Does Car Insurance Cover Repairs?

In short, yes — but it’s not quite as simple as that.

Whether or not your insurer will cover the cost of your car repair depends on a few factors, such as the type of car insurance policy you have and your policy’s specific coverage. The decision is also influenced by what needs repairing and the circumstances of how and why the car came to be damaged. 

Let’s explore all of these factors in this article.

In This Guide:

• Types of car insurance policies
• What car insurance policies do and don’t cover
• How much will your car insurance provider contribute towards repairs?
• Key takeaways
• FAQs

Types of car insurance policies

When you’re choosing a provider, it’s important to evaluate what types of damages and repairs they cover. There are three types of car insurance policies to choose from — third-party insurance, third-party, fire and theft insurance, and comprehensive insurance — each offering different levels of coverage. 

Third-party insurance cover

If you want to drive a car in the UK, third-party insurance is the minimum legal requirement needed. It offers basic insurance coverage which covers the costs of damage you cause to a third-party vehicle, property, or person in the event of an incident. 

Third-party insurance doesn’t cover the costs of repairs to your own vehicle if the accident was your fault. And if the accident wasn’t your fault, you’ll have to seek compensation from the other driver’s insurance policy cover, as you’re not covered there either.

Third-party, fire and theft (TPFT) insurance cover

This type of car insurance offers the same basic coverage as third-party insurance, except here you’re covered if your vehicle is damaged due to fire or theft. 

Note that if your car needs to be repaired due to an accident, you’re still not covered under third party, fire and theft. You’re also not covered for any personal injury sustained. 

Comprehensive insurance cover

A comprehensive car insurance policy gives you the highest level of coverage available. It covers everything included in third-party and TPFT insurance. And, it pays out if you damage your own car or somebody else’s car — regardless of who was at fault. 

Comprehensive insurance covers everything from accidental damage (such as minor paint scratches or scuffs) to serious crashes, total car write-offs, and personal injury.

What car insurance policies do and don’t cover

So, if you want to be covered for car repairs the best option is to get comprehensive car insurance. But even comprehensive policies don’t pay out for every kind of repair. Let’s take a look at what car insurance policies typically do and don’t cover.

Common car insurance repair inclusions

With a comprehensive insurance policy, you’re generally covered for all of the following:

• An accident that was your fault: If you’re responsible for an accident that results in damage to your own vehicle or another vehicle, comprehensive insurance will cover the cost of your repairs.
• An accident that wasn’t your fault: If your car has sustained damage in an incident that wasn’t your fault (e.g., another vehicle crashed into your parked car), your car insurance policy will cover the cost of repairs.

Comprehensive insurance coverage also protects you against:

• Theft
• Fire (accidental or arson)
• Vandalism (including riots and protests)
• Natural disasters
• Damage caused by animals
• Damage caused by collision

Common car insurance repair exclusions

Even with comprehensive cover, there are some exclusions to watch out for. They include:

• Everyday wear and tear: Comprehensive insurance typically won’t cover general damage caused through everyday use, such as stone chips on your windows or worn clutches. You also won’t be covered for parts failing due to age, although your manufacturer’s warranty may be able to cover these costs. 
• Car modifications: If you modify or customise your car without your insurer’s approval, they might choose to refuse your repair insurance claims.
• Mechanical failure: Unless your mechanical failure was the direct result of an insurable incident, you won’t be covered. However, you can purchase mechanical breakdown insurance as an add-on, which can cover costs for repairs done at the scene as well as garage repairs depending on your specific policy.

Key takeaways

To be covered for car repairs due to both accidental and non-accidental damage, you need comprehensive cover, rather than third-party or TPFT insurance. That said, even comprehensive policies don’t typically cover general wear and tear or mechanical failures. So, you’ll need to cover these costs yourself or purchase insurance add-ons to get maximum coverage.

Plus, there are additional factors to be aware of, such as your car’s age, its condition, and your excess. Always compare car insurance policies to fully understand what type of policy you need and exactly what you’re covered for. 

FAQs

Does car insurance cover non-accident repairs?

Yes. Both comprehensive insurance and third-party, fire and theft insurance cover non-accidental damage due to theft, vandalism, arson, and riots.

Does insurance cover minor repairs?

Depending on the type of insurance you have, you can make a claim for minor repairs, such as dents and scratches, that aren’t caused by everyday wear and tear. However, it’s often not worth making a claim if the cost of your repair is smaller, equal to, or even slightly higher than your excess. Not only will you have to pay the excess, but you’re at risk of losing your no-claims discount.

When is car insurance not valid for repairs?

Your car insurance might be deemed invalid for repairs if the damage occurred while you were driving without a license or under the influence — regardless of who or what was at fault. It may also be deemed invalid if you haven’t properly maintained your car, were using the vehicle for unauthorised or illegal purposes, or the damage occurred when an unnamed driver was behind the wheel.