Standard comprehensive car insurance only covers damage to your vehicle if it is involved in an accident. There are exceptions. Your car’s engine will only be covered if you have add-on coverage. Your regular comprehensive insurance does not cover engine repair or replacement. It is a smart idea to look into additional coverages when you’re thinking about buying car insurance. They can prove very useful. Learn more about Engine Protection Cover and its benefits.
What is Engine Protection Cover?
Engine protection coverage in car insurance is an add-on to Comprehensive car insurance. It covers damage or loss to the engine of the insured vehicle. This add-on covers the cost of replacing or repairing your car’s engine and parts. It could be caused by oil leakage or water ingress, damage, and loss to components like the gearbox, pistons, connecting rings, etc. Also, a hydrostatic lock can occur when you start the engine wet.
Example Scenario:
Sometimes monsoons can be unpredictable and cause serious damage to your car’s engine if it gets wet. Repairing or replacing engine parts can be costly. Engine Protection Cover is available to help you in such cases, as the regular comprehensive car insurance doesn’t cover the engine or its parts.
What is the process?
Here’s an example of Engine Protection (EP), which you can see how it works in car insurance.
Imagine that you have closed your house because you are going to your hometown for a vacation or a special function. It rains heavily. You get a call from your neighbor to tell you that rainwater has reached your home and submerged your car in the water. Water ingression is inevitable here.
Repair or replacement of engine parts like connecting rods, pistons, and gearbox parts is expensive. The cost to replace or repair engine parts such as pistons, connecting rods, and gearbox parts is approximately Rs. 1,20,000. The standard comprehensive policy does not cover these parts; you must pay from your pocket. You could have saved money if you purchased the Engine Protection Add on by paying a slightly more premium. Based on the added coverage, the insurance company will pay the cost.
Does car insurance cover engine failure?
The cost of an engine protection add-on is about 2% of the car’s current market value. This also depends on the car’s model. The additional coverage can help you save money by allowing your insurance company to pay the engine repair costs.
How to Buy Engine Protection Addon?
Add-ons for car engine protection can be purchased alongside comprehensive car insurance. This add-on is available as additional coverage and is not included in the standard comprehensive insurance policy. Here are the steps for purchasing Engine Protect Cover online as an added benefit.
- Step 1 – Go to the website of your car insurance company or download its mobile app.
- Step 2 – Choose to purchase/renew comprehensive auto insurance.
- Step 3 If you are prompted to add Engine Protection or another type of protection, choose the same.
- Step 4 – Pay the premium and receive your policy immediately at your email address.
Car Engine Protection: Features and Benefits
Engine Protection Cover is an additional to regular comprehensive coverage with exclusive features and benefits. For expenses incurred in repairing or replacing damaged engine parts, the insurance company will reimburse the insured up to the amount stated in the policy. Here are the benefits and features of the Car Engine Protection Addon:
- Leakage of lubricating oils inside an engine can cause damage that is covered.
- Water in the engine can cause damage.
- Many components, such as the gearbox, pistons, and connecting rods, can be damaged.
- Hydrostatic lock damage occurs when water enters the engine and is trying to start it.
- Beneficial, especially during monsoons, flooding, natural disasters, etc.
- This is especially beneficial for those who have recently purchased a car or have an expensive vehicle. The cost of engine repair and replacement can be very expensive.
Exclusion of the Engine Protection Add-on
There are exclusions to the Engine Protection Cover Add-on, just like all insurance policies. Continue reading to learn more about Engine Protection Add-on.
- Force-Start the engine
There is a high chance that water has reached the engine if the car is immersed in water. You should not force the engine to start. This can result in the rejection of your claim.
- Consequential Damages
The policy does not cover consequential damages and losses if the insured vehicle is involved in an accident. Insurers often reject these types of incidents.
- Limited Claims
The policyholder may only make two claims against Engine Protection Add-on during the policy period. This add-on has limited validity.
- Limit on the age of a car
This add-on will not be available for vehicles older than five years. It is, therefore, only available for cars less than five years of age.
The Engine Protection Add-on is a great option for you:
What time should you purchase engine protection coverage in addition to comprehensive car insurance? This is a great add-on:
- If you live in an area that is susceptible to flooding.
- If you have a very expensive car.
- If you purchased a new vehicle.
- You must be able to take all risks, and not just one.
- You may also be interested in extra protection for your engine.
You should be aware that coverage can vary between insurance companies. Before signing up for any of these policies, it is important to read their terms and conditions carefully.
Private Car Package Policy – Add-ons Engine Protect
Insurance providers will pay for the repair or replacement of engine parts like pistons, connecting rods, and gearboxes. Some exclusions apply to private cars. Here are the details:
Exclusions
- Normal wear and tear can cause damage.
- Inform the insurance company.
- If the insured driver is caught driving the vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating substances.
- If the driver is found to have an invalid driving license or a DL.
- If illegal racing caused the damage.
- All claims are not covered by another insurance policy or warranty, including recall campaigns.
- Leakage can cause engine damage and the cost of lubricants.
- It will only be accepted for repair if the insurance company is notified.
Add-on Engine Protect to the Commercial Vehicle Package Policy
Commercial vehicles can also purchase the Engine Protection add-on. These are the exclusions to the Engine Protection add-on for commercial vehicles or cars:
Exclusions
- Regular wear and tear can cause damage.
- Insurance companies should be notified if repair or replacement is required.
- Accidental damage to the engine and its components is caused by driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances.
- Underage driver found responsible for damage resulting from an accident.
- Accidents involving drivers who do not have valid driving licenses can cause damage.
- Due to delays in informing the insurance company, water ingression, corrosion, or damages.
- All claims fall within the car manufacturer’s warranty period or any recall program.
- In case of a claim for leakage of flushing of consumables, cost of lubricants.
- Repairs that are not reported to the insurer.
How to Claim Car Insurance For Engine Protection Add-On?
It is similar to submitting a claim for engine protection to replace or repair parts of your car. You can file a claim for engine protection coverage by following these steps:
- Step 1 Inform your insurer about any damage or losses to your car’s engine components.
- Step 2 An insurance company will send a surveyor to assess the damage and settle the claim.
- Step 3 – You may be eligible for reimbursement of the repair bill to cover the cost of replacing or repairing engine parts like pistons, connecting rods, and gearboxes.
Who should buy the Engine Protection Add-on Cover?
Engine protection is an add-on to your existing comprehensive car insurance policy. Because it is additional coverage, there are some reasons you should add the engine protection cover.
- Flooding is possible if you live or work in an area susceptible to flooding.
- The engine parts of a luxury or new car are difficult to replace or repair.
- The engine protection coverage is an additional layer to your standard car insurance policy that helps you avoid financial risk and takes no chances.
Common reasons for car engine failure
- Low engine oil
- Overheating the engine
- Water intrusion
Car engine maintenance tips
Maintaining your vehicle and preventing any unwanted damage or loss is essential. These car engine maintenance tips will keep your vehicle in top condition.
- To avoid damage to the engine’s internal parts, check the oil level regularly.
- Make sure you keep your car in good condition and service it according to the schedule. This will ensure that your car’s engine is always in top condition.
- Don’t stress your engine by overheating or accelerating it higher. This could cause irreparable damage and reduce the engine’s life expectancy.
