Does car insurance cover non-accident repairs?

You may already know that certain types of insurance give you coverage in different situations. For example, liability pays for third-party damages that are your fault, and collision coverage helps repair damage to your vehicle. 

However, does car insurance cover repairs not caused by an accident? Yes, if you carry the right kind of policy.

If you sustain damage to your vehicle outside of a collision, comprehensive coverage will help you pay for the cost of repairs. Other than that, some companies also offer coverage for mechanical repair.

It pays to understand what type of protection you have. This guide discusses what kind of car insurance covers non-accident repairs and where you can compare insurance quotes to get the best rates. 

What type of car insurance covers non-accident repairs?

When people sustain damage to their vehicle through no fault of their own, they may often ask: “Will car insurance cover repairs not related to an accident?” The answer will depend on the type of coverage you have. 

BQ: Insurance companies provide comprehensive car insurance coverage for situations unrelated to a car accident.

For example, this type of coverage will kick in if your vehicle sustains damage from a fire. It will also help repair damage caused by vandals or falling objects. (For more information, read our “Does car insurance cover vandalism?“).

Should you collide with an animal, comprehensive coverage will help pay the costs of both body damage and any mechanical repairs linked to the incident. Likewise, comprehensive coverage will help if you get caught in a heavy storm and suffer damage from hailstones or strong winds.m

Read more: Does car insurance cover tire blowouts?

What about collision insurance?

While you should get collision insurance coverage to pay for your vehicle repairs after an accident, you may also be able to claim for non-accident repairs here as well. 

After all, you may sustain some damage to your car when you hit a pothole. It may not technically consider this an accident, but some companies may help pay for the damage through your collision insurance.

Should you consider mechanical breakdown insurance?

Some national insurance companies are now offering mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI). Also known as car repair insurance, the insurer can bundle it into a typical auto insurance policy to provide an extra layer of protection. This type of insurance is like a car warranty as it will help to pay for the cost of repairs following a breakdown.

You may be able to get mechanical breakdown insurance on relatively new vehicles subject to age and mileage restrictions. And once you have bought the MBI, it is often possible to renew it for multiple years. 

You may need to pay a deductible, but this type of car insurance policy covers most mechanical parts. It will typically exclude general wear and tear and routine maintenance, but you can usually take the vehicle to a licensed repair shop of your choosing.

When you buy car insurance, you can add this element to your policy, and the company will handle claims in the same way they treat comprehensive or collision. However, adding this coverage will increase your rates. Compare car insurance quotes from multiple companies if you believe MBI would be valuable to you. 

Are car warranties an option?

Sometimes, you may need to repair your vehicle due to a mechanical malfunction that has nothing to do with an accident. 

In this case, you may want to consider your vehicle’s warranty. Most new cars come with a type of warranty that guarantees repairs for certain mechanical breakdowns for a certain number of miles or time.

Other organizations may offer extended warranties to cover a vehicle when the original manufacturer warranty runs out. These policies cover repairs due to unexpected circumstances or simple failure, although there are often plenty of exclusions. Read your warranty closely to see what you are buying.

Read more: Does car insurance cover engine failure?

Does insurance cover car repairs not caused by an accident?

Certain types of car insurance will cover non-accident repairs. Comprehensive will cover repairs due to vandalism, collision with an animal, falling objects, or bad weather. Collision coverage may pay for repairs due to pothole damage. 

Warranties may also be available from car manufacturers or other providers, while some insurance companies now offer mechanical breakdown insurance.

Case Studies: Examples of Car Insurance Coverage for Non-Accident Repairs

Case Study 1: Sarah’s Comprehensive Coverage

Sarah owns a car with comprehensive insurance coverage. One day, she parks her car on the street overnight, and the next morning she discovers that it has been vandalized. The windows are shattered, and there are scratches all over the body. Sarah immediately contacts her insurance provider to file a claim. Since she has comprehensive coverage, her insurer agrees to cover the cost of repairs.

Sarah takes her car to a trusted repair shop, and the insurance company pays for the necessary repairs, including replacing the windows and fixing the scratches. Thanks to her comprehensive coverage, Sarah’s car is restored to its original condition, and she is reimbursed for the expenses incurred.

Case Study 2: Michael’s Collision Coverage

Michael is driving on a poorly maintained road when he hits a deep pothole, causing damage to his car’s suspension and alignment. He has collision coverage as part of his insurance policy. Michael contacts his insurance company and explains the situation.

Despite the damage not being the result of an accident involving another vehicle, Michael’s collision coverage extends to cover repairs caused by hitting a pothole. His insurance company approves the claim, and Michael’s car is repaired at an authorized repair shop. The insurance company covers the costs of the necessary repairs, ensuring Michael’s car is safe to drive again.

Case Study 3: Lisa’s Mechanical Breakdown Insurance

Lisa recently purchased a new car and decided to add mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) to her policy. A few months later, her car experiences a sudden engine failure while she’s driving on the highway. Worried and stranded, Lisa contacts her insurance company. Since she has MBI, her insurer arranges for a tow truck to transport her car to a licensed repair shop.

The insurance company covers the cost of diagnosing the issue and repairing the engine. Lisa only needs to pay the deductible specified in her policy. Thanks to MBI, Lisa’s car is back on the road without her having to bear the financial burden of the unexpected mechanical breakdown.