Can I use car insurance for repairs?

Asked by: Reuben Christiansen  |  Last update: January 30, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (60 votes)

Car insurance may help cover the cost of repairs if the issue is the result of a collision or another covered incident, such as theft or fire. But repairs for routine wear and tear or mechanical breakdowns are typically not covered by an auto insurance policy.

Does car insurance cover repairs not from accidents?

Comprehensive insurance covers any property damage that was not caused by a collision—unless the collision was with an animal. These events may be referred to as “non-accidents” and can include instances where property damage was caused by: Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, flooding, or tornadoes. Fire or ...

Can you use insurance money to fix a car yourself?

Yes. If you own the car outright. You can request the amount of the estimated repairs, less deductible. Then repair it yourself or just drive it smashed.

How to pay for unexpected car repairs?

Strategies to Pay for Car Repairs
  1. Dip Into Your Emergency Fund. You may have heard it said that you should keep an emergency fund easily accessible for precisely this situation — an unexpected expense. ...
  2. Use Your Insurance. ...
  3. Try to Negotiate. ...
  4. Put It on a Credit Card. ...
  5. Consider a Personal Loan.

Can you use car insurance for engine repairs?

Their website states: If you have comprehensive coverage and collision coverage, you're generally covered for engine repairs if the engine is damaged in an accident or due to an event outside of your control, such as a tree limb falling on your vehicle.

Should you use the Bodyshop your Insurance Company Recommends?

24 related questions found

When should I use car insurance for repairs?

Car insurance doesn't typically cover mechanical issues unless they're related to a covered peril. Covered perils include car accidents, hitting an animal, or an object like a tree branch falling onto your vehicle.

Does full coverage cover at-fault accidents?

Full coverage car insurance covers the costs to repair damage to your vehicle in an at-fault accident. However, in most states, it doesn't include coverage for bodily injuries that you or your passengers sustained. In “no-fault” states, your auto insurance does cover your bodily injuries up to the limits purchased.

How can I fix my car if I have no money?

8 Ways to Pay for Car Repairs With No Money
  • Use Emergency Savings. ...
  • Borrow Money From Loved Ones. ...
  • Take on Extra Work to Cover Repair Costs. ...
  • Apply for Assistance With Local Non-Profits. ...
  • Use Your Credit Cards. ...
  • Shop Around and Negotiate With Mechanics. ...
  • Set Up a Payment Plan With the Mechanic. ...
  • Apply for a Personal Loan.

How to use insurance to pay for car damage?

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.

What if I can't afford to pay the mechanic?

If you can't afford your vehicle's repairs, you can consider getting a loan to cover them. There are plenty of emergency loan options, such as personal loans, car title loans, lines of credit or credit cards. Asking a family member for a loan may also help. Also, don't rule out asking the repair shop for financing.

Is it illegal to use car insurance money for something else?

The short answer is that yes, you can choose to do whatever you want with the insurance money, but you need to ask yourself whether or not this is the best decision.

Can I pocket money from an insurance claim?

Legally, you are allowed to keep the claim money instead of using it for repairs. However, keeping the claim money rather than repairing your vehicle comes with potential consequences.

What happens if you don t use all insurance money for repairs?

Yes, failing to use insurance money for repairs can affect future claims. If the property is damaged again and the initial repairs weren't completed, the insurer may reduce or deny the new claim.

What happens if insurance can't fix my car?

You can keep the money from an insurance claim without fixing your car — if you own the vehicle and the insurer hasn't paid the mechanic or body shop for repairs directly. But your insurer might remove comprehensive and collision coverage or deny a future claim.

Is a broken transmission covered by insurance?

Key Takeaways

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.

Are car repairs reported to insurance?

Some jurisdictions require shops to report repairs related to car accidents or significant damage to insurers or authorities. If repairs reveal critical safety issues that could affect the vehicle's insurability, the shop might notify the insurer.

Can you use insurance to pay for car repairs?

Car insurance may help cover the cost of repairs if the issue is the result of a collision or another covered incident, such as theft or fire. But repairs for routine wear and tear or mechanical breakdowns are typically not covered by an auto insurance policy.

When someone hits you, do you call their insurance?

You should call both, regardless of who you think is at fault. If it turns out the other driver is at fault, their insurance will pay, but it's helpful to have your insurance company involved.

Should I file an insurance claim if I am at fault?

If you damage someone else's vehicle during a significant collision, and you're at fault, you should always file a claim.

How to get free car repair?

Where Can Low-Income People Find Help with Car Repair?
  1. TANF. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ...
  2. DMV. ...
  3. Modest Needs. ...
  4. Semper Fi Fund. ...
  5. Free Charity Cars. ...
  6. The United Methodist Church. ...
  7. Vehicle Recalls. ...
  8. Local Charities.

What to do when car repairs are too expensive?

If the cost of repairs exceeds the car's value, it's probably best to get a new car instead. Sometimes, when a car with high mileage needs a significant repair or if your car is totaled, you might consider replacing it with a new or used vehicle.

How do you get rid of car I can't afford?

How to get out of a car loan you can't afford
  1. Renegotiate the loan. Best for borrowers who are on the brink of becoming delinquent on their auto loan — especially if they are on otherwise good terms with their lender. ...
  2. Sell the vehicle. ...
  3. Voluntary repossession. ...
  4. Refinance your loan. ...
  5. Pay off the car loan.

Will insurance pay out if it was my fault?

Who pays for an at-fault accident? If the situation is clear-cut, or one party admits that they caused the accident, the at-fault driver's auto insurance should pay for any property damage and medical bills, and in some cases compensation for other damages, such as pain and suffering.

At what point is full coverage not worth it?

Your vehicle holds a low value: As with collision, consider dropping comprehensive coverage if your vehicle's market value is lower than a few thousand dollars. Figure in your deductible as well and the potential insurance payout may not be worth the price of the coverage.