What Is Engine Protection Cover In Car Insurance?

Car Insurance is an indispensable aspect of owning a car. When buying a robust car insurance policy, some of the major factors people look for are related to coverage for accidents, theft and third-party liabilities. However, one of the most essential coverage one should look for is engine protector cover. A car’s engine is like it’s heart. There is no car without a well-functioning engine. Engine protection cover in car insurance provides the necessary financial assistance to policyholders in the event of any engine-related issues, thus saving you a significant amount of money. This article explores what engine protection coverage offers, why it matters and why it should be an important part of your car insurance policy.

Importance of Engine Protection in Car Insurance

Out of all the spare parts of a vehicle, the engine is the most important as no vehicle can function without one. Traditionally, car insurance policies offering a comprehensive cover helps a policyholder manage the finances in the occassion of any damage to the car or the driver’s life in case of an accident or theft. When you include an engine protection cover, it helps in tackling issues like water ingress or oil leakage, which can typically damage engines. This cover ensures that such expenses are taken care of, thus rendering it as one of the most important covers in car insurance policies. Many car insurance companies offer engine protector cover separately. As a prospective policyholder, it is your responsibility to understand the benefits of including this cover as part of your car insurance policy.

What Is Included In An Engine Protection Cover?

1. Damage Due To Water Seepage/Ingress: If you live in a flood-prone area, having an engine protection cover is a must. In the event of a flood, there are high chances of water logging in low-lying areas which spikes the risk of water ingress in your car’s engine. An engine protection cover for such issues includes bearing the expenses of repairing or replacing the engine.

2. Lubricant Leakage: A lubricant helps the different parts of a car engine to function in harmony, without causing any electrical or mechanical damage. If this lubricating oil leaks into any parts of a car’s engine, an engine protection cover helps cover the expenses of repairing it fully. 

3. Gearbox Damage: A gearbox is another very important part of the car. Damage to the gearbox due to mechanical failure or other issues can also be covered under this add-on.

Exclusions

1. Regular Wear and Tear: Normal wear and tear on engine components due to daily use or gradual loss of function due to the car’s age over time are generally not covered.

2. Damage Due to Negligence: Any damage resulting from improper maintenance or neglect by the owner will not be compensated. Hence, remember that having an engine protection cover does not mean that you can skip on your regular maintenance and servicing schedules.

Benefits of Engine Protection Cover

Opting for an engine protection cover offers several advantages that enhance the overall value of a car insurance policy:

1. Complete Engine Coverage: This add-on provides comprehensive coverage for various types of engine damage that are typically excluded from standard policies.

2. Cost Savings: Repairing or replacing an engine can be extremely costly, especially in luxury vehicles. Engine protection cover helps mitigate these expenses.

3. Peace of Mind: Knowing that your vehicle's engine is protected allows you to drive without worrying about unexpected repair costs.

4. Longer Engine Life: Quick repairs facilitated by this coverage can help maintain the overall health and longevity of your vehicle's engine.

5. Better Resale Value: A well-maintained engine contributes positively to the resale value of your vehicle, making it more attractive to potential buyers.

Who Should Consider Engine Protection Cover?

Although there is no specific eligibility criteria for those who wish to purchase an engine protection cover, not everyone has to buy it as it involves additional costs in the form of premiums. The following group of people must compulsorily buy an engine protection cover.

• Owners in Flood-Prone Areas

• Luxury Car Owners

• Frequent Travelers

How to Purchase Engine Protection Cover?

You may approach your car insurance provider to buy an engine protection cover or visit your insurance provider’s website to understand the particulars of their engine protection cover add on. Generally this feature is not included in the comprehensive car insurance plans provided by insurers. Hence, one must consider factors such as the premium cost, coverage and insurance benefits before selecting the right engine protection cover. Nowadays, insurance companies provide information on add-on covers on their websites and allow prospective policy buyers to purchase one online.

Factors To Consider Before Buying An Engine Protection Cover

Although it is a non-negotiable factor, it is normal for prospective buyers to have their fair share of doubts before including an engine protection cover in car insurance. Many car insurance companies explain this only if they are asked about it. If you are planning to include the engine protection cover, here are a few things to consider.

Where You Reside

If you live in a low-lying area prone to flooding, then you must include an engine protection cover in your insurance. Doing so will spare you the additional cost of getting the car engine repaired in the unfortunate event of a flood.

What Type Of Vehicle You Own

If your vehicle has very little ground clearance as Sedans and some hatchbacks do, an engine protection cover is a must. If you own a luxury car, you must also remember that their engine repair costs can poke a hole in your pocket. This is another factor to consider when buying an engine protection cover.

Compare Claim Limits Of Different Car Insurance Companies

Car insurance policies come with a limit on how much can be claimed as part of the expenses. Browse through the car insurance policies of different vendors, and weigh in their claim limits for different covers before making any decision.

Compare The Cost Vs. Benefits

While buying a car insurance policy, one must study how the insurance premium rates of different covers compare with their benefits. Unless it is a necessity, do not include too many covers within your car insurance policy. Different insurance companies offer different premium rates for different covers, study them carefully and make an informed decision.

Claim Process for Engine Protection Cover

Steps to File a Claim:

1. The very first and the most important action is to document the damage thoroughly. Ensure that you own older pictures of the well-functioning engine and take as many pictures of the damage in a way that minute damages are visible in the photograph.

2. After you have documented everything, inform your insurance company through their customer care number or get in touch with your insurance agent who facilitated the insurance add on purchase process.

3. While talking to your insurers, include every single detail, so it is recorded for future use by the insurance company. This is where pictures come in handy.

4. File a claim. Before you do so, ensure that you have solid proofs of the incident and the necessary documents. Here are the documents that all insurance owners must have at the time of submitting claims.

5. Once you have filed a claim, the insurance company will send a surveyor representing the company to assess the extent of damages and the impending costs for repair. 

6. Upon verifying the claim and getting an approval from the surveyor, the insurance company proceeds with your claim processing.

Documentation Required:

The documents you typically need to submit include:

• Claim form

• Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)

• Driving License

• Policy Copy

• Repair bills and payment receipts (for reimbursement)

• Photographs of the damaged parts of the engine

Comparison with Other Add-On Covers

Conclusion

In conclusion, while standard car insurance provides essential coverage for accidents and theft, it often falls short of protecting one of the most critical components—the engine. By adding an engine protection cover to your policy, you can ensure comprehensive financial support against unexpected damages, ultimately safeguarding your investment in your vehicle.