What Repairs Are Covered by Car Insurance? | Other Policies to Consider

If your car suffers a fault or becomes damaged, you may be wondering whether your car insurance will cover the cost of repairs. Your car insurance provider will only intervene if the parts that need repairing are the result of an accident, but there are other policies available to help cover repairs should the worst happen to your car.

Our guide will cover what is and isn’t covered in terms of repairs when it comes to car insurance, other policies (such as warranty and breakdown cover) available for cars, and the repairs covered by these policies.

Can I Claim for Repairs on Car Insurance?

You can claim for repairs on your car insurance policy, but it depends on your level of cover and how the damage occurred. If you have fully comprehensive cover, you will be covered for any repairs caused by an accident, fire, theft or vandalism. If you have third-party car insurance, you generally won’t be able to claim for repairs.

If the repairs are required due to general wear and tear or routine mechanical breakdown, this won’t be covered by your car insurance, but these can fall under the scope of other policies. If you have a manufacturer’s warranty, an extended car warranty policyor breakdown cover in place, you may be covered depending on the level of cover you have.

What is not Covered in Car Insurance Polices When It Come to Repairs?

You won’t be able to claim for vehicle repairs if they were caused by:

● General wear and tear: your insurance is designed to handle emergencies caused by accidents. Parts that won’t be covered include:

● Worn brake pads and clutches

● Bald/worn/cracked tyres

● Dead batteries

● Faded paint

● Routine maintenance: this is the responsibility of the owner. Car insurance will not cover oil changes, fluid top-ups and servicing

● Mechanical and electrical breakdown: these issues are usually covered by manufacturer or extended car warranty.

● Pre-existing damage: any repairs that needed doing before you took out your policy

● Driver neglect: If your car requires repairs because you were driving under the influence or drugs or alcohol, driving without a license, or street racing, your car insurer won’t pay out even if you get into an accident.

If your car suffers a mechanical or electrical fault, an extended car warranty could be what you need to get on the road again.


Browse our levels of car warranty cover here.

What Other Policies Are Available for Vehicle Repairs?

The main policy to look for if you want repairs covered is an extended car warranty policy. Most new cars come with a manufacturer warranty, which can last between three and seven years depending on the manufacturer. Extended car warranties are a prolongation omanufacturer warranties, and will cover you for any mechanical or electrical failures.

We have different policy levels for more extensive coverage which cover a range of features, such as infotainment, wear and tear and the torque converter. You can find out more about our different extended car warranty policy levels here.

Breakdown cover can also cover repairs if your vehicle breaks down whilst on the road. Standard breakdown cover includes roadside repair and recovery to a local garage, whereas more comprehensive cover options include home start and alternative onward travel.

What Repairs do Warranty and Breakdown Policies Cover?

Elements covered by our silver warranty, our most standard coverage, include:

● Electrics

● Steering and suspension

● Cooling system

● Engine

● Brakes

● Fuel system

● Continuous Variable Transmissions (CVT)

Breakdown cover repairs will take place either at the roadside or a local garage (you can choose a garage of your choice depending on your level of cover). The repairs included are:

● Mechanical/electrical faults and breakages

● Flat batteries

● Tyre punctures

● Lack of fuel/wrong fuel used

● Damage caused by an accident, theft or vandalism that renders the vehicle immobile

Breakdown cover at ALA also covers keys that are lost or locked in the vehicle. You can find out more about what is covered in our extended car warranty policy wording here and our breakdown cover policy wording here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Mechanical Breakdowns Covered by my Car Insurance Policy?

No, car insurance does not cover typical mechanical breakdowns, unless it was caused by an accident, fire or theft. Car warranty or breakdown cover are usually required for mechanical failures and breakdowns.

Does Car Insurance Cover Repair Costs if the Damage Wasn’t Caused by an Accident?

Yes, car insurance can cover repairs for non-accidents such as theft, vandalism, fire and unexpected weather events.

What’s the Difference Between Car Insurance and Car Warranty?

Car insurance is a legal requirement for all drivers, whereas car warranty isn’t a legal necessity, but is highly recommended. Car insurance protects against accidents and thefts, whereas warranty covers drivers for in cases of component failure and car breakdown.

Are There Exclusions in Car Insurance Policies for Certain Repairs?

Car insurance will not cover you for:

● General wear and tear

● Mechanical and electrical failures

● Illegal use

● Pre-existing damage

● Unapproved modifications

Can I Choose my Own Garage for Insurance-Covered Repairs?

In the UK, you have a legal right to choose the garage that carries out your repairs. Your car insurer may encourage you to use one of their choice, but you have the right to say no and they cannot force you. However, you should weigh the pros and cons before making a decision – car insurers usually throw in perks such as a courtesy car with no extra fees if you choose their garage.

How Does the Claims Process Work for Getting Insurance-Covered Repairs?

Before making a claim, gather all the information needed, such as photos of the damage, the time and date of the incident and witness statements. You should then report the claim with a crime reference number (if applicable) as soon as possible. Your insurer will take it from there.