Does auto insurance cover transmission repair? (2024)
Auto insurance does cover transmission repair if you have the right kinds of coverage. A transmission may be covered under collision, comprehensive, or mechanical breakdown insurance, depending on the circumstances. Learn how to make sure you're covered.
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Jimmy McMillan
Licensed Insurance Agent
Jimmy McMillan is an entrepreneur and the founder of HeartLifeInsurance.com, an independent insurance brokerage. His company specializes in insurance for people with heart problems. He knows personally how difficult it is to secure health and life insurance after a heart attack. Jimmy is a licensed insurance agent from coast to coast who has been featured on ValientCEO and the podcast Modern Li...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 20, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 20, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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Does auto insurance cover transmission repair? Auto insurance policies vary by company, but it generally covers transmission repair if it got damaged by a covered event, such as an accident or bad weather. However, it won’t cover wear and tear.
Your transmission controls how quickly the energy from your car’s engine reaches your wheels and driveshaft. As a result, keeping it in good condition is essential for driving safely.
In this article, you’ll learn the basics of transmission coverage, which types of insurance assist with transmission repairs, and additional issues to discuss with your insurance company. Keep reading to learn the answer to, “Does insurance cover a transmission?” Then, enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool above to instantly compare cheap transmission insurance costs from top providers.
- Auto insurance should assist if a transmission needs repairs after a wreck
- Liability won’t cover your transmission repairs in an accident, but collision might
- Transmission damage from normal use is covered by mechanical breakdown coverage
How Transmission Insurance Coverage Works
Does insurance cover transmission failure? If you get in an accident and your transmission needs repair, your auto insurance policy will likely cover the damages. Collision coverage applies whenever your vehicle collides with another car or an object such as a building or fence. Regardless of fault, you can use collision insurance to repair your transmission and other damaged parts.
Your transmission could also break when you’re not driving the car, which means that collision coverage doesn’t apply. A comprehensive insurance policy would assist with transmission repairs in the following circumstances:
- Natural Disasters: Will car insurance pay for transmission repair afteter bad weather? Yes, a flood, hurricane, or tornado could send debris into your car’s mechanical parts, such as your transmission, which car insurance covers.
- Vandalism: Someone could intentionally damage your car.
- Theft: Does my car insurance cover transmission repair resulting from theft? Yes, if someone breaks your transmission while attempting you steal your car or its components, car insurance covers it.
- Fires: Your garage could catch on fire, and the flames or smoke damage could spread to your vehicle.
Every insurance company handles comprehensive coverage differently, so it’s worth checking if your policy includes transmissions before filing a comprehensive claim. Check out the table below to see how much you could pay for comprehensive coverage by state:
Comprehensive Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by State
| State | Rates |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $12 |
| Alaska | $12 |
| Arizona | $15 |
| Arkansas | $15 |
| California | $8 |
| Colorado | $13 |
| Connecticut | $11 |
| Delaware | $9 |
| Florida | $9 |
| Georgia | $13 |
| Hawaii | $8 |
| Idaho | $9 |
| Illinois | $10 |
| Indiana | $10 |
| Iowa | $14 |
| Kansas | $19 |
| Kentucky | $11 |
| Louisiana | $17 |
| Maine | $8 |
| Maryland | $12 |
| Massachusetts | $11 |
| Michigan | $12 |
| Minnesota | $14 |
| Mississippi | $16 |
| Missouri | $14 |
| Montana | $17 |
| Nebraska | $17 |
| Nevada | $10 |
| New Hampshire | $9 |
| New Jersey | $10 |
| New Mexico | $14 |
| New York | $13 |
| North Carolina | $10 |
| North Dakota | $19 |
| Ohio | $9 |
| Oklahoma | $17 |
| Oregon | $7 |
| Pennsylvania | $11 |
| Rhode Island | $10 |
| South Carolina | $14 |
| South Dakota | $19 |
| Tennessee | $11 |
| Texas | $16 |
| Utah | $9 |
| Vermont | $10 |
| Virginia | $11 |
| Washington | $9 |
| Washington, D.C. | $19 |
| West Virginia | $16 |
| Wisconsin | $11 |
| Wyoming | $19 |
| U.S. Average | $12 |
Does insurance cover transmission issues at the top providers? Yes, most major insurance companies, including Geico, Liberty Mutual, Progressive, offer comprehensive and collision insurance options, which covers transmission issues resulting from a comprehensive or collision event.
Collision insurance is for, well, collisions. Comprehensive is an optional coverage for the other stuff, like fire, theft, or flood. pic.twitter.com/SaQI9Sfohg
— Liberty Mutual (@LibertyMutual) January 14, 2019
Now that you know the answer to, “Does auto insurance cover transmission failure?” keep reading to learn situations when transmission repair isn’t covered.
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When Auto Insurance Won’t Cover Transmission Repair
Although you can often use auto insurance to pay for transmission repairs, there are some cases when it doesn’t apply. If you didn’t cause an accident, the other party’s liability insurance covers your transmission. If they don’t have insurance, your uninsured motorist coverage should step in.
Standard auto insurance also does not cover a transmission that breaks down because of regular use. Depending on the manufacturer and how well you maintain your car, your transmission will likely last 100,000 to 300,000 miles. After that, you’ll have to pay for a new transmission out-of-pocket. Under a normal policy, any maintenance issues that come up in the meantime are your responsibility.
So when does car insurance cover transmission failure? Full coverage auto insurance covers transmission damage resulting from an accident, bad weather, or vandalism.
How to Get Your Insurance to Cover a Transmission
So, what insurance covers transmission damage from wear and tear? If you’re looking for ways to get help repairing your transmission, you can take out a mechanical breakdown insurance policy. This type of insurance assists with repairs resulting from everyday wear and tear. Most insurance companies recommend investing in a policy after your transmission’s warranty expires.
Once you have mechanical breakdown insurance, you can file a claim to have your transmission repaired when the brake bands, turbines, or impellers break. Keep in mind that the more claims you file, the more likely your insurance company is to raise your rates. Take the cost of your deductible plus your monthly rates into account before filing a mechanical breakdown insurance claim.
Can car insurance cover transmission repairs? If an accident or bad weather damaged your transmission, auto insurance should pay for repairs.
Using Gap Insurance to Cover a Transmissing
Does gap insurance cover transmission failure? Contrary to common belief, gap insurance does not simply cover issues that aren’t part of other car insurance policies. Instead, this type of insurance helps if your car gets totaled or severely damaged. Once your insurance company has paid its portion of repairs, gap insurance covers the rest of what you still owe on your loan.
If you can think of a sketchy situation😨, there’s probably an insurance policy for that. If you’re upside down🙃 on your car loan — you guessed it — there’s a policy! It’s GAP insurance. https://t.co/27f1xf1ARb has all the details. Check it out here👉: https://t.co/jULPbU9eDV pic.twitter.com/cDALyNHv5O
— AutoInsurance.org (@AutoInsurance) March 8, 2024
If only your transmission is broken, your car is probably not damaged enough to warrant a claim on your gap insurance coverage. On the other hand, if your transmission is just one of many broken parts, your gap insurance policy may be helpful. You can use a totaled car value calculator to see whether gap insurance is worth it.
If gap doesn’t help, can car insurance cover transmission repairs? If your transmission damage resulted from a covered claim, your car insurance may pay for damages.
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How a Warranty Can Help With Transmission Repairs
Does a warranty cover transmission repair? Warranties work similarly to insurance policies in that they help cover some of the financial responsibility for different car parts. However, your transmission’s manufacturer provides a warranty, not a private insurance company. You may pay a one-time fee to get a warranty on your transmission, but you shouldn’t pay monthly rates as you do for insurance.
A car warranty usually covers things like the engine and transmission, but not brake pads or batteries. Be sure to read the fine print! https://t.co/Pb0MSZ54eM #LifeLanes140
— Progressive (@progressive) March 10, 2018
Your warranty covers normal breakages within a particular time frame. For example, if your warranty lasts a year and your brake band snaps after six months, your warranty should pay for repairs or a replacement. Most warranties don’t cover damages that occur during an accident or natural disaster, which is why having collision and comprehensive insurance is so important. Furthermore, warranties generally expire after a few months to a year, so you need mechanical breakdown insurance if you don’t want to handle transmission costs on your own.
So, will car insurance cover transmission damage? Car insurance will pay for tramission issues if they were caused by a covered event.
What You Need to Know About Auto Insurance and Transmission Repair
Many readers are asking, “If my transmission goes out, will insurance cover it?”If you caused an accident and your transmission needs repair, you can expect your auto insurance to cover the bill. If a natural disaster or another incident damages your transmission when you aren’t driving, comprehensive insurance can help. Generally, your liability insurance or comprehensive coverage policies won’t cover transmission repairs that happen because of everyday use.
Ready to find cheap transmission insurance coverage? If you’re wondering how to pay for transmission repair through insurance, enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool below to shop for comprehensive coverage from the top providers near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does car insurance cover transmission repair?
A top question readers ask is, “Will insurance cover transmission repair?” In most cases, standard auto insurance policies do not cover the cost of repairing or replacing a transmission that fails due to normal wear and tear or mechanical breakdown. Auto insurance is primarily designed to provide coverage for damages resulting from accidents or covered incidents, rather than routine mechanical failures.
What type of coverage may include transmission repair?
While standard auto insurance policies may not cover transmission repair, there are specific coverage options that can help with mechanical breakdowns:
- Extended Warranty: If you have purchased an extended warranty or mechanical breakdown insurance for your vehicle, it may provide coverage for transmission repairs or replacements. These types of warranties are typically purchased separately from your auto insurance policy.
- Vehicle Service Contracts: Some insurance companies offer vehicle service contracts, also known as mechanical breakdown insurance or extended service contracts. These contracts can provide coverage for repairs or replacements of mechanical components, including the transmission.
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: If your vehicle is still covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, the transmission repair or replacement may be covered, subject to the terms and conditions of the warranty. Review your warranty documents or contact the vehicle manufacturer for more information.
So when does insurance cover tranmission repair? Insurance will cover your transmission if it gets damaged due to a covered claim.
Is transmission damage from an accident covered by car insurance?
Does insurance cover transmission problems after a wreck? Yes, if your transmission is damaged as a result of a covered incident, such as a car accident, collision coverage within your auto insurance policy may help cover the repair or replacement costs. Collision coverage typically covers damages to your vehicle resulting from a collision with another vehicle or object.
What factors affect coverage for transmission repair?
So, when does insurance cover transmission replacement? When it comes to coverage for transmission repair, several factors may come into play:
- Cause of Damage: Insurance coverage may depend on the cause of the transmission damage. If the damage is due to an accident, collision coverage might apply. However, if it is due to wear and tear or mechanical breakdown, additional coverage options like extended warranties or vehicle service contracts may be needed.
- Policy Terms and Exclusions: Review your auto insurance policy to understand any specific terms, conditions, or exclusions related to mechanical breakdowns or transmission repairs. Some policies may have limitations or exclusions regarding coverage for mechanical failures.
How can I protect myself against transmission repair costs?
To protect yourself against transmission repair costs, consider the following options:
- Maintenance and Regular Servicing: Proper maintenance and regular servicing of your vehicle, including the transmission, can help prevent major mechanical issues. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and address any potential transmission problems promptly.
- Extended Warranties or Vehicle Service Contracts: Consider purchasing an extended warranty or vehicle service contract that specifically covers mechanical breakdowns, including transmission repairs. These contracts can provide financial protection and peace of mind.
- Emergency Savings: Build an emergency savings fund to cover unexpected repair costs, including transmission repairs. Having a financial buffer can help alleviate the financial burden if a transmission failure occurs.
So, will insurance cover transmission repair? It will if the damages resulted from a covered event.
Does full coverage insurance cover transmission repair?
Does full coverage cover transmission damage? If the damage occurred in an accident, your collision insurance policy should pay for transmission repairs. Comprehensive coverage will pay for your transmission if it gets damaged by weather or vandalism.
Does full coverage cover transmission failure if it’s due to wear and tear?
If you have full coverage, you might be asking, “Does full coverage insurance coverage transmission failure due to wear and tear?” No, full coverage doesn’t cover normal wear and tear. You must get mechanical breakdown insurance to be covered for wear and tear.
Does State Farm insurance cover transmission repair?
State Farm policyholders may wonder, “Can you claim a transmission on insurance with State Farm?”
State Farm will typically pay out for a transmission damage claim if it resulted from a car accident or other covered event, such as vandalism. However, it won’t pay for normal wear and tear. Learn more about what State Farm will and won’t cover in our State Farm insurance review.
Will insurance cover a transmission if the car is stolen and recovered with transmission damage?
Can insurance cover transmission damage if the car was stolen and recovered? Yes, comprehensive insurance typically covers damage resulting from theft or vandalism.
How many miles will a transmission last?
Generally, a transmission can last anywhere from 150,000 to 200,000, depending on your vehicle type, driving habits, and whether you give your car regular maintenance.
Does comprehensive cover engine failure?
Does auto insurance cover engine failure? Comprehensive will only cover engine failure if it results from a covered non-collision event, such as theft, vandalism, or weather.
Does USAA cover transmission repair?
Will insurance cover transmission failure with USAA? USAA car insurance will pay out to repair your transmission if it was damaged due to a covered event, such as an accident, vandalism, or bad weather. Learn more in our USAA auto insurance review.
Does Geico cover transmission failure?
Does car insurance cover transmission replacement with Geico? If your transmission needs repair or replacement due to a covered event, Geico will cover it. However, your transmission doesn’t have coverage for wear and tear.
Is a car totaled if the transmission goes out?
The transmission going out doesn’t necessarily mean a car will be totaled. A car insurance company will total a car if repair costs exceed a certain amount.
Will CarShield replace a transmission?
Depending on the plan you have, CarShield may cover transmission replacement, as it offers many types of extended warranty plans.
Will insurance cover a cracked transmission caused by vandalism?
Will insurance cover a bad transmission caused by vandalism? Yes, comprehensive insurance will pay out for car repairs due to vandalism, theft, or other non-collision related events.
How much does it cost if your transmission goes out?
Transmission repair and replacement costs vary. However, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,500 to $4,000 to repair one, and $3,000 to $7,000 to replace one. However, if you have full coverage auto insurance, all you’ll pay is your deductible.
Does gap insurance cover new transmissions?
No, gap insurance only covers the difference between your car’s value and loan if it gets totaled.
Will car insurance cover a broken transmission caused by flooding?
You might be wondering, “Will insurance cover a blown transmission caused by flooding?” Yes, comprehensive coverage will pay out for non-collision incidents that damage your transmission, such as flooding, theft, and more.
Is a car with a bad transmission worth anything?
Yes, a car without a working transmission can still have value, such as for parts, a project car, or something to trade in.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Jimmy McMillan
Licensed Insurance Agent
Jimmy McMillan is an entrepreneur and the founder of HeartLifeInsurance.com, an independent insurance brokerage. His company specializes in insurance for people with heart problems. He knows personally how difficult it is to secure health and life insurance after a heart attack. Jimmy is a licensed insurance agent from coast to coast who has been featured on ValientCEO and the podcast Modern Li...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.