Does Car Insurance Cover Repairs?

by COUNTRY Financial

Standard insurance covers repairs only if the damage was caused by a covered event. This can include accidents, theft and even weather-related damage, depending on what coverage you have.

Car insurance likely will not cover wear-and-tear damage; you’ll have to pay for things like routine maintenance, mechanical failures and breakdowns on your own.

We’ll explain when car insurance covers car repairs, when it doesn’t, and more.

Does car insurance cover maintenance?

Car insurance will not pay for “wear and tear” damage or general maintenance—in other words, repairs needed due to normal use.

Here’s a list of repairs generally not covered by auto insurance:

• Routine tune-ups, like those performed at 30K, 60K and 90K (and beyond) miles
• New tires
• Oil changes
• Fluid flushes
• Brakes
• Mechanical failures (broken engine parts, burst pipes, etc.)
• Breakdowns (in most cases; more on this below)

Mechanical breakdown coverage

While car insurance doesn’t usually cover breakdowns, some insurance companies offer mechanical breakdown coverage. It works a bit like an extended warranty and can help pay for things like engine or drivetrain failure. But it’s also rare, and it must be purchased separately.

COUNTRY Financial doesn’t offer mechanical breakdown coverage, but we do offer roadside assistance coverage, which can pay for towing if your car quits and you need a ride. It won’t cover repairs, but at least you won’t be stranded.

What repairs does car insurance cover?

Damage caused by accidents or external forces can be covered by car insurance, depending on what coverage you have. In this case, the two you want are comprehensive coverage and collision coverage.

Comprehensive coverage will help pay for damage caused by certain events other than accidents. This includes damage caused by:

• Theft
• Vandalism
• Natural disasters and storms
• Fires and explosions 
• Falling objects
• Animals

Collision coverage helps pay for repairs to your car when damaged in an accident. It applies to almost any type of collision, including those where you’re the only driver—if you hit a tree or back into a mailbox, for example.

Does car insurance cover rentals for repairs?

Rental coverage will reimburse the cost of rental cars, but only if the rental is required after a covered claim—if your car is in the shop after an accident, for example. It won’t help if your car breaks down or is in the shop for general maintenance.

Sometimes called rental reimbursement coverage, it’s an optional coverage you’ll need to purchase separately.

Can my vehicle warranty help?

A good vehicle warranty is one of the best ways to cover repair costs that car insurance doesn’t. If you buy a car from a dealership (especially a used car), always ask about the nature and terms of warranty: what it covers, how long it lasts, etc.

You can also buy an extended warranty if you plan on keeping the car for a long time, but make sure it’s from a reputable company; some extended warranties are scams.

Final thoughts

Owning a car is expensive, plain and simple. Car repairs can damage your financial situation, especially if you rely on your car for work or other needs. While car insurance generally won’t help, you do have options.

If you’d like to know more about car insurance and car repairs, talk to your insurance agent today—they can help you determine how much coverage you need and answer any of your questions.

Updated 10-2-25