If you’ve ever questioned whether insurance could cover a blown motor, here’s what you need to know. Generally, unless the engine failure results from an accident, your standard insurance policy won’t cover the repairs. However, there are ways to get coverage. Mechanical breakdown insurance is one option that can help with the costs of fixing a failed engine. Additionally, if your vehicle has an extended warranty, you might already have coverage for engine repairs.

How does insurance deal with engine failure?

Understanding how your insurance policy handles engine failure starts with knowing the types of coverage you have. For example, if you only carry your state’s minimum liability coverage, your policy will only cover damage and injuries to the other party in an at-fault accident — leaving your own vehicle unprotected.

However, if you have full coverage, your policy can cover damages to your own car in various situations through two specific types of insurance:

  • Collision: This coverage pays for damage to your vehicle if you are in an at-fault accident.
  • Comprehensive: Also known as “other than collision” coverage, this insurance helps pay for repairs or replacement if your car is stolen, vandalized, or damaged by a fire, severe weather, or hitting an animal.

If your engine failure is due to an accident or another event covered by these two types of insurance, the damage is likely covered after you pay your deductible. However, this coverage typically doesn’t extend to engine failures caused by mechanical issues or normal wear and tear.

Will gap insurance cover engine failure?

If you’ve experienced car trouble, you might wonder if gap insurance covers engine failure. Unfortunately, it doesn’t. Gap insurance is an optional coverage that can be added to your auto insurance policy. It’s designed to pay the difference between the book value of your totaled car and the amount you still owe on it. This type of coverage is particularly beneficial for drivers who finance or lease their vehicles and are concerned about being “upside down” on their loan or lease if the car is totaled in an accident.

Gap insurance is very specific and only applies if your car is totaled in a covered claim and you owe more than the car’s value. It does not cover engine failure, normal wear and tear, or other mechanical issues with your vehicle.

Is there any coverage that does cover engine failure?

In some cases, you can secure coverage to protect your finances if your car experiences engine failure or another mechanical issue requiring repair. Typically, engine failure is covered under a warranty if you’ve purchased one. Additionally, you might want to consider mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) if it’s available through your car insurance provider.

Warranty

If you purchased a warranty with your new or late-model used car, it provides a contract that covers repairs or replacements for your entire vehicle or specific systems within it. While a warranty may cover repairs that your insurance doesn’t, it typically excludes normal wear and tear, neglect, or maintenance issues. There are two common types of warranties:

  • Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: This warranty covers most parts and systems of a vehicle, usually lasting three to five years. It may include parts and labor for defects, and could assist with engine failure costs, depending on the cause. Any parts or systems not covered are generally specified in the warranty documents.
  • Powertrain Warranty: This more limited warranty covers the vehicle’s powertrain components—such as the engine, transmission, and driveshaft. Only the parts and systems mentioned in the warranty are covered, with other components excluded.

Warranties are typically valid for a specific time period or mileage limit, such as three years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Mechanical breakdown insurance

Mechanical breakdown coverage (MBI), also known as car repair insurance, is similar to a warranty in that both help cover the costs of certain repairs for essential vehicle components. MBI can be added as an endorsement to an existing car insurance policy or purchased as a standalone policy, and unlike warranties, it usually includes a deductible. In many cases, it would cover engine failure.

MBI might be a good option if you own a higher-value car, such as a luxury vehicle, where repairs can be costly. It’s also worth considering if you have a new car, lack a warranty, and want to avoid expensive repairs in the event of a breakdown or engine failure.

Not all insurance companies offer MBI, so it’s important to shop around. The cost of a policy with MBI can vary between insurers, so requesting quotes from multiple companies can help you find the best rate.