Does Car Insurance Cover Brake Failure and Repairs?
2025-09-27 11:59:47
Car insurance is a crucial safeguard that can help cover unexpected expenses resulting from incidents like accidents, vandalism, or theft. However, the extent of coverage—especially when it comes to specific car components like the braking system—can often be confusing for vehicle owners.
One common question many drivers ask is: **"Do car insurance companies cover brakes?"** The answer isn't always straightforward and depends on the type of policy you have and the circumstances of the damage.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about brake coverage and your auto insurance:
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### Key Takeaways
- Most standard auto insurance policies, such as liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, do not typically cover routine brake maintenance or replacement due to wear and tear. However, **collision insurance** may cover brake damage if it results from an accident, and **comprehensive insurance** could cover brake repairs if they are part of a larger claim caused by a covered event, like flooding or a natural disaster.
- **Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI)** is an optional add-on that can cover certain repair costs, including some brake-related issues. But it usually doesn’t cover regular maintenance or damage caused by neglect. Always check your policy details or consult with your insurer to understand what exactly is included.
- If brake failure leads to an accident causing harm to others, **liability insurance** will cover the associated costs. However, the cost to fix or replace your own brakes remains your responsibility.
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To fully understand whether your brakes are covered, it's important to review your insurance policy and consider the nature of the damage. Different types of coverage apply in different situations, so knowing how each one works can save you time and money down the road.
### Auto Insurance Basics
Auto insurance typically includes several types of coverage, each serving a unique purpose:
- **Liability Insurance**: This is required in most states and covers damages you cause to others in an accident, including property damage and injuries. It does not cover your own vehicle or medical expenses.
- **Collision Insurance**: This helps pay for repairs or replacement of your car if it's damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object.
- **Comprehensive Insurance**: This covers non-collision-related damage, such as theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters.
- **Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance**: This kicks in if you're involved in an accident with a driver who doesn't have enough insurance to cover your costs.
- **Full Coverage Insurance**: While not a single policy, this term refers to a combination of liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, offering broader protection.
These standard policies are designed to handle sudden, accidental damage, not gradual wear and tear. That means routine brake maintenance—like pad replacements or rotor resurfacing—is typically not covered.
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### Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI)
If you're looking for extra protection, **Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI)** might be an option. This is an additional coverage that can help with repairs due to mechanical failures, including some brake-related issues.
However, MBI usually doesn’t cover:
- Regular maintenance
- Damage caused by poor upkeep
- Routine replacement due to normal wear
It’s essential to read your policy carefully or speak with your insurance agent to understand what is and isn’t covered under your MBI plan.
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### Brakes and Collision Insurance
If your brakes fail due to an accident, **collision insurance** may help cover the cost of repairs. But it’s important to note that the insurance company might not cover the actual cost of fixing or replacing the brakes themselves, especially if the failure was due to lack of maintenance or aging parts.
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### Brake Failure as Part of a Larger Claim
In some cases, brake damage could be included in a larger claim. For example, if your car was damaged in a flood and the water affected your brakes, **comprehensive insurance** might cover the repair as part of the overall claim.
Again, this depends on the specifics of your policy, so reviewing the terms or speaking with your provider is key.
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### Brakes and Liability Insurance
If your brakes fail and lead to an accident, **liability insurance** will cover the damage to others' property or injuries. However, the cost to repair your own brakes will still be your responsibility.
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### Final Thoughts
In summary, standard auto insurance generally does not cover brake repairs unless they’re tied to a covered incident, such as an accident or a natural disaster. Routine maintenance and wear and tear are typically the owner's responsibility.
That said, specialized coverage like **Mechanical Breakdown Insurance** may offer some protection—but only within its defined limits.
Before choosing an insurance policy, take the time to understand what is and isn’t covered. Ask questions, read the fine print, and consult with your insurer to ensure you have the right coverage for your needs.
Drive safely, stay informed, and don’t take chances with your vehicle’s safety.
**Contact NuBrakes today for expert brake inspections and repairs. Your safety matters!**
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