidents, water damage, or mechanical/electrical failures.
- Does not include routine maintenance or wear-and-tear issues.
- Some parts may be reimbursed at depreciated value.
- Limited number of claims allowed per policy year.
- Pre-existing engine issues are not covered.
- Requires an additional premium as it is an add-on cover.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is engine damage covered by insurance?
Standard car insurance usually does not cover engine damage unless it is caused by an accident or has an engine protection add-on.
Can I claim car insurance for engine failure?
You can claim engine failure only if you have opted for an engine protection add-on that covers mechanical or electrical breakdowns.
Does insurance cover engine damage due to accidents?
Yes, most comprehensive car insurance policies cover engine damage caused directly by an accident.
Can I extend engine coverage for older vehicles?
Yes, some insurers offer engine protection add-ons for older cars, though the premiums and terms may vary.
Are wear and tear issues covered under Engine Protection?
No, routine wear and tear, ageing parts, or maintenance-related issues are not covered under engine protection.
What happens if I miss regular engine maintenance? Will it affect my claim?
Yes, failing to maintain your engine properly can lead to claim rejection, as insurers may consider negligence a factor in the damage.
