Does car insurance cover engine failure?

The engine is the single most important component of a car. When the engine fails, the car can’t get you where you need to go. So does car insurance cover engine failure? Here’s everything you need to know, and some maintenance tips to keep your engine running healthy.

Does Car Insurance Cover Engine Failure?

In most cases, car insurance will not cover mechanical damage like engine failure. Your comprehensive and collision coverage can only cover certain perils, depending on the coverage.

Your insurance will not cover damage to your engine as a result of wear and tear, manufacturing defects or lack of maintenance. However, if your engine was damaged due to one of the above perils, your insurance can help pay for the damage.

For example, if you never changed the oil and your engine fails as a result, your insurance will not cover any of the damage.

On the other hand, if your engine was damaged in a covered event like a flood, you would be covered by comprehensive coverage if you carry it.

Repairing an engine is a costly and lengthy undertaking. In many cases, it would cost more to repair a car with damage severe enough to destroy the engine than the car was worth.

A manufacturer’s or extended powertrain warranty may cover engine failure. A warranty covers defects in manufacturing, but would not cover damage from lack of maintenance.

Common Causes of Engine Failure

Lack of Maintenance

Your car’s engine is a complex mechanical system that requires regular maintenance and inspection. Neglecting the engine can lead to all sorts of mechanical issues. Oftentimes, failure to maintain one system causes damage to other systems. Your insurance will not cover damage to your engine from lack of maintenance.

• Ignition

Damaged ignition components can quickly cause mechanical damage. Worn spark plugs, coil packs or ignition wires will make your engine run poorly. Prolonged operation can cause excessive wear and lead to further damage.

• Improper Lubrication

The metal components in your engine require lubrication in the form of engine/motor oil. Oil forms a thin layer between moving parts of the engine, reducing friction and wear. The oil also helps clean the surfaces of the engine while it’s running. Old or dirty oil can’t properly lubricate your engine, which is why it’s important to change your oil and filter regularly.

• Overheating

Your car’s cooling system keeps the engine within its proper operating temperature. Damage to the radiator, coolant lines, thermostat or coolant seals can cause your engine to overheat, exacerbating any other mechanical issues you may have.

Animal Damage

Animals like rodents may nest in engine compartments, and cause damage to components. They can easily chew through and destroy wires, fluid lines and other essential parts of your car. You may not even notice the damage until you find a leak or have a mechanical breakdown on the road. Engine failure as a result of animal damage is covered under comprehensive coverage.

Water Damage

Engines are designed to take in air, not water. If water somehow makes its way into the engine, it can flood and cause damage beyond repair. Never drive through floodwaters, and move your car to higher ground if there’s a flood alert. Flood damage is also covered under comprehensive coverage.

Filing a Claim for Engine Damage

If your engine was damaged in a covered event, don’t wait to file a claim.

We know that filing any kind of car insurance claim can be stressful. Our unique claims services will simplify the process, getting you back on the road in no time.

1. File Your Claim
   Please have your policy number ready. You can file a claim online or by contacting us or your agent directly.
2. Assignment and Tracking of the Claim
   After you report your claim, you’ll receive a claim number to help track its progress. We’ll also assign you a friendly representative to answer any questions you may have.
3. Damage Evaluation
   If your vehicle has damage and the applicable coverage applies, we offer these convenient options to get you back on the road as soon as possible:
   • CarPics^SM Photo Appraisals: Eliminate the need to schedule a claims inspection and receive your estimate within hours. You may even get paid that same day.*
   • Crashbusters^® Mobile Claim Service: Have a representative meet you to appraise the damage at a time and place that’s convenient for you, often issuing you a check on the spot.
   • Door to Door Valet Claim Service^®: Let us pick up your car and handle the repair process from start to finish. If you have rental coverage, we’ll even coordinate a rental car.
4. Receive Your Claim Settlement
   Based on your situation, Plymouth Rock may pay your claim to the repair shop or we may reimburse you directly. Your claim payment will be based on the terms and coverage in your car insurance policy.

Conclusion: Does Car Insurance Cover Engine Failure?

Your car insurance will only cover engine failure if it’s a result of a covered accident or peril. It will not cover engine failure as a result of lack of maintenance, which is why it’s so important to schedule regular maintenance for your car. By regularly changing your engine oil and keeping your ignition and cooling systems tuned up, you can prolong the life of your engine.

^*Certain restrictions apply.