Does Gap Insurance Cover Engine Failure and Other Mechanical Issues?

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Gap insurance is designed to cover the difference between the actual cash value of your vehicle and the amount you still owe on your loan or lease if it's totaled or stolen.

Some gap insurance policies may cover engine failure, but this depends on the specific policy and the circumstances of the failure.

If your engine fails due to a manufacturing defect or a covered event, your gap insurance might cover the loss.

However, if the engine failure is caused by wear and tear, driving habits, or maintenance issues, it's unlikely to be covered.

Here's an interesting read: Will Auto Insurance Cover Engine Failure

Does Gap Insurance Cover Engine Failure?

Gap insurance is specifically designed to cover the difference between what you owe on your vehicle and its actual value, but it won't compensate you if your engine breaks down due to mechanical issues.

Gap insurance typically doesn't cover mechanical breakdowns, such as a broken transmission or a seized engine, so if your engine fails, you won't be able to rely on gap insurance to cover the costs.

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The purpose of gap insurance is to protect you from being "upside down" on a loan, meaning you owe more on the vehicle than it's worth. This is usually the case when you're still paying off a loan on a vehicle that has depreciated in value.

Gap insurance kicks in due to specific incidents, like an accident, not just because your engine has blown up.

On a similar theme: Collision Loan Coverage

Mechanical Breakdown Insurance

Mechanical breakdown insurance is an extra coverage that can protect your engine from costly repairs. This type of insurance is a substitute for a prolonged warranty and may offer more comprehensive coverage than an extended warranty.

Most automobile companies do not provide mechanical breakdown insurance, so you'll need to research and find a carrier that offers it. The average cost of a vehicle cover, including mechanical breakdown insurance, varies by carrier and may have different limitations.

Engine issues can happen to almost every car owner at some point, and replacing an engine can cost thousands of dollars and a lot of time.

Gap Insurance vs. Mechanical Breakdown Insurance

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GAP Insurance pays to top up the motor insurer's settlement back to the original purchase price of the vehicle, whereas Mechanical Breakdown Insurance covers sudden engine failure or mechanical issues that are costly to fix.

If you purchase a vehicle for £20,000 and it's written off two years later, GAP Insurance can cover the difference between the settlement and the original purchase price.

Mechanical Breakdown Insurance, on the other hand, covers repairs for broken transmissions or other mechanical issues, but it's not included in standard auto insurance policies.

A manufacturer's warranty can also cover repairs for engine failure, but it typically only lasts for a specified period or miles driven.

Mechanical Breakdown Insurance

Mechanical breakdown insurance is a vital coverage that can save you from financial ruin in case of an engine issue. This insurance is a substitute for a prolonged warranty and may offer more comprehensive coverage than an extended warranty.

Ordinary wear and tear or maintenance on parts such as brakes are not covered by this policy.

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Most automobile companies do not provide this cover, so you'll need to research and find a carrier that does. The average amount of a vehicle cover, including mechanical breakdown insurance, varies by carrier.

Engine replacement can be a costly and time-consuming process, so it's essential to protect yourself and your finances.

Gap Insurance for Mechanical Breakdown

Gap insurance is often misunderstood to cover mechanical breakdowns, but it doesn't. It's designed to pay the difference between what you owe on your vehicle and its actual value if it's written off or stolen.

Gap insurance typically doesn't cover mechanical issues like a broken transmission or a seized engine, according to Example 4. It's meant to kick in after a specific incident, like an accident, not due to engine failure.

If your engine blows up, especially if the repair cost is more than your vehicle's value, you might assume gap insurance will cover you. However, gap insurance won't compensate you for engine breakdowns regardless of the severity of the problem, as Example 4 states.

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Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) is a separate coverage that can pay for repairs, including engine failure. It's an extra policy offered by some automobile insurance companies, which can have more comprehensive coverage than an extended warranty, as Example 3 explains.

MBI can be a substitute for a prolonged warranty and guarantees your engine will be covered, except for ordinary wear and tear or maintenance on parts like brakes. Most automobile companies don't provide this cover, so you'll need to research and find one that suits your needs.

Here's a comparison of the two types of coverage:

This table highlights the key differences between gap insurance and MBI. If you're concerned about engine failure, MBI might be a better option for you.

Warranty and Coverage

If you buy a brand new car or a vehicle with low mileage, there's a high possibility you'll be offered a warranty. A warranty is a type of security that covers certain parts of your car.

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There are two types of warranties: bumper-to-bumper and power train. A bumper-to-bumper warranty covers your car's parts, including mechanical failure and engine issues, but excludes bumpers. A power train warranty, on the other hand, only covers the engine, driving axles, and transmission.

Both warranties can be extended beyond the manufacturer's expiration date, but you'll need to pay extra charges. These charges are usually determined by the age or mileage of your car.

Here are the key differences between bumper-to-bumper and power train warranties:

Your manufacturer's warranty can pay for repairs, including engine failure, over a specified period or miles driven. This type of coverage is not included in standard auto insurance policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will gap insurance cover a blown transmission?

Gap insurance does not cover mechanical failures, such as a blown transmission, but rather covers the difference between your loan balance and the car's actual cash value in case of a total loss or theft. If your transmission fails, you'll need to look into other types of coverage or repairs.

Richard Harvey-Nolan

Junior Writer

Richard Harvey-Nolan is a rising star in the world of journalism, with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in economics and a love for finance, he brings a unique perspective to his writing. As a young journalist, Richard has already made a name for himself in the industry, covering a range of topics including precious metals news.

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