Can car insurance cover transmission repairs?

Asked by: Jordon Jerde  |  Last update: July 16, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (1 votes)

Auto insurance generally doesn't cover the repair or replacement of your car's transmission unless the damage was a result of a covered incident.

Will insurance cover a transmission failure?

Standard auto insurance policies typically do not cover transmission repair or replacement costs due to mechanical failures. However, coverage may be available in specific situations, such as accidents, collisions, or comprehensive incidents.

Is a bad transmission considered totaled?

Depending on how extensive the damage is, the claim could quickly become expensive. Replacing a transmission is costly. If you have an older vehicle, the cost to replace the transmission may be higher than your vehicle's value. If this occurs, your insurance company would declare your vehicle to be a total loss.

How to get insurance to pay for transmission replacement?

For the cost of your transmission repairs to be covered, you usually must meet one of these requirements:
  1. You have mechanical coverage.
  2. You can prove the damage is due to a recent accident, and you have full coverage.
  3. You have a warranty that covers the damage.

What car repairs are not covered by insurance?

Maintenance, such as an oil change, is typically not included in car insurance coverage. Whether it's routine maintenance, a mechanical failure or a blown engine, car insurance will most likely not cover the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle.

Will Insurance Cover Car Repairs? - Car Performance Pros

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What car damage is not covered by insurance?

What damage won't car insurance cover? Car insurance typically skips over wear and tear, mechanical breakdowns not caused by a crash, and damage from rodents.

Does Progressive cover transmission?

Vehicle protection plans

New coverages like Progressive's Vehicle Protection can cover transmission repairs beyond the manufacturer's warranty.

How much does it cost to fix a transmission?

Average transmission repair costs range from $300 to $1,400. For example, if your manual transmission needs a new clutch, you can reasonably expect to pay around $800 to $1,500. On the other hand, transmission replacement is one of the most expensive repairs you can get. Replacements can range from $1,800 to $3,400.

Can you trade in a car with a bad transmission?

Dealerships — Any dealership that accepts cars “as is” will allow you to trade in your car with a broken transmission. The money is likely credit to be applied to buying another vehicle from them.

How to get insurance to pay for car repair?

File a claim
  1. Call the police. If the damage to your car is a result of an accident, theft, or vandalism, call the police and have them file a report.
  2. Take pictures. ...
  3. File your claim. ...
  4. Assignment and tracking of the claim. ...
  5. Damage evaluation. ...
  6. Receive your claim settlement.

How much will insurance pay for my totaled car?

A typical insurance payout for a totaled car will be for its actual cash value. It's generally determined by factors such as year, make, model and mileage. Simply put, it's what your car could have been reasonably sold for before the damages.

How much is a car worth if the transmission is out?

If you're thinking about selling a car with transmission issues, you should expect to get roughly 50 percent of what your car is worth while functioning. Your car's value is what it was worth in perfect working condition.

What is the warranty on a transmission?

Car manufacturers typically offer a warranty that covers the transmission alongside other vital components responsible for propelling the vehicle once you take your vehicle off the lot. Manufacturers or factory warranties typically last between three years (or 36,000 miles) and five years (or 60,000 miles).

When to use insurance for car repair?

Always file a claim if there's serious property damage or potential injuries. Even if the other driver is honest and the accident was only a fender bender, the damage might be more serious than it appears. Additionally, a car might have hidden damage that won't be found until it's been looked at by a mechanic.

Why is transmission repair so expensive?

Some transmissions have many more moving parts than others, which is the reason manuals are far cheaper than automatics. Other transmissions use very advanced gearing setups, complex sensors and multiple solenoids, which can dramatically increase the potential points of failure, as well as the cost to repair.

Is CarShield worth it?

In our most recent car warranty study, we gave CarShield 4.3 out of 5.0 stars. The overall score is based on factors such as industry standing, coverage, customer service, and affordability. That rating was one of the highest of any provider in our industry wide study, putting CarShield among the top options overall.

Is it worth fixing a car with transmission problems?

If the price of a new transmission is no more than 30% to 40% of your car's value, then it's probably worth the repair cost. If your transmission is in good condition, repairing it rather than scrapping it has benefits. There's less environmental impact because repairing it reduces the amount of metal thrown away.

Is it illegal to sell a car with a bad transmission?

Most used car dealers would have to deduct the costs of repairing your bad transmission before paying you. This is because selling a car with a bad transmission to another buyer might land them in legal trouble. Most car dealers won't pay above $500 - $1,500 depending on your car's year/mileage/model/make.

Do dealerships fix transmissions?

If you are used to bringing your vehicle to the dealership for repair, service, and maintenance, it's quite likely you'll find it to be the most natural solution to bring your car there for transmission repair, too.

What are the signs of a bad transmission?

8 Warning Signs of Transmission Failure
  • Difficulty shifting gears:
  • Delayed engagement:
  • Burning smell:
  • Strange noises:
  • Loss of power:
  • Transmission fluid leaks:
  • Overheating:
  • Check engine light:

How long will a repaired transmission last?

Always ask who will be rebuilding the transmission and make sure you feel good about who is doing the actual work. Ask about warranties and procedures before authorizing such a major automotive repair service. In many cases, a rebuilt transmission is expected to last another 30,000-40,000 miles.

Can you fix a transmission without replacing it?

In some cases, a transmission repair can solve the problem without needing a full replacement. This is often the more cost-effective option, but it's important to consider the damage's extent and the vehicle's age.

How much is CarShield a month?

How much does CarShield cost on average? CarShield plans typically cost between $150 and $170 per month. The price you pay will depend on your chosen level of coverage, deductible (there is typically a $100 deductible for each plan), and your vehicle make, model, age, and mileage.

Does AAA insurance cover transmission?

Yes, AAA offers a type of extended warranty. AAA's extended warranty program is called the AAA Vehicle Protection Plan, and it covers repairs to the engine, transmission, suspension, steering, and brakes, among other things after the manufacturer's warranty has expired.

How to pay for transmission repair?

5 Ways to Cover Transmission Replacement Cost
  1. Cash Savings. You may use cash savings to pay for a transmission replacement if you have enough cash on hand or sufficient funds in your bank account. ...
  2. Credit Cards. ...
  3. Taking Out a Personal Loan. ...
  4. Auto Loan Refinancing. ...
  5. Consolidating Repair Debt Into Your Auto Loan.