Summary:TL;DR:
Engine protection cover typically does not cover damage caused by traffic-related wear and tear. This add-on has been designed to specifically offer protection against hydrostatic lock, water ingress or lubricant leakage after the insured event. Damages caused by frequent driving or ageing engine components are excluded.
Introduction
Engine repairs can be very expensive, and your standard car insurance will not cover them. For this reason, many car owners consider getting an engine protection cover. This add-on to your comprehensive car insurance helps cover damages not typically covered by a standard policy.
Even under engine protection add-on cover, not all engine damage qualifies for coverage. This article explores whether an engine protection add-on will cover damage due to traffic-related wear and tear. It also explains how the cover offers financial protection.
Does Engine Protection Cover Traffic-related Wear and Tear?
No, the engine protection cover typically does not cover damage caused by traffic-related wear and tear. This add-on generally applies only to specific engine damage scenarios, such as hydrostatic lock and water ingress. It also covers damages caused by lubricant leakage only if they occur after an insured event.
Regular driving, prolonged idling, and frequent traffic congestion can cause damage and are considered regular wear and tear. Such damages are usually excluded from standardcar insurancepolicies and from engine protection add-ons.
What Type of Damages Are Usually Covered Under Engine Protection Cover?>
Here are all the types of damage that thecar insurance company will consider in an engine protection add-on:
1. Gearbox and Transmission Repairs
Coverage is offered for transmission, gearbox or differential assembly. If the damage is due to water entry or lubricant leakage, the add-on will cover the cost of repairs and replacements.
2. Lubricating Oils Replacement
Replacing your engine oil and gearbox oil is crucial for improving your car's performance. The engine protection cover not only helps cover the cost of physical engine parts, but also helps cover the cost of replacing engine oil and gearbox oil.
3. Internal Engine Parts
Engine protect in car insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing damaged internal engine parts. Oil leakage or water ingress can easily damage your engine's internal components, leading to failure. Replacing these parts can be expensive, and such damage is not covered by a standard insurance policy. Therefore, some vehicle owners opt for an engine protection add-on.
Read More:What Your Motor Insurance Covers
4. Water Ingress Damage
If your engine has been damaged by water seeping in through the floor or during heavy rain, the engine protection add-on may cover the repairs, depending on policy terms and conditions. Car owners in flood-prone areas sometimes consider this add-on as water ingress can cause serious damage.
Read More:How Engine Protection Cover Saves You From Costly Repairs During Monsoons
5. Support During Hydrostatic Lock
Driving through waterlogged areas can often cause engines to suffer from hydrostatic lock. Don't panic in such situations, as the engine protection add-on may cover expenses based on policy terms and conditions. The add-on will cover the required repair work, including labour and parts.
6. Lubricating Oil Leakage
Gearbox and engine oil leaks can lead to significant internal damage. The engine protection add-on will cover the repair costs, depending on policy terms and conditions. This ensures the car returns to proper working order without any additional costs.
7. Consumables Used in Repairs
The regular car insurance will not cover the cost of consumables used in repairs. However, the add-on extends coverage to consumables such as engine oil and filters, which may be required when replacing or repairing damaged parts. Nonetheless, the fuel costs are not included in the coverage.
8. High-end Engine Components
Modern cars have very sensitive engine systems. Damage to these premium components can lead to significant expenses. With the engine protection cover, you are protected against threats such as water damage or fluid leakage.
Read More:Understanding Engine Failure Coverage in Your Car Insurance.
What Type of Damages Are Excluded by Engine Protection Cover?
You should be mindful of the car insurance policy, especially regarding the engine protection add-on exclusions. If you get this add-on cover, knowing the exclusions helps to avoid unwanted high costs.
The key damages excluded by the engine protection add-on cover are as follows:
- Depreciation, ageing, and regular wear and tear.
- Damage or corrosion of the engine due to the delay in notifying.
- Lack of proof about water ingress damage to the engine caused by waterlogging.
- Cost of consumables and engine oil due to engine flushing.
- If the engine damage falls under the car's manufacturer warranty, scheduled maintenance, or a recall campaign.
- In case water recedes, the vehicle must be towed within 2 days. Any delay can result in a claim rejection.
- Damage caused by the use of wrong or contaminated fluids.
- Damage due to poor maintenance.
- Preventable damage.
- No visible evidence of damage.
When Should Car Owners Consider Buying Engine Protection Cover?
You should consider getting engine protection cover under the following scenarios:
1. Drive or Park in Areas Prone to Waterlogging
If you park or drive frequently in areas where water accumulation is common, water ingress can cause serious internal engine damage. In such situations, the engine protection add-on may cover the cost of repairs depending on policy terms and conditions.
Read More:How Engine Protection Cover Saves You From Costly Repairs During Monsoons
2. Own a High-value Vehicle
Repairing or replacing your engine components for your new or luxury vehicle will be costly. With extra protection, you can get potential repair expenses if required.
3. Have a Complex Engine System
If your vehicle has a complex engine system, get engine protection cover with yourcar insurance policy. Modern engines are made of advanced electronics and components. The cost of repairing these internal damages can be really high. That's where your engine protection add-on helps.
4. Use Your Vehicle Regularly
If you use your car daily for heavy travel, make sure to get engine protection cover in your car insurance. This will help if any engine-related incidents happen.
What happens if the engine gets damaged after hitting a pothole and oil starts leaking?
If the pothole impact causes sudden lubricant leakage, the engine protection add-on cover will help cover repairs to internal engine parts. The claim acceptance by the car insurance company, however, will depend on whether the damage is covered under the policy terms.
What happens if the car stalls due to engine seizure?
If the engine seizure is caused by internal damage or lubricant leakage as per the insured event, the add-on will offer coverage. However, if the damage is caused by mechanical failure or regular wear and tear, coverage will not be provided.
Expert Note
This information is based on standard motor insurance guidelines issued by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and commonly followed industry practices. Policy coverage and conditions may vary by insurer.
FAQs
The engine protection add-on will cover only overheating damage caused by an insured event, such as lubricant leakage. However, overheating caused by regular use will not be covered.
The engine protection cover may be useful if you live in a city with frequent waterlogging. In such areas, engine damage from water ingress is relatively common.
Yes, poor maintenance can lead to a rejection of an engine protection add-on claim. If the damage has happened due to low engine oil or delayed servicing, the insurer will reject the claim.
Usually, getting the engine protection add-on has been restricted to cars up to five years old. However, eligibility rules can vary by insurer.
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