Car Repair Insurance


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Key Takeaways

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GEICO, Allstate and Progressive are the top providers of car repair insurance.

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Auto repair insurance is a valuable add-on for drivers with expired or limited car warranties or vehicles with costly repair needs.

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Car repair insurance has a deductible and doesn't cover routine maintenance or damage from misuse.

What Is Car Repair Insurance?

Car repair insurance, or mechanical breakdown insurance, covers mechanical and electrical repairs not caused by accidents, such as engine or transmission failures. Unlike standard auto insurance, it focuses on non-accident issues and differs from extended warranties, which cover wear and tear after the manufacturer’s warranty ends.

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What Car Repair Insurance Covers

Car repair insurance covers major mechanical components like the engine and transmission but excludes routine maintenance, cosmetic repairs, and wear and tear. It applies only to new issues that occur after the policy starts, not to pre-existing conditions.

Car Repair Insurance Coverage

The table below lists the components that car repair insurance typically covers and excludes, helping you understand its scope.

What It Covers
What It Doesn’t Cover

Engine components

Seats and other cosmetics

Transmission system

Routine car maintenance

Fuel system

Parts prone to wear and tear

Exhaust system

Rust

Electrical systems

Repairs required from neglecting routine maintenance

Who Should Get Car Repair Insurance?

Car repair insurance is an excellent choice for those with limited warranty coverage, expired warranties or vehicles with high repair costs.

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    Your warranty is limited

    If your car's manufacturer warranty is limited in scope, car repair insurance can provide additional coverage for crucial components or services.

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    Your warranty has expired

    Car repair insurance is a good option when your car's original warranty has ended, offering financial protection against unexpected mechanical failures.

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    You can't afford out-of-pocket repairs

    Car repair insurance helps manage major repair costs by converting large bills into affordable payments, easing financial strain.

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    Your car is expensive to repair

    Car repair insurance is a smart choice for vehicles with expensive repair costs.

How to Get Insurance to Pay for Car Repair

Auto repair insurance covers unexpected mechanical breakdowns. To file a claim and get reimbursed, follow these steps:

  1. 1

    Confirm your coverage

    Review your policy to confirm coverage and understand the deductible.

  2. 2

    Get a diagnosis

    Visit a licensed repair shop for an inspection and get a written repair cost estimate.

  3. 3

    File a claim

    Submit the repair estimate and any required documentation to your insurer for approval.

  4. 4

    Pay the deductible

    Once approved, pay your deductible before the insurance covers the remaining cost.

  5. 5

    Complete the repairs

    Your insurer may either pay the repair shop directly or reimburse you after the repairs are completed, depending on its process.

According to Kelley Blue Book, repairing a Subaru Forester costs an average of $1,784, while the Ford F-Series, the top-selling U.S. vehicle in 2024, averages $2,149. These differences highlight how repair costs vary by model, underscoring the financial impact of mechanical issues.

Best Car Repair Insurance Companies

The best car repair insurance companies, including GEICO, Allstate and Progressive, offer mechanical breakdown coverage for newer vehicles. These policies cover unexpected failures and often include deductibles ranging from $50 to $500. Choosing the right provider depends on your vehicle’s age, repair costs and coverage needs.

Company logo for Progressive
Progressive
MoneyGeek Score:
92/ of 100

Claims Score2.48
Coverage Score3.75
Affordability Score5.00
Annual Premium$778
Overview

Progressive covers essential vehicle components, including the engine, transmission and brakes. It offers 24/7 roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement, ensuring peace of mind during unexpected repairs.

Company logo for GEICO
GEICO
MoneyGeek Score:
90/ of 100

Claims Score2.24
Coverage Score2.50
Affordability Score4.55
Annual Premium$693
Overview

GEICO’s mechanical breakdown insurance covers major systems like the engine and transmission, protecting against costly repairs. It includes 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and flexible coverage for newer vehicles.

Company logo for Allstate
Allstate
MoneyGeek Score:
84/ of 100

Claims Score1.98
Coverage Score3.75
Affordability Score3.42
Annual Premium$900
Overview

Allstate offers car repair insurance with multiple coverage levels, including powertrain protection and mechanical breakdown coverage. Plans come with 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car benefits and trip interruption coverage for added convenience.

Company logo for AAA
AAA
MoneyGeek Score:
81/ of 100

Claims Score2.10
Coverage Score2.50
Affordability Score5.00
Annual Premium$813
Overview

AAA’s car repair insurance covers major mechanical components, offering comprehensive protection beyond traditional insurance. Additional perks include 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and trip interruption benefits.

Car Repair Insurance vs. Other Types of Coverages

Car repair insurance protects against unexpected repair costs, but knowing how it compares to other options is crucial. Many car insurance companies offer mechanical breakdown insurance, but it’s usually only for newer cars, typically less than two years old. If you plan to keep your car for many years, an extended warranty might offer more protection after the manufacturer’s warranty ends.

The table below highlights the main differences between car repair insurance, extended warranties and standard auto insurance.

Aspect
Car Repair Insurance
Extended Warranty
Collision and Comprehensive Insurance

Purpose

Covers specific car repairs not related to accidents

Extended service contract for car repairs after manufacturer's warranty

Covers damage to your car from accidents, theft or natural events

Coverage

Major mechanical parts like the engine and transmission

Defects in materials and workmanship, specific parts

Accident damage, theft, natural disasters, vandalism

Cost factors

Car model, age, mileage, coverage level

Included in car purchase or as an additional cost for extended warranties

Car value, driving record, location, coverage limits

Typical duration

Ongoing, usually renewable annually

Limited time or mileage, e.g., three years or 36,000 miles

Typically annual, renewable

Other Car Repair Insurance Options

Explore more auto repair insurance options to find coverage that fits your needs. The table below lists companies with plans and benefits to help you manage expensive repairs.

Company
Offer

Endurance

Covers engine, transmission, electrical systems and more, with 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car benefits and trip interruption coverage

CarShield

Provides multiple plans, from basic to comprehensive, flexible payment options and allows the choice of a repair facility

Mechanical Breakdown Insurance: Bottom Line

Compare providers to find affordable car repair insurance. This guide covers coverage options, exclusions, cost factors and top providers offering reliable, budget-friendly repair plans.

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Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

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Auto Repair Insurance: FAQ

Find answers to common questions about car repair insurance, including what it covers, its costs and how it can benefit you.

What is car repair insurance?

What does car repair insurance cover?

Should you get car repair insurance?

Does car repair insurance have a deductible?

Car Repair Insurance Companies: Our Review Methodology

MoneyGeek uses data from hundreds of car insurance companies to analyze rates. We source information from trusted agencies, including:

MoneyGeek's editorial standards prioritize clarity and usefulness. Topics are thoroughly researched to answer common questions. Our editorial team conducts rigorous editing, fact-checking and review to ensure the accuracy and reliability of each article.

Mechanical Breakdown Insurance: Related Articles

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.


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