It’s no joy dealing with an engine breakdown or other technical issues with your car. It may be costly to resolve the issue, depending on the nature of the issue. Is it true that having full coverage auto insurance covers an unexpectedly blown engine? Will my engine failure be covered by gap insurance?
Unfortunately, most auto insurance policies exclude coverage for engine failure or other technical issues. There are a few situations, though, when insurance coverage may cover a blown engine.
Does my insurance cover a new engine?
Engine repairs are typically not covered by automobile insurance unless they are directly related to an accident or other risk covered by the policy. If your car is still new or you purchased an extended warranty, the manufacturer may cover the cost of repairs in the event of an engine failure or other technical issue. Some insurers may offer “mechanical breakdown insurance,” which works similarly to a warranty in that it covers mechanical failure.
Does insurance cover if your engine blows?
Yes, automobile insurance will cover an engine that blows up, but only if it was caused by a covered event such as a collision or vandalism. For example, if an engine blows up as a result of an accident, the policyholder’s collision insurance will pay the repairs, but not if the damage was caused by bad maintenance, negligence, or normal wear and tear. It’s also worth noting that, according to state rules, comprehensive and collision coverage are optional, so double-check your coverage specifics to determine if your policy would cover the circumstance.
If you have mechanical breakdown insurance, even if the engine problem was not caused by a covered scenario, it may still be covered (MBI). There is normally a deductible on comprehensive, collision, and mechanical breakdown insurance, so you won’t be able to file a claim if the cost of the damage is less than your deductible. Furthermore, if the damage is minimal, it may not be worth submitting a claim, as claims frequently result in higher insurance rates.
How much does a new engine cost?
Because your vehicle’s engine is responsible for everything, you’ll want to replace it as soon as possible if it starts to fail due to age, mileage, or technical failure. There are various options for accomplishing this. The best and least expensive solution is to replace it with a low-mileage secondhand engine. This option, however, may not always work. It’s something that should be looked into, although it might not be the best option.
Central Avenue Automotive has access to a large number of high-quality, low-mileage secondhand engines. “Should I just go out and buy another used car?” is a question we frequently hear. In some circumstances, this may be the best option, but in the vast majority of cases, we can install a low-mileage used engine for less than the cost of a used car and provide a warranty on the engine at no additional expense. We always provide a 12-month or 12,000-mile guarantee on used engines that we install. A 100,000-mile warranty is available on new engines. That’s more protection than you’ll find in most new vehicles. Used cars do not come with any kind of guarantee.
Everyone appears to have an opinion on whether a car should be repaired or replaced, but you know your needs and the history of your car better than anybody else. Purchasing a new automobile may appear to be a convenient method to avoid a large repair expense, but it may not be the best financial decision. We occasionally tell customers that their car isn’t worth fixing and that they should look for a good used car and have it inspected by us before buying it, but in most cases where the car is otherwise in good condition, replacing the engine of the car you’re familiar with makes more sense than gambling on a used car. Most passenger automobile engines can be replaced for $3000-$4000, while new engines can cost between $4000-$6000. Some will be more, while others will be less. The average price of a used automobile is well over $8000, and if you’re searching for a model that’s three to four years old, the price increases to well over $20,000.
When it comes to routine maintenance and inspections, we recommend going with a technician rather than a “quick lube.” We can’t recommend this choice because to the inexperience of fast lube staff. Only an ASE mechanic, in our opinion, should work on your vehicle. Quick lube personnel simply lack the knowledge that a professional technician possesses, and proper care can help preserve the longevity of both your automobile and yourself. Before an engine replacement is required, most skilled automobile technicians will identify the early indicators of engine trouble and notify you of their proposed fixes. The sooner you detect and correct engine problems, the better and less expensive it will be in the long run. You should be on the lookout for some of the indicators of engine issues in addition to getting your automobile to a repair on a regular basis.
If you’re having any of the above problems, pull over to the side of the road and make an appointment with a mechanic as soon as possible. When you first start your vehicle or accelerate rapidly, smoke is most likely to emanate from your tailpipe. Lack of servicing, a worn-out engine, or an engine that has been overheated are the most common causes of problems like these. However, don’t assume that the issue is so serious that it isn’t worth addressing.
When you pull out of your parking spot, take a look around to make sure there is no fluid on the ground. This is a fantastic habit to develop. When you’re walking to your car from the store, glance underneath it and if you find any fluids, get it looked out right away. While leaks might suggest a variety of issues, they virtually always signal the presence of an engine problem. This is especially true if your car’s oil, coolant, or transmission fluid is leaking.
Pay attention to your vehicle. If your car makes weird noises, you may be able to detect potential problems early. Check it out as soon as possible. It may be tempting to dismiss strange noises coming from your vehicle, but the longer you wait, the more money you will lose.
Japanese automobiles are among the finest choices for engine replacement. Vehicles that are involved in what we would call “small accidents” in the United States are not repaired in Japan due to laws. The engines are removed and sold when the cars are declared totaled. Typically, these engines have fewer than 50,000 miles on them.
Make an effort not to become emotionally invested in your decision. If your automobile is paid off, simply calculate what a new car payment would be and do the arithmetic. If your auto payment is $400 per month, you’ll pay $4800 over the course of a year. Take into account the rise in insurance prices for a new car as well. You’ve received your response. This becomes a little more tricky if your car isn’t paid off. You’re still making payments, but now you’re dealing with the added cost of a new engine. What would you get in exchange for your trade-in? Is it really worth it?
How do you pay for a new engine?
If you don’t want to waste time applying for a loan, you might pay for your automobile repair with a credit card. Using a credit card might be a good option, especially if your credit card’s interest rate is modest and manageable.
While using a credit card to pay for a car repair may be the best option for some, it may not be the best option for others, especially if the engine is blown. The cost of repairing a blown engine varies depending on what needs to be fixed and how long it takes to do it. On the low end, a driver could be looking at fees of $2,500 to $4,000, which is a lot of money to put on your credit card (s).
Before you use your credit card to repair your blown engine, make sure you do your homework to see if it’s the best alternative.
Will a blown engine turn over?
If the head gasket fails, the engine will still start. Overheating is a common cause of the gasket breaking down over time. A blown head gasket could potentially be a sign of something else.
What happens if your engine blows while driving?
What happens if your engine blows while you’re on the road? The damage is substantial, affecting the bulk of the engine components. A broken block, shattered pistons, and damaged intake and exhaust valves are all possible consequences. The cylinders may be damaged and connecting rods may be fractured.
What is not covered in car insurance?
A normal vehicle coverage does not cover any damage to the car caused by war, terror attacks, invasion, foreign enemy action, civil war, mutiny, rebellion, conflicts, radiation, or nuclear material/weapons. For example, during monsoons, engine damage due to hydrostatic loss is a regular occurrence.
Is it worth replacing an engine?
Engine replacement is frequently a more cost-effective alternative than vehicle replacement. “Is engine replacement worth it for me?” you might think. Here are a few indicators that engine replacement is the best solution for you:
- Warranty coverage: If your car is still under warranty, replacing the engine is a simple process. This coverage will provide you with a comparable vehicle at a reduced or no cost to you.
- Insurance coverage: If your insurance will pay for your engine replacement procedure, you may be able to acquire a like-new vehicle at little or no cost to you, similar to warranty coverage.
- Engine replacement is generally less expensive than purchasing a new vehicle, even without warranties or insurance assistance.
- Are you deciding between an engine replacement and an older used vehicle for a reliable repair? This could indicate that you require a new engine. New engines provide a long-term, dependable answer to your vehicle’s issues. Used vehicles, on the other hand, may come with their own set of engine issues. If the engine in your used vehicle replacement fails, you could find up paying twice as much in the long run.
- Sentimental value: A automobile can be more than just a car at times. Is it possible that your car is a family heirloom? Maybe it used to belong to someone you cared about? Maybe it was a wonderful present that you treasure? An engine replacement might let you keep your vehicle and the memories it holds in certain situations.
Is it cheaper to rebuild an engine or replace it?
Yes. The cost of a scheduled overhaul is almost usually cheaper than the cost of a new engine. Rebuilding an engine to repair it is frequently less expensive than purchasing a new one. Rebuilding an engine can save you up to half the cost of a new one.
However, rebuilding isn’t always the best solution.
If rebuilding an engine costs as much as buying a new one, your mechanic should tell you up front.
At Specialized Truck and Auto, we provide transparent pricing up front.
You can then decide whether to rebuild, acquire a new engine, or replace your car based on this information.
How long does it take for a dealership to replace an engine?
An engine replacement can take anywhere from 8 to 15 hours, depending on the car’s model, age, mechanic expertise, and type of engine work (replacement vs. repair). Some vehicles are known for having engines that are more difficult to replace or repair than others. Request a quote from your mechanic and weigh your options.