Car insurance is meant to protect you from unexpected costs regarding your vehicle. You may be wondering what it covers, such as does car insurance cover transmission? Unless you have specific mechanical breakdown insurance coverage, traditional insurance policies do not usually cover transmission repairs unless your transmission was damaged in an auto accident. This means that you may have to pay out of pocket for any transmission repairs.
Does Car Insurance Cover Transmission?
Most car insurance policies do not cover the transmission unless the necessary transmission repairs are due to an auto accident. For the cost of your transmission repairs to be covered, you usually must meet one of these requirements:
- You have mechanical coverage.
- You can prove the damage is due to a recent accident, and you have full coverage.
- You have a warranty that covers the damage.
Some wear and tear on your car over time is normal, but typical wear and tear is not usually covered under a traditional insurance policy. Some companies do offer other types of coverage, including policies that may cover your transmission. These include:
- A warranty: Some newer cars may be eligible for a warranty or an extended warranty. Warranties usually protect your vehicle from certain types of damages, including transmissions.
- Mechanical breakdown insurance coverage (MBI): MBI coverage protects you against mechanical problems, including the transmission.
You will usually need to buy or opt-in to one of these policies before you need transmission repairs. A warranty is usually available from the dealership. MBI insurance may be available through your current insurance provider. If they do offer mechanical coverage, you may be able to combine your policies for a multi-policy discount.
What Is Mechanical Breakdown Insurance Coverage?
Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) coverage is a form of car repair insurance that covers routine repairs, including your transmission. Depending on the value of your vehicle, it may make sense to opt-in to MBI coverage, especially if your warranty has expired. You may be able to buy MBI coverage from your dealership. However, you will usually find the best rates with your insurance company if they offer it.
The cost of MBI coverage varies from provider to provider. Other factors are also calculated when determining your rate, including:
- Type of vehicle driven
- Number of miles driven
- Length of MBI coverage
- Level of protection chosen
The insurance company will usually consider how many miles are on your vehicle, as well as the level of protection chosen when determining your rate. Most insurance companies require that you pay a deductible to access MBI coverage benefits. A deductible refers to the amount of money you will have to pay out of pocket before they pay for damages.
The deductible is usually much less than what you would pay for the repairs, so it is usually worth it. You can also adjust your deductible as high or low as you want. A higher deductible comes with a cheaper monthly payment, and a lower deductible comes with a higher payment. It is important to note that even with MBI coverage, the owner is still responsible for keeping up with routine maintenance. This means keeping up with oil changes and other scheduled services.
You will also find different rates and policy requirements among different MBI providers. It is always a good idea to shop around, whether you are looking for insurance or MBI rates. This ensures that you not only get enough coverage but that you also get the best rate too.
Who Covers Transmission Damage Following an Accident?
An auto accident can cause damages to your transmission. If you have full coverage and your transmission is damaged in an accident, it may be covered. You will usually need full coverage to be eligible for repairs following an accident. It can be helpful to know the different types of insurance when evaluating your transmission repair options:
- Liability: Liability coverage is the minimum required in most states. Liability coverage only pays for the damages of the other driver if you are responsible for an accident.
- Comprehensive: Comprehensive coverage will cover the repairs of non-collision-related damages, such as a tree falling on your vehicle.
- Collision: Collision insurance covers damages related to an accident, regardless of who is at fault. It may cover the repair of your transmission if it is damaged in an auto accident.
- Uninsured: Uninsured coverage will pay for damages if you’re in an accident with a driver who is uninsured or underinsured.
Comprehensive and collision insurance is optional in most states. If you buy the minimum level of coverage, it will not usually include this. Adding on comprehensive and collision insurance is known as full coverage, but it is important to keep in mind that there isn’t really a type of insurance that covers all costs. Full coverage auto insurance does not usually include MBI coverage, which means you are on your own for mechanical repairs if they are not due to an accident.
If you have transmission damage due to a recent accident, the laws of your state will determine who pays for it. According to Nasdaq, if you live in a no-fault state, your insurance company will usually pay the damages. If you live in a tort state, then the at-fault driver’s insurance company would pay for your necessary transmission repairs.
How to Maintain Your Transmission
Even though an MBI policy may cover normal wear and tear, it does not usually include user negligence. It is important to follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. This can also help you avoid costly repairs. If you need certain repairs, such as the transmission or engine, you can expect a hefty bill.
According to AutoInsurance.org, the cost to repair a transmission is usually somewhere between $1800 to $3400. It can also be helpful to ensure that you have enough coverage so that your transmission is covered if damaged in an accident.
A traditional car insurance policy will not cover the transmission if damages are not due to an accident. This requires additional mechanical insurance. Before you purchase an insurance policy, make sure it has the amount of coverage you are comfortable with, including the deductible. You may also shop around for additional types of insurance that cover all repairs.
Check this out if you need additional information, resources, or guidance on car insurance.
Sources:
Does auto insurance cover transmission repair?
Does full coverage cover your transmission?
Average Car Insurance Deductible: Everything You Need to Know
Will Comprehensive Claim Increase Insurance?
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