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Most of us do not dwell in the realm of the Fast and the Furious, so for us mere mortals, a smoking car is cause for worry. If your engine suddenly stops working while you’re out driving, the best thing you can do in that moment is pull over, call for roadside assistance, and then contact your insurance provider.
Sadly, though not unexpectedly, a blown engine can cost a lot to replace or repair. But certain types of insurance can help to take the sting out of the situation. So if you find yourself staring at smoke billowing out of your tailpipe, read on to understand whether your insurance might cover that blown engine.
Yes — but with a big caveat, since it depends entirely on your policy type and what caused the engine to blow out in the first place. It’s one thing if the blast comes from a car accident, and quite another if it’s because you’ve neglected to keep up the car’s maintenance.
But before we get any farther, we’ve got to answer an important question: what exactly is a blown engine, and how does it differ from a failed engine? A blown engine refers to an engine that has suffered “catastrophic damage” that has impacted the motor and thus requires extensive repairs. A failed engine, on the other hand, means there was a malfunction in one part of the engine, and that caused the entire system to stop working.
Okay, now back to our regular programming: your blown engine and how you’re going to pay for it.
If the blown engine is caused by commonly covered perils, your insurance provider may cover it. But since car insurance varies by state, check your details before making a claim.
If your problems are due to failed ignition switches, corrosion, transmission issues, or loose connections, your provider may say it was your responsibility, since you didn’t keep the vehicle serviced and in working order.
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If it turns out that you were doing everything in your power to keep your car in good condition, then yes, some insurance will cover the expense of replacing your blown engine. Specifically, if you have comprehensive insurance, collision coverage, or mechanical breakdown insurance, your insurance provider may be able to cover the damage.
Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) is an optional policy that you can purchase in addition to your regular car insurance. MBI covers the purchase of major car parts like the engine, but it will also kick in if you need to replace your transmission, brakes, power system, and the like. You can think of this type of policy as a sort of extended warranty for your most expensive car parts.
MBI can cost around $100 a year, though the price varies depending on your provider and your car — its make, model, mileage, etc. So if you have an electric car, you’ll pay a different rate than someone with a Toyota Civic or a Ferrari. But keep in mind that MBI often comes with a high deductible, which means the policyholder (you!) may end up paying out-of-pocket for a lot of expenses.
In summary: if you’re buying a new car, you may want to opt for mechanical breakdown insurance as a sort of extended warranty, saving you from paying high repair costs on big-ticket car parts. Getting MBI can ensure that your vehicle stays functional for longer.
If you purchase comprehensive coverage, you’re protected against damages caused by conditions other than collision. So this means that if your blown engine results from vandalism or extreme weather conditions, your car and finances will be protected.
While full-coverage car insurance policies come with comprehensive coverage, liability-only car insurance does not. That’s because comprehensive insurance is not mandatory. That said, if you have a leased or financed vehicle, your lender may require comprehensive coverage — which could come in handy if your engine ever blows out.
And comprehensive coverage can come with add-ons such as rental car reimbursement, rideshare insurance, and loan-lease payoff. In addition, it covers damage due to hail, fallen tree branches, and more. So it may be worth adding comprehensive coverage to your normal auto insurance if you want more coverage for a variety of situations, including a blown engine.
Collision coverage does what its name says: protects your car in case of a collision. If your engine blows after a car accident, your collision coverage can help to pay for the damages — often with no out-of-pocket costs to you. Just be aware that collision coverage is subject to deductibles, which will affect your rates.
If you have both collision and comprehensive coverage, your car will be well-protected against most issues — including a blown engine (again, as long as the blown engine is not the result of neglect by you!).
So to recap: if you take good care of your car and don’t get involved in any antics with the Fast & Furious team, your insurance will likely cover a blown engine — especially if you have mechanical breakdown insurance, comprehensive insurance, and collision insurance.
If you’re ready to shop for new insurance, take a look at Marble. Marble is an online insurance hub where you can compare car insurance policies to find the coverage that best fits your needs and budget. You can organize and access your insurance policies on-the-go, all in one digital wallet. Plus, you’ll earn rewards just for having insurance! Sign up today.
