What is an Engine Protection Cover in Car Insurance
Car insurance is required to protect your vehicle against unexpected events such as accidents, theft, and natural disasters. However, many car owners don't know that standard policies often don't cover some essential parts like the engine, which is expensive to repair or replace.
This is where an Engine Protection Cover comes into play.
In this blog, we will explain what an Engine Protection Cover is, its benefits, and who should consider adding it to their car insurance policy.
What is an Engine Protection Cover?
An Engine Protection Cover is an add-on to your car insurance that covers the costs of repairing or replacing your car's engine and its parts if they are damaged. While a standard comprehensive car insurance policy covers many parts of your car, it usually doesn't cover engine damage from non-accidental issues like water ingress, oil leaks, or mechanical failure. This add-on provides financial protection for engine repairs, regardless of whether the damage is accident-related or not.
Benefits of Engine Protection Add-On Cover for Your Car
Adding an Engine Protection Cover to your car insurance policy provides several advantages:
1. Benefits of Engine Protection Add-On Cover for Your Car
- Complete Engine Coverage
- Cost Savings
- Peace of Mind
- Longer Engine Life
- Better Resale Value
2. Complete Engine Coverage
The Engine Protection Cover provides coverage for various types of engine damage that are not covered under a standard car insurance policy. This includes damages caused by water entering the engine during floods, leakage of lubricating oil, or even physical damage to engine parts due to internal causes.
3. Cost Savings
Repairing or replacing a car engine, particularly in luxury or high-end ones, can be very costly. An Engine Protection Cover helps manage these expenses, protecting you from sudden financial stress.
4. Peace of Mind
Knowing that your car's engine is protected gives you peace of mind. If something goes wrong with your engine, you won't have to worry about the heavy prices of repairs because your insurance will cover them.
5. Longer Engine Life
With an Engine Protection Cover, you can repair any engine damage quickly, ensuring that the car runs smoothly and maintaining the engine's lifespan.
6. Better Resale Value
A well-maintained engine boosts the resale value of your vehicle. Buyers are more likely to buy a well-maintained car, and engine protection can help keep your engine in good working order.
Inclusions and Exclusions in Engine Protection Cover
Understanding what is covered and what is not under the Engine Protection Cover is crucial:
1. Inclusions
- Water Ingression: It provides the coverage for engine damage caused by water entering the engine, especially during floods or heavy rains.
- Lubricant Oil Leakage: This add-on gives protection against damages caused by leakage of lubricating oil, which can harm the engine's functioning.
- Physical Damage to Engine Parts: It also covers internal damages to engine parts due to non-accidental causes.
- Hydrostatic Lock: If water enters the engine and causes a hydrostatic lock (a condition where water prevents the engine from starting), the costs for repairs are covered.
- Gearbox Damage: This coverage helps pay for repairs or replacement of the car's gearbox.
- Undercarriage Damage: It also offers financial protection for any damage to the car's undercarriage.
- Labor Cost: This add-on covers the labor expenses involved in repairing or replacing the engine or its parts.
2. Exclusions
- Wear and Tear: The damage caused due to regular wear and tear of engine parts is not covered.
- Negligence: If the damage is caused by negligence, such as driving the car with an existing engine issue, it will not be covered.
- Oil Change Failure: If the engine is damaged because of not changing the oil as recommended, the cover does not apply.
- Force Starting the Engine: If you try to start the engine of a submerged car and cause damage, this will not be covered by your insurance.
- Damages Covered by Manufacturer: Any engine damage that falls under the car manufacturer's warranty is not covered by this insurance.
- No Water Inundation: If you can't prove that water damage (water inundation) caused the engine problem, the costs for engine repair or replacement won't be covered.
Who Should Consider Engine Protection Cover?
Engine Protection Cover isn't essential for everyone, but it's particularly beneficial for certain types of car owners:
- Those who live in areas where floods are common.
- Owners of expensive cars.
- People who have recently purchased a new car.
Conclusion
An Engine Protection Cover is a great add-on for your car insurance, especially if you live in a flood-prone area, have a costly car, or just bought a new car. It covers engine repairs or replacements, which can be costly. While not everyone needs this extra protection, it can be very beneficial if you want to safeguard your car’s engine. Adding Engine Protection Cover to your insurance can give you peace of mind and save you money in the long run.
What are the criteria for adding an Engine Protection Cover to my car insurance?
You can add an Engine Protection Cover to your car insurance policy if your car is less than five years old and has comprehensive car insurance.
When can I purchase an Engine Protection Cover?
You can purchase an Engine Protection Cover when you renew or buy car insurance policy.
Does the Engine Protection Cover include coverage for all types of engine damage?
No, the cover only includes specific damages like water ingression, oil leakage, and hydrostatic lock, but excludes regular wear and tear, negligence, and force starting the car.
Is the Engine Protection Cover expensive?
The cost of this extra coverage is quite low compared to what you might spend fixing or replacing an engine. It's a small price to pay for a lot of peace of mind.
How do I add an Engine Protection Cover to my existing car insurance?
You can contact your insurance provider/broker to add the Engine Protection Cover when renewing your policy or request it as an add-on when you purchase a new policy.