What is Mechanical Breakdown Insurance?
Mechanical breakdown or car repair insurance is a way of adding an extra layer of protection to your auto insurance policy. Similar to a car warranty, this type of insurance covers costs from repairs if your vehicle breaks down, needs replacement parts, or suffers other types of mechanical problems. Having a mechanical breakdown insurance policy could mean you pay less out-of-pocket for unexpected car repairs.
Mechanical Breakdown Insurance from GEICO also means you get the great service and insurance specialist that you already know and trust, on top of affordable coverage. These extra benefits could make mechanical breakdown insurance an extension of your car warranty.
How does Mechanical Breakdown Insurance work?
In general, mechanical breakdown or car repair insurance is available for new or leased cars that meet specific criteria:
- Age and Mileage: The vehicle must be less than 15 months old and have fewer than 15,000 miles (in some states, the vehicle must be less than 36 months old and have fewer than 36,000 miles).
- Ownership: You must be the first owner of the vehicle (Not applicable in all states).
Once you've purchased MBI, you can renew it for up to seven years (some states up to ten years) or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first). After a $250 deductible on a covered loss, car repairs to most original mechanical parts of the car (except for maintenance and wear and tear*) are covered. Please note that MBI only covers repairs that are not covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Interested? Call us at (800) 861-8380 to learn more.
What does mechanical breakdown insurance cover?
Mechanical breakdown insurance offers coverage for breakdown-related auto repairs when your manufacturer's warranty expires or fails to cover mechanical failures. After paying your deductible, the mechanical breakdown insurance will directly cover the remaining cost of your covered repairs with your service provider. This insurance is available for various vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs.
What is not covered under mechanical breakdown insurance?
Mechanical breakdown insurance generally doesn’t provide coverage for the following:
- Routine maintenance expenses, such as oil changes, tire rotations, or brake pad replacements.
- Wear and tear on parts, including belts, hoses, and brakes.
- Towing or damage from accidents, collisions, or environmental factors.
You can add Emergency Roadside Service to your GEICO policy for additional peace of mind.
Is Mechanical Breakdown Insurance Worth It?
Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) can be a smart investment—especially if you’re looking for added peace of mind beyond your standard auto insurance policy. While traditional car insurance helps cover damage from accidents, theft, and weather-related events, it won’t pay for repairs due to mechanical failure. That’s where MBI comes in.
If your vehicle is newer and in good condition, MBI can help protect you from unexpected repair costs on major systems like your engine, transmission, air conditioning, and more. Repairs for these parts can be costly, and having coverage means you could avoid paying entirely out of pocket if something breaks down after your manufacturer’s warranty expires.
MBI is generally more affordable than extended warranties offered by dealerships and offers broader coverage. Plus, it comes with the flexibility of canceling at any time and the confidence of working with GEICO’s trusted claims process.
Mechanical Breakdown Insurance VS. Extended Warranty: It's No Contest
Why not just get an extended warranty, you wonder? You could—if you want to pay more for less protection. GEICO's Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) provides better coverage, then the typical dealer extended warrenty, at an affordable price. GEICO's MBI coverage:
- Includes most parts and systems, not just the reduced list of items covered by most dealer warranties.
- Saves you money, charging only a small premium per each policy period, instead of a large lump-sum payment up front.
- Lets you get your car repaired wherever you like.
Mechanical breakdown insurance often covers more than a vehicle’s extended warranty. An extended warranty typically only covers repairs that occur when there are defective materials or improper manufacturing, while this coverage includes mechanical issues more broadly. Additionally – extended warranties only last for so long. With GEICO’s Mechanical Breakdown Insurance, you can maintain coverage for 7 years or 100K miles. Extended warranties also have a high up-front cost, while MBI allows for you to pay as you go.
Get Your Mechanical Breakdown Insurance Quote
Ready to protect your vehicle from costly, unexpected repairs? We're here to help. Contact us for a personalized MBI quote through our app or online. You can also chat with a GEICO specialist for immediate help and learn how MBI can provide the peace of mind you deserve.