Does car insurance cover a clutch replacement?

Vehicles that rely on manual transmission are a favorite among drivers. However, there are a variety of ways a clutch can get damaged. Once the clutch no longer properly works, it will take more than a minor fix. We’ll review mechanical breakdown insurance coverage, clutch insurance, and how does auto insurance cover a clutch replacement.

Once the clutch on a manual transmission vehicle falters, the car suffers noticeable effects. Depending on the problem, a minor fix won’t work and the clutch may need to be totally replaced.

The cost of doing so might be huge. Turning to an insurance policy for ways to save on repair costs makes sense, but question marks exist about whether the insurance policy covers the damage to the clutch.

In general, the type of insurance coverage purchased and the reasons why the clutch was damaged play a role in how the insurance company reacts to any filed car insurance claims.

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How does the clutch plate get damaged?

A number of reasons exist why a clutch might wear out. We will not be discussing how to make a clutch last forever, since auto parts do not last forever and even moderate use can cause undesirable and severe wear and tear. As unfortunate as this is, insurance policies are not going to pay for normal wear and tear on a clutch or any part.

Those who purchased a basic insurance policy definitely won’t find insurance company assistance when it comes to procuring reimbursements on replacing a clutch.

Abasic auto insurance policy, one mandated by law in 48 states, requires a driver to carry auto liability insurance. This type of insurance pays for bodily injury or death to a person and also for property damage.

State minimums vary, but the basic amounts on liability policies are low.

Drivers who rarely make claims – if they ever make claims – sometimes assume that auto insurance is all-inclusive. There is the belief their policy coverage would pay for wear and tear and mechanical breakdown. This is not the case.

Added insurance would need to be purchased in order to cover some, but not all, issues related to clutch system damage.

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What does mechanical breakdown insurance coverage cover?

Certain insurance providers may sell added coverage to new cars in the form of mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI). Such insurance covers losses related to damage to a vehicle.

Negligence and wear and tear would not be covered under MBI, but there are numerous other instances in which a claim could be successfully filed. Not every vehicle is eligible for mechanical breakdown insurance, nor is every driver interested in acquiring it.

Those who worry about repair issues associated with the clutch, transmission, or other systems in the vehicle may wish to look into mechanical breakdown insurance options.

That said, other areas of coverage may be accessible if harm is inflicted upon the vehicle and the clutch suffers.

What about smashing the clutch?

Driving down the road might start out without any problems, but car accidents are not always avoidable. Imagine swerving the car to avoid hitting another vehicle and going over a curb and tree stump.

Severe damage to the clutch system and more could result. Obviously, this is not a situation related to wear and tear. While a vehicle collision was avoided, the driver’s car did collide with the curb and a tree stump. Damage ensued.

Filing a claim for collision insurance would be the step to take in such a situation. Collision coverage covers the damages to the driver’s vehicle due to the driver’s fault. How the claim works out depends on various factors.

The claim could be settled, or it could be denied. No claim is going to be paid out, however, if collision coverage is not in place.

What happens if it’s another driver’s fault?

The aforementioned example of a car going over a curb and hitting a tree stump could occur due to the fault of another driver. Being rear-ended by an intoxicated or distracted driver means the damage to the vehicle and the clutch is his/her fault.

Filing a claim against the driver’s liability policy would be the approach to follow.

If the driver does not have insurance, this situation becomes complicated unless the injured party has uninsured motorist insurance coverage. Like collisions, many drivers do not have this coverage.

Without uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in place, filing suit to pay for the clutch damage becomes a costly and, possibly, fruitless endeavor.

With uninsured/underinsured motorist protection in place, filing a claim with your own auto insurance policy is the step to take.

Consider this type of coverage a form of self-protection against the potentially illegal acts of those who choose to drive without insurance or with too little insurance.

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Can comprehensive coverage help?

Comprehensive insurance is neither mandatory nor related to accident damage. Comprehensive entails damage to a car not being driven that suffers losses from the following:

• weather incidents
• theft
• deliberately inflicted damage
• other odd events.

Damage to a clutch due to an incident covered under comprehensive insurance may be paid for by the insurance company. Do not, however, assume comprehensive, or any coverage option means automatic payment.

The claim does need to be investigated prior to any approval or settlement.

Clutch repairs may be covered if the damage is a result of an accident, but not from normal wear and tear or maintenance issues. Although it is an expensive repair, car insurance companies may cover the costs if the clutch is damaged due to an accident. Just file a claim and let your insurance company pay for the clutch repair.

However, if you don’t get in an accident, but the clutch is damaged, the insurance company will probably cover the damages if you’ve experienced a flood and the water caused the damage. This falls under non-driving related incidents, so you need comprehensive coverage for insurance to accept the claim. Most common situations for the clutch to be damaged include: wear and tear, oil on the clutch, water in the clutch, clutch overheating.

How to locate the best auto insurance rates

Comparison shopping helps with acquiring the following coverage at an affordable rate:

• collision coverage
• mechanical breakdown coverage
• auto liability coverage
• comprehensive insurance

Effective comparison shopping also helps with locating auto insurance companies with solid customer service and a greater propensity to serve clients well. Good customer service may help calm the nerves of customers whose vehicles suffer clutch damage.

Does car insurance cover a clutch replacement? The Bottom Line

If the damage is caused by an accident, then it may be covered. However, if the damage is due to normal wear and tear or routine maintenance, then it won’t be covered. Even though it is an expensive repair for the car, car insurance companies may pay for it if the clutch is damaged because of an accident. File a claim and let your insurer cover the cost of the clutch repair.

Some have searched for a “clutch cover car” online in hopes of finding affordable auto insurance. Make it easy on yourself. Enter your ZIP code below to compare car breakdown insurance quotes today!

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