Does Car Insurance Cover Electrical Problems? What Policies Pay for Vehicle Electrical Repairs

Modern vehicles contain complex electrical systems that can malfunction and fail over time. From minor issues like dashboard light outages to catastrophic engine computer failures, electrical problems can leave you stranded or facing steep repair bills.

So does car insurance pay for electrical repairs? Policies like comprehensive and collision coverage will cover damage from electrical faults in many cases. But liability-only insurance excludes electrical repairs. Understanding what your auto policy does and doesn’t include for electrical problems is key.

Below we’ll explore common electrical issues, repair costs, applicable coverages, and tips for getting claims approved.

Common Vehicle Electrical Problems

Some of the most frequent electrical issues that can occur in vehicles include:

• Alternator failure – Prevents proper battery charging

• Faulty wiring – Can cause short circuits and electrical fires

• Bad sensors – Leads to improper readings and component failures

• Blown fuses – Disables affected electrical circuits

• Power window or seat failures – Results from motor or regulator issues

• Dashboard gauge malfunctions – Indicates problems with sensors or connections

• Radio/stereo sound issues – Caused by wiring shorts or component failures

• Engine sputtering/stalling – Signifies an ignition or fuel system electrical issue

• Battery corrosion – Degrades battery function and electrical connections

• Lighting failures – Blown bulbs or malfunctioning ballasts/relays

Electrical gremlins like these typically stem from everyday wear and tear, faulty components, weather damage, or collision impacts. Problems range from nuisance issues to critical failures preventing vehicles from starting or operating safely.

What Repairing Electrical Problems Cost

Mending minor electrical glitches like broken interior lights may only run $50-$150. But major issues often cost $500 or more:

• Alternator replacement – $400-$700
• Replacing sensors – $150-$400+
• Fixing shorted wiring – $200-$600+
• New car computer/ECU – $500-$2,000+
• Power window/seat repairs – $200-$400+

Labor makes up a large portion of electrical repair bills. Diagnosing intermittent electrical faults takes time and meticulous troubleshooting. Once identified, electrical components and connections involved must be repaired or replaced.

Ignoring minor electrical issues risks more severe failures. But comprehensive electrical repairs add up fast. Having applicable car insurance helps soften the financial blow.

Does Car Insurance Cover Electrical Failure Damage?

Certain auto insurance policies will pay for repairs necessitated by electrical malfunctions, while other basic policies exclude electrical repairs entirely.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage reimburses you for damage to your vehicle from non-collision incidents, including:

• Rodents chewing electrical wires
• Downed tree branches hitting electrical components
• Vandalism to electrical parts
• Electrical short circuits starting fires

If the electrical damage stems from such covered events, comprehensive insurance will pay for repairs minus your deductible.

Collision Coverage

Collision insurance covers repairing your vehicle when it’s damaged in an accident. If crash impact damages electrical components like computers, wiring, or sensors, collision coverage will reimburse you for required electrical repairs after the deductible.

Liability Coverage

If an electrical failure causes you to crash into someone else’s vehicle or property, liability coverage pays for the other party’s damages. But it does not pay for repairs to your own vehicle’s electrical components.

Mechanical/Electrical Breakdown Coverage

Some insurers offer optional endorsements that cover repairs due to mechanical or electrical breakdowns from wear and tear. If purchased, they’ll pay for certain electrical repairs beyond manufacturer warranties.

Manufacturer Warranties

New vehicle warranties often include powertrain electrical components for several years. Check your warranty terms as electrical repairs may be covered during the warranty period.

No Coverage for Wear and Tear

Liability-only policies and basic insurance exclude electrical repairs required due to aging parts, lack of maintenance, or gradual electrical failures. Only the coverages above reimburse for electrical repair costs.

Tips for Getting Electrical Claims Approved

To have the best shot at getting your electrical repair bills covered:

• Review policy terms to ensure applicable coverage for electrical components.

• Take detailed accident photos documenting electrical damage for collision claims.

• Get repair estimates isolating costs just for electrical parts and labor.

• Highlight external factors like weather damage in comprehensive claims.

• Note circumstances leading to failures for optional mechanical breakdown addons.

• Save all repair invoices showing electrical repairs performed and parts replaced.

• Be prepared to show maintenance records proving you properly cared for the vehicle.

• Provide documentation from mechanics detailing the specific electrical issue.

• Don’t make advanced repairs before speaking with insurance representatives.

With the right preparations and documentation, you can bolster your case for insurance reimbursement. But without comprehensive or collision coverage, general auto policies exclude paying for electrical problems due to wear and tear.

Key Takeaways

While auto insurance doesn’t offer open-ended coverage for any electrical problem, several policies will cover repairs caused by or resulting from external incidents:

• Comprehensive insurance pays for electrical damage from weather, fire, vandalism, etc.

• Collision covers electrical components damaged in an accident.

• Manufacturer warranties often include some powertrain electrical parts.

• Optional endorsements cover breakdowns from wear after warranties expire.

• Liability-only insurance excludes electrical repairs to your own vehicle.

Understanding exactly what your car insurance does and does not include for electrical repairs ensures you choose adequate coverage. Paying out of pocket for electrical issues can quickly become expensive – so make sure you’re protected with the right policy.