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should You Get Mechanical Breakdown Insurance or an Extended Warranty??
When You Buy a New Car You Might Get Offered These Coverages
What is a Mechanical Warranty??
A mechanical warranty is an extended warranty offered by your car dealership that usually applies to mechanical breakdown or parts when you buy a car. It may be offered for any number of years depending on the plan you decide to go with and how much you want to spend.
Mechanical Warranty and Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
Mechanical Warranty and Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
Many people do not realize that they may have more than one option when it comes to buying coverage against mechanical breakdown. Depending on how long you are going to own your car for, or even if you don’t plan to own it very long, but want to resell it in a few years, there may be advantages to purchasing mechanical warranty through a dealer or buying mechanical breakdown insurance through an insurance company.
It’s a good idea to review what the insurance company offers to understand what option will give you the greatest advantage and can save you money, as we discuss below. First let’s look at what mechanical breakdown insurance is, what it covers and how much it costs.
What is Mechanical Breakdown Insurance?
Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) is a coverage that pays for car repairs unrelated to an accident that can be purchased through your car insurance company instead of an extended warranty through the dealer.
Like an extended warranty the mechanical breakdown insurance coverage pays for repairs to a car in excess of the manufacturers warranty and may also provide additional coverages as part of the insurance package depending on the insurance company. Mechanical Breakdown Insurance can be added as an endorsement to your auto policy. Mechanical breakdown insurance coverage may provide advantages over an extended warranty on a car because it is offered through an insurance company and is regulated by the insurance industry for standards and claims.
5 Reasons to Buy Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) Coverage Instead of an Extended Warranty
may include more parts and systems than most dealer warrantieswill likely cost less than at the dealershipyou can get your car repaired wherever you wantmay be transferable to a new vehicle owner if you sell your car, or you can cancel it at any time and not lose the money
you do not have to pay a big lump sum payment up front and pay interest if the cost gets bundled into your auto loan
What Does Mechanical Breakdown Insurance Cover?
You can get several levels of mechanical breakdown insurance coverage, typically the basic coverage will protect the following:
Engine parts, ex: oil pump, water pumpDrivetrainTransmissionExhaustBrakesElectrical components ex: alternator
You may also obtain mechanical breakdown coverage that could extend to:
steeringair conditioningfuel system
What is Not Covered by Mechanical Breakdown Insurance?
Mechanical breakdown coverage does not cover routine maintenance or damage from car acceded. It also may not cover wear and tear, so you will want to find out what classifies as wear and tear, or what is classified as a breakdown. This could make a difference in which product or insurance you take.
Typical Exclusions in a Mechanical Breakdown Insurance Endorsement
tune-upssuspension alignmentwheel balancingfilterslubricationcoolant and fluidsspark plugsbrake pads and liningsbrake shoestires
Does Car Insurance Cover Mechanical Breakdown?
No, regular car insurance is not meant to cover regular breakdowns or maintenance. You can buy Mechanical Breakdown Insurance separately or by endorsement.
Note that MBI does not replace regular car insurance, it is an add-on.
You still have to purchase your basic car insurance to cover minimum state car insurance requirements as well as additional coverages like comprehensive, collision or other endorsements.
How Much Does Mechanical Breakdown Insurance Coverage Cost?
The cost of Mechanical Breakdown Insurance is usually less expensive than the extended warranty at the dealer. The price varies based on the year and model of the car, coverage could be as inexpensive as $300 but could be as much as a couple of thousand, it really depends on the car. Unlike regular car insurance underwritingwhich takes into account your driving record and many other personal factors, sometimes even including your credit rating, the mechanical breakdown coverage is only based on the year and model of your car.
Calculation of price does not take any of your personal information into consideration.
Purchasing Mechanical Breakdown Insurance vs. Extended Warranty With a Car Dealer May Save You Money
Mechanical Breakdown Insurance can provide you with flexibility in both payment terms and how long you keep the coverage. Because breakdown insurance is handled like an insurance policy it can be better for you financially because it does not force you to pay a big lump sum at the time of purchase of your vehicle. It also does not force you to finance the coverage with your auto loan like an extended warranty would, this may save you money on interest.
Car dealerships often offer products like extended warranties or Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP) coverage, at the dealership and put a lot of pressure on people to buy them on the spot. Car dealerships can make a lot of money on these added sales, so it makes sense that they will be offering them to you You should always check with your insurance representative first. It helps to compare these products, especially since when purchased through an insurance company they are regulated by insurance standards meant to protect consumers. You should never buy these products at a dealer under pressure, take your time to figure out what makes the most sense for you.
Is an Extended Warranty or Mechanical Breakdown Insurance Worth It on a New Car?
It really depends on several factors. If you are already decided on buying an extended warranty then the Mechanical Breakdown Insurance is a really good option for you to consider. However, if you don’t know whether you should buy the extended coverage at all, then you need to do some research about the car you are going to buy.
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