Does Car Insurance Cover Engine Failure?

Car insurance does not cover engine failure from wear or breakdown — only if a covered event like a crash or flood caused it.

By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Last updated 2026

Not covered

• An engine that fails from age or mileage.
• Transmission and mechanical failures.

Covered

• Engine damage from a covered crash or flood.

Frequently asked questions

Does full coverage cover it?

No — ‘full coverage’ excludes mechanical breakdown.

What covers breakdowns?

Mechanical breakdown insurance or a warranty.

The bottom line

Standard insurance never covers a worn-out engine — you need MBI or a warranty.

Related guides

• Does Car Insurance Cover Flood Damage?

Sources: Insurance Information Institute (iii.org); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; FEMA; state Departments of Insurance. General information, not insurance advice.