Vehicle Repair Insurance

Auto repair insurance is different from other insurance types because it does not require that your car is damaged in a collision, or as a result of a natural disaster or vandalism. It basically covers the natural wear and tear on your car -- mechanical failures, any problems not caused by an accident. Vehicles can simply break down without any direct cause. These repairs can nevertheless be extremely costly. Auto repair insurance helps protect you against owing a big lump sum.

Auto repair insurance is often broken down into sub-categories as well. Standard repair insurance generally covers the wear and tear on your car plus breakdowns. But some companies only offer breakdown coverage, meaning they will only cover repairs brought about by breakable parts.

Clearly it’s best to be armed with knowledge when you start out looking for auto repair insurance. Ask your general car insurance provider whether your comprehensive coverage covers repairs outside the scope of accidents or natural disasters. Chances are it doesn’t. Then look in to your car’s warranty. If it’s still good, your car’s wear and tear and general breakdown should be covered. If you’re looking to forgo a warranty but still want to protect against have to shell out a large sum of money in the case of your car’s non-accident-related breakdown, auto repair insurance may make sense. But you’d have to round up the numbers and do a cost comparison.

Air Conditioner

Compressor, Compressor Clutch and Pulley, Condensor, Evaporator, Idler Pulley and Idler Pulley Bearing. The following parts are also covered if required in connection with the repair of a covered part listed above: Accumulator/Receiver Dryer, Orifice Tube, Oil and Refrigerant, Expansion Valve, POA Valve, and Hi-Low Pressure Cut off Switch.

Brakes

Master Cylinder; Power Brake Cylinder; Vacuum Assist Booster (excluding Hydro Boost system), Disc Brake Caliper, Wheel Cylinders, Compensating Valve, Metal Hydraulic Lines & Fittings.

Cooling System

Radiator; Fan and Fan Clutch; Engine Cooling Fan Motor; and Heater Core.

Engine

All internally lubricated parts contained within the Engine, including Pistons, Piston Rings and Pins, Connecting Rods, Connecting Rod Bearings; Crankshaft, Crankshaft Main Bearings, Camshaft, Camshaft Bearings, Cam Followers, Timing Chain, Timing Gears, Rocker Arms, Rocker Shafts, Rocker Bushings, Valves, Valve Guides, Valve Lifters, Valve Springs, Valve Seals, Valve Retainers, Push Rods, Water Pump, Oil Pump, Dipstick and Tube, Harmonic Balancer, Oil Pan, Timing Chain Cover, Intake and Exhaust Manifolds, Valve Covers, Engine Mounts, Cylinder Block and Cylinder Head(s) are covered if damaged as the result of the failure of a covered internal part of the engine.

Electrical

Alternator; Voltage Regulator; Starter Motor; Starter Solenoid and Starter Drive, *Front Wiper Motor, *Wiper Motor Relay and Delay Switch, Manually operated switches and Wiring harnesses, Power Window Motors (excluding Regulators), Power Seat Motor, Convertible Top Motor (excluding Regulators and Frame), Power Sunroof Motor (excluding Regulators and Frame), Power Door Lock Actuator, Power Antenna Motor (excluding mast).

Drive Axle

All Internally lubricated Parts contained within the Drive Axle, plus; Locking Hubs, Drive Shafts, Universal Joints, Constant Velocity Joints (unless failure was caused by torn/contaminated C.V. Boot) and Axle Bearings. (Oil Pan and Drive Axle Case if damaged as the result of the failure of a covered internal Part of the Drive Axle).

Steering

All Internally Lubricated Parts contained within the Steering Gear Box; Power Cylinder, Rack and Pinion Gear, and Power Steering Pump, Plus: Pitman Arm; Idler Arm; Tie Rod Ends and Drag Link; Upper and Lower Steering Column Shafts and Couplings. Steering Box & Rack and Pinion Gear Housings if damaged as the result of the failure of a covered Internal Part.

Seals and Gaskets

Seals and Gaskets are covered only in conjunction with a covered component repair. Leaking gaskets or seals are not covered and stand-alone seals or gaskets failures are not covered.

Fuel System

Electronic Fuel Injection Sensors; Control Units and Injectors; Electronic Fuel Delivery Pump and Injectors; Vacuum Pump; Throttle Position Sensors; Oxygen Sensor; and Metal Fuel Delivery Lines.

Suspension

Upper and Lower: Control Arms, Control Arm Shafts and Bushings; Upper and Lower Ball Joints; King Pins and Bushings; Stabilizer Shaft Linkage and bushings, Spindle and Spindle Supports. Front and rear suspension: MacPherson Struts; Shackle and Eye Shafts and Bushings; Torsion Bars and Bushings; Wheel Bearings and Seals.