Does auto insurance cover repairs?
Does auto insurance cover repairs? Auto insurance does cover repairs if you have additional insurance coverage not typically included in basic policies. Affordable auto insurance that covers repairs includes mechanical breakdown insurance, collision coverage, and comprehensive insurance. Collision auto insurance quotes that cover repairs average $322.61 annually, whereas comprehensive insurance costs $148.04 annually on average.
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Cynthia Lanctot
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Cynthia Lanctot is an insurance professional with ten years of industry experience. Cynthia is licensed in several states, and holds an associate in claims law, as well as a bachelor’s degree in English. Cynthia’s experience includes the New England and Northeast states. She currently works as a liability claims professional and an occasional online contributor.
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UPDATED: Jun 13, 2023
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our auto insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different auto insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jun 13, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our auto insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different auto insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Auto insurance does cover repairs if you have collision or comprehensive coverage
- Basic policies that only meet a state’s minimum legal requirements do not cover damage to your vehicle
- Some companies also offer mechanical breakdown insurance to assist with vehicle repairs
Many drivers wonder, does auto insurance cover repairs? Certain types of auto insurance do cover repairs, but basic policies mandated by state laws typically do not.
Below, discover what auto insurance coverages pay for repairs for your vehicle, compare average rates by state, and determine if full coverage auto insurance is right for you.
After learning how to buy auto insurance that covers repairs, remember to enter your ZIP code into our free rate tool above to compare quotes from reputable companies near you.
Does auto insurance cover repairs?
Certain types of auto insurance coverages do pay for repairs to your vehicle. But your liability auto insurance typically required by state law does not cover any damage to your car.
Instead, your liability coverage pays for damage to another party if you’re found responsible for causing an accident.
So, technically, if you live in an at-fault state, you file a third-party claim through the responsible driver’s liability insurance to cover your property damage or any bodily injuries.
But otherwise, you must invest in either comprehensive insurance or collision insurance to ensure your policy pays for repairs to your vehicle.
However, some companies offer mechanical breakdown insurance as well.
If you purchase both collision and comprehensive insurance types in addition to your state minimum legal requirements, it’s considered full coverage insurance.
Although, technically, this term does not have a specific agreed-upon definition.
Full coverage auto insurance costs $84 per month or $1,009 annually on average.
So, does full coverage auto insurance cover repairs? Yes, as long as you purchased collision and comprehensive coverage.
But what do these insurance types specifically protect you from? Read on to find out.
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What do comprehensive and collision insurance cover?
Collision insurance protects your vehicle from damage while it’s in motion, including hitting a tree, building, telephone pole, or another car.
Comprehensive insurance covers your vehicle from damage while it’s parked, including acts of nature, vandalism, flooding, fires, and auto theft.
There are also auto insurance deductibles associated with both of these insurance types.
A deductible is an amount you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance company steps in.
Expect comprehensive auto insurance quotes that cover repairs to be slightly cheaper than collision costs. This is because collision claims cost more on average than comprehensive claims.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the average collision claim severity in 2020 was $3,588. However, the average comprehensive claim severity was only $1,995.
On average, comprehensive insurance costs $12 per month or $148.04 annually. Collision auto insurance rates that cover repairs cost an average of $26 per month or $322.61 per year.
But your auto insurance costs heavily depend on your ZIP code. So in the table below, compare the average annual collision and comprehensive insurance rates by the state.
| State | Average Annual Collision Insurance Rates | Average Annual Comprehensive Insurance Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $317.96 | $156.31 |
| Alaska | $350.81 | $137.26 |
| Arizona | $277.96 | $186.12 |
| Arkansas | $321.80 | $190.41 |
| California | $396.55 | $100.54 |
| Colorado | $287.00 | $174.61 |
| Connecticut | $368.51 | $131.62 |
| Delaware | $318.77 | $122.49 |
| District of Columbia | $468.67 | $233.24 |
| Florida | $282.96 | $116.53 |
| Georgia | $331.83 | $159.18 |
| Hawaii | $313.17 | $101.56 |
| Idaho | $219.05 | $116.55 |
| Illinois | $309.71 | $128.13 |
| Indiana | $250.29 | $122.06 |
| Iowa | $219.75 | $183.53 |
| Kansas | $263.33 | $267.91 |
| Kentucky | $267.91 | $141.39 |
| Louisiana | $414.36 | $215.17 |
| Maine | $259.98 | $104.98 |
| Maryland | $353.99 | $152.72 |
| Massachusetts | $388.28 | $134.96 |
| Michigan | $413.83 | $154.85 |
| Minnesota | $234.40 | $184.27 |
| Mississippi | $323.22 | $210.33 |
| Missouri | $275.28 | $181.27 |
| Montana | $265.32 | $211.91 |
| Nebraska | $237.13 | $229.25 |
| Nevada | $303.86 | $117.63 |
| New Hampshire | $307.42 | $110.77 |
| New Jersey | $381.86 | $131.35 |
| New Mexico | $276.98 | $172.57 |
| New York | $385.02 | $171.12 |
| North Carolina | $293.59 | $136.08 |
| North Dakota | $244.09 | $231.04 |
| Ohio | $269.84 | $121.61 |
| Oklahoma | $318.47 | $225.84 |
| Oregon | $226.83 | $93.87 |
| Pennsylvania | $327.24 | $144.21 |
| Rhode Island | $411.51 | $132.19 |
| South Carolina | $265.07 | $180.94 |
| South Dakota | $208.58 | $258.11 |
| Tennessee | $309.07 | $148.45 |
| Texas | $374.49 | $206.42 |
| Utah | $265.90 | $109.50 |
| Vermont | $295.42 | $125.48 |
| Virginia | $280.52 | $136.54 |
| Washington | $265.74 | $106.38 |
| West Virginia | $329.67 | $204.28 |
| Wisconsin | $226.00 | $136.81 |
| Wyoming | $278.83 | $247.57 |
| Countrywide | $322.61 | $148.04 |
Many different variables impact your auto insurance costs. For example, your age, driving record, ZIP code, and local laws all affect your rates.
So, to secure your cheapest possible auto insurance rates, compare quotes online from different providers. Remember to also ask about auto insurance discounts you’re eligible to earn.
What is mechanical breakdown insurance?
Some drivers wonder, does auto insurance cover non-accident repairs?
Fortunately, comprehensive insurance, also referred to as “other than collision”, does protect your vehicle from damage not caused by a crash.
But does auto insurance cover mechanical problems? Usually, your insurance policy does not help with mechanical breakdowns due to vehicle age or wear and tear.
However, some companies do offer specific mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) as an optional policy add-on.
MBI does not replace or pay for your filters, tires, spark plugs, brake pads, or fluids.
However, it may cover your drivetrain, engine, transmission, brakes, exhaust, steering wheel, power system, air conditioning, and fuel system.
So does auto insurance cover engine failure if you purchase mechanical breakdown insurance? It likely does, but it depends on the details of your specific policy.
Essentially, MBI works like an extended warranty or a service contract offered by car dealerships, but there are a few distinctions.
What’s the difference between MBI and extended warranty coverage? Extended warranties may be cheaper than MBI coverage. But, typically, your coverage from the warranty is more limited than through insurance.
What are the limits of MBI? Repairs must be done at an approved repair shop. You also usually have to pay a deductible.
But the amount is usually low, between $250 to $400. Moreover, since engine repairs can cost thousands of dollars, the coverage is generally worth it even after paying for the deductible out of pocket.
However, MBI coverage still does not include maintenance, like changing your tires or replacing the coolant. Plus, exclusions may apply.
Finally, not every company offers this type of coverage. Similarly, not every car qualifies.
For example, older cars or vehicles with lots of miles are typically denied MBI coverage. So the coverage may terminate when your vehicle ages.
Does auto insurance cover repairs? The Bottom Line
Your auto insurance policy can cover repairs to your vehicle, but you need to invest in specific insurance types, including collision, comprehensive, or mechanical breakdown insurance.
But basic auto insurance policies that meet state minimum requirements usually do not cover damage to your own car or property.
You should not have any problems finding an auto insurance company that covers repairs, as most national companies offer collision and comprehensive insurance.
However, MBI coverage may not be available through all companies. So comparison shop online and ask about the details of different MBI policies to help you determine the right company for you.
Now that you’re an expert on affordable auto insurance that covers repairs, secure your best coverage from the top companies by entering your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does auto insurance typically cover repairs to my vehicle?
Auto insurance policies generally offer coverage for repairs to your vehicle under certain circumstances. The specific coverage and extent of repairs covered depend on the type of insurance you have. Collision coverage typically covers repairs when your vehicle is damaged due to a collision with another vehicle or object, while comprehensive coverage covers repairs for non-collision incidents, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
What is collision coverage?
Collision coverage is an optional insurance coverage that helps pay for repairs or replacement of your vehicle if it’s damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object. It typically covers damages regardless of fault, meaning your insurance company will assist with repairs even if you are at fault for the accident. Collision coverage usually requires the payment of a deductible, which is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.
What is comprehensive coverage?
Comprehensive coverage is another optional insurance coverage that helps pay for repairs or replacement of your vehicle due to non-collision incidents. This includes damage caused by theft, vandalism, fire, severe weather, falling objects, and other covered events. As with collision coverage, comprehensive coverage typically requires the payment of a deductible.
Are there any limitations to auto insurance coverage for repairs?
Yes, there can be limitations to auto insurance coverage for repairs. These limitations may include:
- Deductible: You are responsible for paying the deductible amount before the insurance coverage applies. The deductible is typically chosen when you set up your policy and can vary depending on your preferences and the insurance company.
- Coverage limits: Insurance policies have coverage limits, which represent the maximum amount the insurance company will pay for repairs or replacement. It’s important to understand the coverage limits specified in your policy to ensure they are adequate for your needs.
- Exclusions: Some types of damages or repairs may be excluded from coverage. For example, general wear and tear or mechanical breakdowns may not be covered. It’s important to review your policy documents or contact your insurance provider to understand the specific exclusions.
How do I file a claim for repairs covered by my auto insurance?
To file a claim for repairs covered by your auto insurance, you typically need to contact your insurance company and provide them with the necessary information. This may include details about the incident, photographs of the damage, and any relevant documentation. Your insurance company will guide you through the claims process and may ask you to obtain repair estimates or have your vehicle inspected by a qualified appraiser.
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
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Cynthia Lanctot
Licensed Agent
Cynthia Lanctot is an insurance professional with ten years of industry experience. Cynthia is licensed in several states, and holds an associate in claims law, as well as a bachelor’s degree in English. Cynthia’s experience includes the New England and Northeast states. She currently works as a liability claims professional and an occasional online contributor.
Licensed Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.