If you already have a car insurance policy, you may be wondering if it’s necessary to have car repair insurance coverage. This guide explains what you need to know about car insurance to help you make the best decision. No matter what you decide to do, know that you can turn to an Antelope Valley Car Accident Lawyer in case you get into an accident and need to deal with an insurance company.
What Car Repair Insurance Covers
Depending on your auto insurance, car repair insurance covers the following:
- Air-conditioning
- Cooling Systems
- Electrica Systems such as the car’s computer
- Exhaust
- Fuel Systems
- Steering Components
- Transmission
What is Not Covered by Car Insurance
What isn’t covered by motor vehicle insurance also depends on your mechanical breakdown insurance with your company.
Here are some things that are not covered.
- Car accident damage
- Regular maintenance, including tire rotation and wheel balancing, suspension alignment, oil changes, tune-ups
- Damage owing to poor maintenance, such as the wrong fuel type, and sporadic oil changes
- Wear and tear, including brake pads and tires
- Vehicle molding and trimming
- Items or components the car warranty covers
- Items or components the car warranty covers
- Items or components a recall covers
- Manufacturer repair program covers
- Damage that existed before you bought the insurance policy
- Rust and corrosion
Difference Between Car Repair Insurance and Auto Warranty
Car repair insurance and warranties cover mechanical faults in the electronics, transmissions, engine, and car’s computer.
A new car warranty kicks in when you buy a new car and covers several years or miles, such as-a four-year or 36,000-mile warranty. Note that it expires when you reach a certain milestone, whichever starts.
An extended car warranty extends the new car warranty length, and you can cover a pre-owned car. Additionally, you can purchase an extended car warranty from a third-party company or an auto-dealership.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Car Repair Insurance Policy
When any of the covered items develop a problem, auto-insurance companies may request you to repair it at licensed car repair shops. Others may already have car repair shops of their choice. Before you purchase the policy, find out where you take your car for repairs.
Find out if the insurance policy cover has added benefits, such as trip interruption coverage, road assistance, and rental reimbursement coverage.
Ask if it’s possible to transfer the coverage to a new owner. Some insurance firms may allow you to transfer coverage to the new owner when you sell or give your car to someone else.
If you already have coverage through a car warranty or extended warranty, it’s unnecessary to buy car repair insurance.
Pros and Cons of Car Repair Insurance
Car repair insurance has pros and cons. One of the benefits is that it can cover the total repair costs and help control the amount of money you may pay for repairs. When a car repair company overcharges you for mechanical faults, for example, your insurance can pick them up and let you know about them. So, the right auto repair insurance can keep mechanic shops under check.
Another advantage is that an auto insurance policy helps you in budgeting and reducing auto-costs. You can plan for unexpected costs that may arise as a result of mechanical problems. You’ll also know how much you’re likely to pay for car repairs.
The downside of car repair insurance is that if it covers certain parts of the car, you may not know which car component will break down first, resulting in partial coverage.
It also increases your burden of additional insurance costs since you may already have other car insurance policies, like a car comprehensive policy. After claiming car repairs, it may also take ages to receive the payment.