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Home > Car Insurance > Does Car Insurance Cover Engine Failure?
Learn about whether your car insurance covers engine failure and what your other options may be with Savvy today.
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Savvy Editorial TeamFact checked
Engine failure can be a costly and unexpected event that leaves drivers worried about repair expenses. While car insurance generally doesn't offer cover in this area, it's important to understand what your coverage areas are if your car breaks down.
In Savvy’s informative guide, you can explore the ins and outs of engine failure in Australia and what your coverage options may be if it happens to you. Learn about some of the steps you can take if your vehicle suffers engine failure through us today.
Standard car insurance policies, whether comprehensive or third party coverage, generally don’t include protection for engine failure caused by normal wear and tear or mechanical breakdown. These instances aren’t considered claimable events under most policies.
However, if the engine failure is a result of an insured event, such as an accident, fire, or theft, your comprehensive car insurance may cover the repair or replacement of the engine.
Engine failure in car insurance policies refers to the malfunction or breakdown of the engine, resulting in its inability to operate properly. This may come in the form of a flat battery, faulty brakes or certain other incidents. It can be caused by a range of factors and can lead to significant repair costs, as the engine may require repair or replacement.
Manufacturer's warranties generally cover engine failure for a specific period or distance driven, typically during the early years of vehicle ownership. These warranties are provided by the vehicle manufacturer and are separate from car insurance policies. The coverage under a manufacturer's warranty can vary depending on the terms and conditions set by the manufacturer.
It's important to note that manufacturer's warranties have limitations and may not cover engine failure caused by neglect, improper maintenance or wear and tear. Once the manufacturer's warranty expires, you won’t be covered if your car experiences a mechanical breakdown which would’ve otherwise been included.
Engine repairs can also be conducted by roadside assistance on your car insurance. These programs typically provide services such as emergency fuel delivery, battery jump-starts, flat tyre changes and towing to a nearby repair facility. They’re designed to assist with immediate breakdowns and get your vehicle back on the road, but they don’t typically cover the cost of major repairs.
If you experience engine failure or any significant mechanical issue while on the road, roadside assistance may tow your vehicle to a nearby mechanic or service centre for further assessment and repairs. However, the cost of repairing the engine or any related components would generally be the vehicle owner's responsibility.
It's important to note that specific coverage and benefits can vary depending on the roadside assistance provider and the type of membership or insurance policy you have. Some extended roadside assistance plans or comprehensive insurance policies may offer additional coverage options that include engine repairs or contribute toward the cost of repairs.
It's always important to review the terms and conditions of your roadside assistance program or insurance policy to understand the exact coverage provided.
Engine failure can be a frustrating and costly problem for car owners. Several factors can contribute to engine failure, including:
Experiencing engine failure can be a stressful situation, but taking the following steps can help mitigate further damage and ensure your safety:
Remember, engine failure can be an unexpected expense, but regular vehicle maintenance and prompt attention to warning signs can help prevent or minimise the chances of experiencing such issues.
Reporting an engine failure may lead to an increase in the cost of your insurance premiums. Insurance companies consider various risk factors when determining premiums, so if your car experiences a major mechanical fault, it signals a higher risk, potentially resulting in higher premiums in future. However, each insurance provider has its own criteria, so it's best to consult with them for specific information regarding premium adjustments.
If a mechanical fault in your car causes an accident, liability can vary depending on the circumstances. If the fault was due to a known issue that you neglected to address, you may be held responsible for the accident and your insurance company might not offer any cover. However, if the fault was sudden and unexpected, you may be covered for the damage sustained in an accident, but not the repair of the fault itself.
Poor quality fuel can contribute to engine problems and potentially lead to engine failure. Contaminated or low-quality fuel may contain impurities or inadequate lubrication properties, which can damage the internal components of the engine over time. Ensuring you use high-quality petrol and maintain it properly can help reduce the risk of engine failure.
Engine failure can significantly impact a car's resale value. Prospective buyers are often hesitant to purchase vehicles with a history of engine problems. The cost of repairing or replacing the engine, coupled with the perceived risk of future issues, can lower the value of the vehicle. It's essential to address engine failure promptly and keep records of any repairs to maintain the best possible resale value.
Select your car make and find out how much it may cost to insure, read helpful guides and compare quotes.
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© Copyright 2024 Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd T/as Savvy. All Rights Reserved.
Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.
We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.
For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.
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