Will Your Car Insurance Cover Engine Failure?

Yes it does! Car Engine Breakdown Insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage against the costs associated with repairing or replacing a car's engine due to mechanical or electrical breakdown. 

It is designed to help cover the costs of repairs or replacements that are not covered by a car's manufacturer's warranty. This type of insurance is available for both new and used vehicles and can be tailored to meet your specific requirements.

Common Causes of Car Engine Failure

Let’s explore some of the major reasons for car engine breakdowns - 

1. Overheating

Overheating can cause car engine failure in several ways. When engines get too hot, they can warp, causing parts to rub together and seize. If the engine remains too hot for long, the pistons can crack and lead to major engine damage. 

When the engine is too hot, the oil can also break down, which reduces its ability to lubricate the engine and leads to failure. Finally, when the car is overheated, it can cause the radiator to fail, which can eventually result in overheating of the car engine. 

2. Wrong Fuelling

Wrong fuelling is among the primary causes of car engine failure. It can cause pre-ignition, which can damage the engine. Wrong fuel can also clog fuel injectors, which can cause misfires and engine damage. 

Filling up the vehicle with the wrong fuel can also cause a build-up of deposits and sediments in the fuel system, which can put extra strain on the engine components. In extreme cases, wrong fuelling can cause the fuel tank to explode, leading to major engine failure. 

3. Detonation

Detonation here is the spontaneous combustion of fuel within an engine, which can cause engine failure. It is caused by the sudden, rapid, and uncontrolled burning of fuel within an engine cylinder. This rapid burning creates an extremely high pressure within the cylinder, far greater than the normal pressure needed for the engine to function. The high pressure is then transferred to the piston, crank, and other engine components, which can cause them to break and lead to engine failure. 

4. Improper Engine Lubrication

Without the proper lubrication, there is an increased chance of friction between engine components, which can lead to overheating and engine wear. It can cause the engine to seize or even cause parts to break. Additionally, lack of lubrication can cause dirt and dust to build up in the engine, further causing wear and tear. In severe cases, this can lead to major engine damage, such as piston and valve failure. 

It is crucial to regularly check and change the engine oil to ensure proper lubrication and engine performance and prevent engine failure.  

5. Oil Leaks

Oil leaks can cause car engine failure in multiple ways. If the oil is leaking, the engine won’t be properly lubricated and the metal parts will rub against each other, creating heat and wearing down the engine. This can further result in a decrease in power and engine damage. 

If the oil leak is severe, a lack of oil can cause the engine to seize and completely fail. Oil leaks can also lead to oil entering the combustion chamber, which can cause misfires and a decrease in fuel efficiency. Consequently, you should take care of any oil leaks as soon as you spot them to avoid engine failure.

Engine Protection Cover in Car Insurance UAE

Can I File a Claim for Car Engine Failure Insurance in the UAE?

Yes, you can file a claim in case your car’s engine breaks down. However, there are certain terms and conditions regarding under which circumstances you can claim your insurance. 

In the UAE, you can generally claim car engine failure insurance if the cause of the failure is a mechanical or electrical breakdown that is covered by the policy. When claiming car engine failure insurance, you must be able to prove that the failure was caused by a mechanical or electrical fault. 

Note that if the cause of the failure is regular wear and tear or general maintenance, you may not be able to make a successful claim. Additionally, most insurance companies also require you to have a valid service history, which can be used as evidence to prove that regular maintenance and servicing have been carried out. In case you don’t have a valid service history, you may find it difficult to make a successful claim. 

What is Engine Protection Cover?

Engine protection cover is a type of insurance policy designed to protect vehicle owners from financial losses resulting from mechanical breakdowns of their vehicles. It covers the cost of labour and parts when the vehicle is undergoing repairs, which can be particularly helpful for vehicles that are expensive to repair. 

This type of insurance also helps protect a vehicle owner from the costs associated with towing and emergency roadside assistance as well as rental car reimbursement in case the vehicle has to be taken to a garage for repairs. 

What is Included and Excluded Under Engine Protection Cover?

Given below are the major inclusions and exclusions of car engine protection cover in the UAE: 

Inclusions

• Damages caused to the engine and its other parts 
• Damages due to lubricant leakage 
• Damages caused to the undercarriage of the car
• Damage sustained by the hydrostatic lock
• Car gearbox damage
• Damages caused by water  

Exclusions

• Engine damage due to forced car starting when it is submerged in water 
• Damages caused by inundation flooding 
• Damages covered by manufacturer warranty
• Forced starting of the car knowing that the engine has sustained any kind of water damage
• Regular wear and tear of the car engine
• If the car is driven by underage individuals or those without a valid licence
• If any repairs were attempted without the knowledge of the insurance company 
• Damages caused by corrosion after water damage  

Is Engine Protection Cover Worth It?

Car engine breakdown insurance is certainly worth it as it can save you from hefty spending on your car reparation. Engine breakdown insurance is particularly useful for drivers whose cars are more likely to experience a breakdown, such as those who have older models or don't regularly maintain their vehicles. This type of insurance can also provide coverage for unexpected mechanical failures, such as a blown head gasket or damaged turbo. 

With that said, it’s necessary to read the small print of any car insurance policy to make sure you understand exactly what is covered and what the excess is. The latter is simply the amount you have to pay when you make a claim. Generally, the higher the excess, the lower the premium. 

Note: While opting for a higher excess can reduce the premium, make sure that you have sufficient funds to pay the excess when making a claim.   

In a Nutshell

Engine breakdown insurance is of the utmost importance, as it protects you from major financial losses in case of a breakdown of your vehicle’s engine. This insurance provides coverage for repair costs, towing charges, and rental car expenses, which can all add up quickly and present a hefty expenditure. Make sure to verify with your provider whether it offers such coverage as an add-on plan.