Mechanical breakdown insurance, or MBI, is an optional type of
car insurancethat pays for trips to the mechanic when you break down, need replacement parts, or suffer other types of mechanical failure in your vehicle.
What is mechanical breakdown insurance?
Most types of car insurance
don't cover regular repairs, so adding mechanical breakdown coverage to your auto insurance policy can be helpful if you need to pay for repairs and replacement parts not caused by an accident. MBI covers major repairs to your vehicle, such as:
Issues with your engine
An air conditioning hose puncture
Transmission failure
A blown head gasket
An electrical system breakdown
However, MBI won’t cover wear and tear from regular driving, routine maintenance, tune-ups, or any issues or damages caused by errors on your part. Maintenance will almost always need to be paid for out-of-pocket, as most car insurance policies do not include coverage for these types of services. It also won’t typically cover towing, which falls under the category of
roadside assistance.
Keep in mind that MBI coverage won’t always be applicable for repairs, either. If your vehicle is damaged by an external force (such as a flood, fire, vandalism, or natural disaster), your
comprehensive coverage will pay for the resulting damages. If your vehicle is damaged in a collision, on the other hand, damages are paid under
collision coverage.
Keep in mind that MBI coverage won’t always be applicable for repairs, either. If your vehicle is damaged by an external force (such as a flood, fire, vandalism, or natural disaster), your
comprehensive coveragewill pay for the resulting damages. If your vehicle is damaged in a collision, on the other hand, damages are paid under
collision coverage.
How does mechanical breakdown insurance work?
Making a claim under your MBI will be similar to
filing a claimfor a car accident. You’ll need to contact your insurer, provide documented evidence of the damages, and meet with an adjuster.
For an MBI claim, you’ll also need to make sure that you get authorization from your insurer before repairs begin. Many insurers require this for MBI, and failure to do so could leave you with unexpected out-of-pocket costs following your trip to the mechanic.
Does MBI have a deductible?
A typical
deductiblefor a mechanical breakdown insurance policy is $250, but some smaller insurance companies and credit unions offer MBI with no deductible at all. Some insurers may require you to pay a percentage of the cost of repairs instead, commonly referred to as a copay. Talk to your insurance company to learn more about their MBI insurance policy options.
How is MBI different from an extended warranty?
MBI pays for repairs following a mechanical breakdown. This is similar to an extended warranty, but the amount of coverage you get will differ depending on the level of protection you choose for your warranty. Here are some examples of things that might be covered under your MBI vs your extended warranty vs a full coverage insurance policy:
Vehicle issues | MBI | Extended warranty | Full coverage policy |
|---|---|---|---|
Engine failure | Covered | Covered | Not covered |
Transmission failure | Covered | Covered | Not covered |
Blown head gasket | Covered | Covered under some warranties | Not covered |
Brake master cylinder | Covered | Covered under some warranties | Not covered |
Brake pads | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
Oil change | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
Tire replacement | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered (unless the damage is caused by a collision or something unexpected, like vandalism) |
Damages from a collision | Not covered | Not covered | Covered |
Flood damage | Not covered | Not covered | Covered |
Extended warranties also last for a limited time, typically between one and 15 years, whereas you can keep MBI on your auto insurance policy for as long as you see fit.
How much does MBI cost, and which companies offer it?
Drivers can expect to pay an average of $30 to $100 per year for MBI coverage. With common repairs costing between $500 and $600, this insurance coverage is well worth it in the event of mechanical failure.
The actual price of this add-on will depend on your insurance company of choice. Most major insurers, including
GEICO,
Progressive, and
Allstate, and some smaller providers, like
Mercury Autoall offer competitive rates on MBI coverage.
When is mechanical breakdown insurance right for you?
While many drivers love MBI for the peace of mind it brings, this type of coverage won’t be worth it for everyone. Here are a couple of factors to take into account before purchasing MBI.
The value of your car
The value of your car
Before adding MBI to your insurance policy,
check the value of your carto make sure it’s worth it to invest more money into your vehicle. If your vehicle isn’t very valuable, the savings on repair costs may be minimal.
What impacts the value of your car?
If you drive a used car and don’t expect your vehicle to be operating for many more years, adding more insurance coverage might be more expensive than repairing your vehicle out-of-pocket.
Your extended warranty
Depending on the type of extended car warranty you choose for your new car, you may or may not want to add MBI. There are three basic types of extended car warranties:
Basic: Includes minimal coverage, often just engine and transmission problems rarely experienced by new cars.
Mid-level: Falling between basic and premium coverage, mid-level car warranties will usually cover the major systems in the car, like the transmission, electrical system, engine, drive axles, electrical, steering, and brakes.
Premium: This type of warranty will cover everything, from the air conditioning to the wiper blades to your brake pads.
If you choose a premium warranty, many of the things mechanical breakdown insurance covers are superfluous. With a basic or mid-level warranty, however, MBI can bridge any gaps in your warranty coverage.
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FAQ
Is GEICO mechanical breakdown insurance worth it?
With an average cost of $15 per month, GEICO mechanical breakdown insurance may be worth it for drivers with older vehicles or a car with a tendency to need repairs.
Can you bundle car repair insurance with homeowners?
Whether or not you have car repair insurance on your policy, many insurers will allow you to
bundle your car insurancewith homeowners, renters, or other types of insurance coverage under the same company.
Will MBI cover a car accident?
No, MBI will not cover a car accident or any other repairs associated with a collision. After an accident, you’ll need to file an insurance claim via your collision insurance to cover repairs.
Will a manufacturer’s warranty cover a car accident?
A manufacturer’s warranty won’t cover damages to your vehicle that result from an accident. In fact, if your vehicle is totaled, your manufacturer warranty may be completely void.
