When Are Your Car Repairs Covered by Car Insurance
One of the most important things you can have for your vehicle is a good auto insurance policy. It serves as financial protection when you are involved in an accident and can help cover the costs of repairs to your vehicle. But what does car insurance actually cover? And when will it pay for repairs to your car? This helpful overview from Sun Chevrolet will provide you with everything you need to know.
What Is a Manufacturer's Warranty?
It's essential to understand what warranty coverage does if you've recently purchased a new vehicle. A manufacturer's warranty is a guarantee by the automaker that repairs will be covered for a certain time or mileage, whichever comes first. For example, Chevrolet's bumper-to-bumper warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles, while the powertrain warranty covers repairs for five years or 100,000 miles. Some examples of repairs that would be covered would include the following:
•Engine problems
•Transmission issues
•Electrical malfunctions
•Air conditioning repairs
•Warranty coverage also typically includes 24-hour roadside assistance, which can be helpful if you have a flat tire or need a tow.
What Repairs Does My Insurance Plan Cover?
The main confusion for anyone with insurance comes after their warranty has expired. Unless you buy extended warranty coverage, the repairs on your vehicle may be limited with just an insurance policy. Most insurance plans have two types of coverage: collision and comprehensive.
•Collision Coverage -This type of coverage will help pay for repairs to your vehicle if when it gets hit by another car or object, such as a guardrail. This coverage will also help pay for any damage done to your car while you are driving it, such as hitting a pothole.
•Comprehensive Coverage -This coverage pays for other things unrelated to collisions, such as fires, vandalism, or theft. This coverage can also help pay for repairs if your car is damaged by something other than a car, such as hail.
It's important to know that your insurance policy will have deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverage. A deductible is the amount of money you will have to pay out of pocket before your insurance company starts to pay the remaining balance.
What Is Mechanical Breakdown Insurance?
Many people who own a vehicle decide to purchase MBI, otherwise referred to as mechanical breakdown insurance. MBI is a type of auto insurance that helps cover the costs of repairs after your warranty expires. It can help pay for both parts and labor and can often be purchased for less than $100 per year. It's important to understand that purchasing this kind of insurance for your vehicle is not mandatory. On the other hand, you could potentially save thousands of dollars in repairing significant issues with your car. Some examples of car repairs that would be covered with MBI would include the drivetrain, transmission, power steering, and brakes.
What Repairs Are Not Covered by Car Insurance?
Typically, anything related to your car that is considered routine maintenance is not covered by car insurance. These tasks could range to anything from an oil change to new brake pads. You can think of it this way - if the repair needs to be done to keep your car running, then it's not going to be covered. It's always a good idea to keep up with the recommended maintenance for your vehicle, as this will help prevent larger, more expensive problems.
In fact, many warranties aren't valid unless you keep up with the suggested maintenance schedule. In short, car insurance is designed to cover unforeseen accidents or issues with your vehicle - not the normal wear and tear that comes with owning a car. So be sure to understand what is and isn't covered by your policy before you need to make a claim.
The Importance of a Good Auto Insurance Policy
A good auto insurance policy can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in exchange for a monthly premium. One way to find the best deal possible is by shopping with a broker. A broker will be able to shop around with different insurers to find you the best coverage at the best price. This can save you a lot of time and hassle and ensure that you're getting the most out of your insurance policy.
Contact Sport Chevrolet for Routine Car Maintenance
One of the best ways to avoid costly breakdowns is by staying on top of your car's routine maintenance. Sport Chevrolet can help you with anything from an oil change to tire rotations, brakes, and much more. Call for an appointment!