Does Car Insurance Cover a Blown Transmission?
In a Nutshell
The answer to this question is generally no, car insurance does not cover a blown transmission. A blown transmission is considered a mechanical failure, which is typically excluded from coverage under a standard auto insurance policy. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as if you have purchased additional coverage for mechanical breakdowns.
Why Isn’t a Blown Transmission Covered by Car Insurance?
There are a few reasons why a blown transmission is not typically covered by car insurance. First, mechanical failures are generally considered to be the result of wear and tear, which is not covered by insurance. Second, transmissions are complex and expensive to repair, which would make insurance premiums unaffordable for most drivers.
Exceptions to the Rule
There are a few exceptions to the rule that car insurance does not cover a blown transmission. These include:
- You have purchased additional coverage for mechanical breakdowns. Some insurance companies offer riders or endorsements that can extend coverage to include mechanical failures. These riders typically have a higher premium, but they can provide peace of mind in the event of a major breakdown.
- The blown transmission was caused by a covered peril. If the blown transmission was caused by a covered peril, such as an accident or a natural disaster, it may be covered by your insurance policy. However, you will need to prove that the peril caused the transmission to fail.
What to Do If Your Transmission Blows
If your transmission blows, there are a few things you should do:
- Pull over to a safe location. If you can, pull over to the side of the road in a safe location. This will help to prevent further damage to your vehicle.
- Call your insurance company. Report the blown transmission to your insurance company as soon as possible. They will be able to advise you on whether or not your transmission is covered and what steps you need to take next.
- Get your vehicle towed to a repair shop. Once you have reported the blown transmission to your insurance company, you will need to get your vehicle towed to a repair shop. The repair shop will be able to diagnose the problem and give you an estimate for the cost of repairs.
How to Prevent a Blown Transmission
There are a few things you can do to help prevent a blown transmission, including:
- Get regular transmission service. Regular transmission service can help to keep your transmission in good working order and prevent problems from developing.
- Don’t overload your vehicle. Overloading your vehicle can put strain on the transmission and lead to a blown transmission.
- Avoid towing heavy loads. Towing heavy loads can also put strain on the transmission and lead to a blown transmission.
- Drive carefully. Avoid aggressive driving, such as sudden acceleration and braking. This can put strain on the transmission and lead to a blown transmission.
