22 December 2024
Does car insurance cover mechanical problems?
4 minutes
Faulty or worn-down mechanical parts can make driving your car challenging and unsafe.
From issues with the steering, suspension and brakes to engine failure, electrical defects, or a broken exhaust system, diagnosing and fixing the problem can be a major priority — especially if you rely on your car for work.
But does car insurance cover mechanical problems when they arise?
Generally speaking, the short answer is no. However, there are exceptions. Here, we explain all.
Can you claim repairs on car insurance?
Whether or not you can claim for repairs when mechanical problems occur depends on your level of coverage and how the issue(s) happened in the first place.
There are three types of car insurance cover in the UK: third-party-only, third-party, fire and theft, and comprehensive.
1. Third-party-only (TPO) car insurance
Third-party-only (TPO) car insurance is the minimum level of coverage required to drive in the UK. As the name suggests, it only covers damage or injury to third parties involved in an accident or collision that’s your fault. This means you won't be covered if you have TPO insurance and your vehicle suffers mechanical issues following an accident you caused.
2. Third-party, fire, and theft (TPFT) car insurance
Third-party, fire and theft (TPFT) car insurance is the next level up, covering you against damage and injury to third parties, fire damage to your vehicle, and your car being stolen. However, unlike TPO, TPFT insurance could protect you against mechanical problems if you can show that theft or fire caused the damage.
3. Comprehensive car insurance
Finally, comprehensive car insurance is the broadest coverage you can get — and the most likely to protect you against mechanical problems.
However, it still depends on how these problems occurred.
For example, if your brakes stop working due to damage caused by an accident, vandalism, theft, or a natural disaster, your policy should cover you. But if the issue is due to everyday wear and tear or a lack of maintenance, you probably won’t be able to make a claim.
Let’s take a closer look at how to spot mechanical problems and their common causes.
Car mechanical problems: definition and causes
What are mechanical problems? + How to recognise them
“Mechanical problems” is a catch-all term for when one or more parts of your vehicle stop working correctly or altogether.
You can usually spot mechanical problems if you notice the following:
- The engine warning light on the dashboard switched on (see image below)
- Strange noises coming from the engine or under the bonnet
- Smoke coming from the engine or exhaust
- A temporary or complete loss of power (i.e., you turn the ignition, and nothing happens)
- Steering becomes stiff or unresponsive
- Brakes require more force or stop working
- Headlights don’t switch on or appear dull/dimmed
Read more: Car Warning Lights Explained: Your Guide.
Common causes of mechanical problems
Mechanical damage can be caused by the following:
- Everyday wear and tear: Cars have lots of moving parts. The older the vehicle, the more likely these parts will begin to break down over time.
- Lack of regular maintenance: Cars require regular maintenance to ensure their parts work correctly for as long as possible. Things you can do yourself might include topping up your oil to lubricate the engine and remove dirt and debris, checking your coolant levels to prevent your engine from freezing or overheating, and checking the thickness of your brake pads to identify wear and tear.
- Manufacturer defects: Not all cars are made equal. You may find that yours has an issue due to how it was built. While your insurance probably won’t cover this, you could seek a repair or replacement if your car is under warranty.
- External causes: Issues outside your control, such as road traffic accidents, inclement weather, vandalism, or damage due to theft, can all result in mechanical faults.
It’s important to note that mechanical issues can happen suddenly or slowly over time. For instance, if you’ve been involved in a collision with another vehicle, you might notice material damage to the outside of your car. However, something could have also been knocked loose internally, resulting in further problems.
You must have your vehicle checked thoroughly after an accident, even if everything seems to be working correctly.
How to claim mechanical fault repairs on insurance
To claim car repairs on your insurance, you’ll need to show your insurance provider that the issue was caused by something outside your control, like an accident, flooding, or fire (and not due to a lack of maintenance or wear and tear).
- First, contact your provider to check that your car insurance policy covers the cause of your mechanical fault.
- Next, gather evidence and documentation regarding the incident that led to the problem, including feedback from your mechanic.
- File a claim with your insurance company. If you’re a Howden customer, you can do that here.
- Your insurer will send your car to one of their approved garages for inspection. If their mechanics determine that your vehicle can be repaired, that will be arranged.
- However, if the repair/replacement is more expensive than the car’s market value, it will be written off.
Other options for mechanical breakdown protection
In addition to fully comprehensive car insurance, you may want to explore some optional extras and add-ons to protect yourself in the event of a mechanical issue. These include:
1. Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI)
Some specialist insurers offer Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (sometimes called Vehicle Warranty Insurance) as an additional policy alongside standard car insurance. An MBI policy can cover the cost of parts and labour should mechanical or electrical faults arise. You may even be able to upgrade the policy to include wear & tear protection.
2. Extended warranties
Taking out an extended warranty with the manufacturer or dealership could provide you with more protection and may cover repairing or replacing faulty parts, depending on the terms and conditions.
3. Wrong fuel cover
Accidentally putting the wrong fuel in your car and starting it can severely damage the engine. Wrong fuel cover can help you avoid potential engine failure by sending a specialist to drain the fuel tank, flush the system, and refill with the correct fuel.
4. Breakdown cover
If you’ve broken down due to faulty or failed parts, breakdown cover can provide roadside assistance, recovery, and vehicle repairs. Howden works with both AXA Assistance and RAC Breakdown, allowing us to provide our clients with coverage 365 days a year and 24 hours a day.
5. Courtesy car cover
If a mechanical problem leaves your car out of action, courtesy car cover can get you back on the road while your vehicle is undergoing repairs.
Make sure you’re covered with Howden Car Insurance
Howden’s car insurance brokers can find a fully comprehensive quote that suits you. Get the highest level of protection while remaining as financially unaffected as possible if your car suffers mechanical failure that’s outside your control. Find out more here.