What is mechanical breakdown insurance/Why do you need it?

Many newer cars have a warranty from the manufacturer that covers mechanical breakdown repairs if it meets mileage and age restrictions. However, if you drive a vehicle that's more than a few years old or has more than 100,000 miles, you'll likely face any breakdown repair bills on your own.

When you need to get your car fixed, but you don't have an emergency fund in place to handle the bills, you may have to borrow money, use a high-interest credit card, or keep driving your car, hoping that it won't leave you stranded. Fortunately, with vehicle service coverage, you can get the coverage you need to help you handle the financial strain of car repair bills.

What is vehicle service coverage?

Mechanical breakdowns are usually a surprise. When one of your car's major systems, like the engine or transmission, breaks down, you must pay for repairs on your own. It's supplemental coverage because your car's liability or collision insurance doesn't cover mechanical breakdowns.

Vehicle service coverage helps pay for necessary repairs to certain parts and systems if they break down, depending on the level of coverage. Breakdown insurance protects you from having to pay large sums of money out of pocket to get your car back on the road. It may also include the cost of a rental car so you can still go to work and get around while your vehicle is in the shop.

What Vehicle Service Coverage Doesn't Include

Vehicle service coverage doesn't cover damage from accidents or routine maintenance. If your vehicle gets damaged in an accident, you'll work with your licensed auto insurance agent to get your repairs covered. The cost of regular maintenance expenses such as oil changes, coolant flushes, or new tires is considered out-of-pocket expenses.

Who needs vehicle service coverage?

If you have a newer car that no longer has a manufacturer's warranty, or if your manufacturer's warranty is about to expire, vehicle service coverage can help you pay for expensive repairs.

People living paycheck to paycheck may find that a vehicle service plan is a practical option. If a significant car repair would cause you a great deal of financial strain, you may find that vehicle service coverage provides the affordable coverage you need.

If you've considered purchasing an extended warranty on your car to help cover repair costs, you may find that third-party vehicle service coverage is a less expensive option with more coverage. For people who can't afford to miss work, vehicle service coverage with rental car coverage can be a lifeline.

Should you get vehicle service coverage?

If your budget is tight and you want to avoid financial strain, vehicle service coverage may be an essential safeguard against bank account draining repair bills. Before you purchase vehicle service coverage, read the fine print. Make sure you understand the coverage and the process for making a claim.

Facing unexpected car repair bills while living paycheck to paycheck can be stressful. With Ridesure, you have access to the coverage you need to help you navigate financial emergencies that may otherwise limit your ability to drive your car.

Today, learn more about how Ridesure can help protect your financial stability with mechanical breakdown coverage.