Your vehicle is made up of numerous parts that work together. Beyond the engine itself, your car's electrical system plays a major role in your driving experience. So, if your car won't start or your car broke down altogether, there's a chance you're dealing with an electrical issue, which raises the question, does car insurance cover electrical problems? Keep reading to learn more.
Will my insurance provider cover electrical problems with my vehicle?
The short answer is no. Your multiple auto insurance policies will not cover electrical problems with your vehicle. Car insurance is meant to cover damages caused by unexpected and unpreventable events such as natural disasters and damages that result from car accidents.
Therefore, you will not receive coverage for general wear and tear that leads to electrical damage, a lack of maintenance, and other preventable damage that may occur to your electrical system.
Circumstances where electrical components are covered by insurance
Now, if the electrical system in your vehicle is damaged as a result of a car accident or a non-collision event and you happen to have comprehensive insurance, then you would be able to claim repairs for your electrical systems under your car insurance policies.
How do I know if my car has electrical damage?
So, how do you know whether your car has electrical problems? Here are some signs you can watch out for with your own vehicle:
Flickering headlights
If your car's headlights are dimmer than usual or flickering, it's likely that there could be faulty wiring or other electrical problems that need to be uncovered.
Difficulty starting your vehicle
Another telltale sign of electrical problems is difficulty starting your vehicle. It may not start at all or take you multiple attempts to get it going.
Features not working
If your door locks, windows, or other features in your car are not working properly, it could also be due to electrical problems.
Blown fuses
If the fuses in your car constantly blow, it could affect several components of your vehicle's electrical system.
Does my insurance cover electrical problems caused by mice?
So, what about rodent damage? Will car insurance policies cover mice chewing wires? The answer to this question is yes and no. If you have comprehensive coverage and your car's electrical systems are damaged as a result of mice, your electrical problems, like an electrical fire, are likely covered. However, it will depend on the specific perils listed in your comprehensive coverage documents.
What is covered under my car insurance coverage?
There are numerous types of auto insurance in Canada. Some are mandatory, while others are optional:
Third-party liability insurance
Third-party liability insurance is a mandatory car insurance policy all drivers must have. It protects you in the event you cause property damage or injuries to a third party while operating a motor vehicle. If a claim or lawsuit is filed against you, liability insurance will cover repair costs, medical bills, legal fees, and more up to your policy limits.
Accident benefits coverage
Accident benefits coverage is also mandatory in most provinces and territories in Canada. If you get into an accident and you, your passengers, or pedestrians involved suffer injuries, this car insurance policy will cost medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and other fees, regardless of who is at fault.
Uninsured automobile coverage
Uninsured automobile coverage is the final mandatory policy for all Canadians. It will provide coverage in the event you're involved in an accident with someone uninsured or underinsured. It guarantees you are fairly compensated for damages if you're involved in a hit-and-run as well.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive car coverage is an optional car insurance plan that many Canadians add to their portfolio regardless. With comprehensive coverage, your insurance will cover the cost of repairs and replacements for your vehicle if it is damaged in a non-collision-related event. For example, common inclusions are theft, vandalism, weather-related incidents, falling objects, and more. Policyholders will need to pay a deductible amount before their policy kicks in to cover the rest of the repairs.
Collision coverage
Collision car coverage is also additional coverage that's optional for motorists. With collision car coverage, your insurance coverage will pay for vehicle repairs and replacements if you are involved in an at-fault accident up to your coverage limits. Again, this policy requires a deductible to be paid before it will cover repairs to your car.
Mechanical breakdown insurance
Repair coverage, also known as mechanical breakdown insurance, is an insurance policy that covers potential repair costs after your manufacturer's warranty expires. With this coverage, certain electrical components like faulty wiring, a bad alternator, short circuits, and other electrical faults may be covered. However, wear and tear, maintenance, damage caused by accidents, and components with short lifespans are not covered. This coverage may not be available with all insurance companies and may vary by province.
Accident forgiveness
One final type of optional car insurance coverage popular among Canadian drivers is accident forgiveness. Accident forgiveness is additional coverage that can be added to your car insurance policy as an endorsement to protect your driving record and to help prevent your insurance premium from increasing if you have an at-fault accident claim.
Note: coverage varies by province.
Will insurance cover a rental car if my vehicle is being repaired?
If you need a rental during repairs, there's a chance your insurance policy may pay for it. Rental car insurance is an additional car insurance that you can add onto your basic insurance plan with your insurance provider at the time you're renewing your coverage.
Does car insurance cover an engine replacement?
So, what happens if your vehicle's engine breaks down and it turns out that you need an engine replacement? If you had mechanical breakdown insurance or purchased an extended warranty for your vehicle, it's like the mechanical failure that led to your engine breakdown would be covered. However, it will depend on the type of warranty you purchased and the specifics of your mechanical breakdown insurance.
Does my insurance coverage cover funeral expenses?
If you, your passengers, pedestrians, or other drivers are killed in a car accident, will your car insurance cover funeral costs? Generally speaking, yes, car insurance typically covers funeral expenses under the accident benefits portion of your car insurance. The compensation provided, however, will differ based on your coverage limits and the specifics of your policy.
Will my insurance cover intentional damage?
Intentional damage means that a motorist premeditated their actions before performing them to cause damage or injuries to themselves or a third party. In this case, car insurance will not cover intentional damage or damages caused by criminal activity.
Does insurance cover transmission repair costs?
Vehicle transmission repairs can be incredibly expensive, which raises the question, can you get a bad transmission fixed by your insurance coverage? Unfortunately, if your transmission is not damaged as a result of a collision or non-collision event, your car insurance will not cover the repair costs. On the other hand, if your transmission is damaged during a car accident and you have collision insurance or as a result of a peril that is listed in your comprehensive coverage, then you would be able to file a claim for these damages.
How long will my car battery last?
How long a car battery lasts will vary between vehicles and depends on several factors, including the quality of the battery itself, your driving habits, the local climate where you live, and more. That being said, on average, you can anticipate your battery lasting anywhere between 2 and 6 years before it will need to be replaced. And, with proper maintenance of your vehicle overall, you'll be able to ensure that your car is safe and without issue while you're on the road.
Get the best car insurance coverage with BrokerLink
Is your expired car insurance renewal approaching? Whether you have questions about the renewal process, have questions about full coverage car insurance, need an inspection checklist for your vehicle, or have other questions regarding your policies, BrokerLink has got your back.
With locations across Canada, BrokerLink may be in your neighbourhood! If we're close by, come into one of our offices to work with a broker in person. You can also reach us over the phone or use our online car insurance quote tool to get a competitive insurance quote right from home!
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