BIBA
GeoTrust
container image

Need Help? Calling from a mobile please call 0151 647 7556

0800 195 4926

Do you have a question? or need help?

Customer Service Lines Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm ,

0800 195 4926

Customer Service Lines Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm

Closed Saturday & Sunday & Bank Holidays

Does GAP Insurance Cover Mechanical Breakdown?

 

One of the key benefits of operating one of the best-known, and longest-established independent GAP Insurance brands in the UK is that we will have been asked many questions on the subject. At GAPInsurance123 it is rare that we are asked a query we have not heard before.

 

Many of the natural questions that consumers ask surround what GAP Insurance will and will not cover in a claim.

 

A common question that is asked is: Does GAP insurance cover mechanical breakdown?

 

This could be where an engine or gearbox breaks, leaving you with a substantial expense to fix it. The cost could even be more than the value of the car.    Does GAP Insurance cover mechanical failure?

 

Faced with such a financial issue, can you ask your GAP Insurance provider to foot the bill?

 

The simple answer is a firm 'no' and we will explain why.

 

What GAP Insurance Covers

 

GAP insurance can be used to cover a financial loss under these circumstances:

  • You have fully comprehensive motor insurance

  • You are involved in an accident, fire, flood or theft.

  • Your motor insurer writes off the vehicle as a total loss, and pays you the market value at that time as a settlement.

  • You have suffered a financial loss

 

Unless you can tick the box on each of these requirements you cannot make an insurance claim on your GAP policy.

 

What GAP Insurance Does Not Cover

 

Like any form of insurance coverage, GAP protection has a number of exclusions.

 

The key ones revolve around not meeting the criteria set out above. Others include certain vehicle uses (taxi, courier and driving school use can be hard to find), certain manufacturers and models (high value and exotic sportscars, for example) and vehicles that have already been subject to a total loss.

 

We have compiled a guide to GAP Insurance exclusions that will give you a full, in-depth run down.

 

But to be clear to answer the title of this article, included in the GAP Insurance exclusions you may expect to see is cover for mechanical breakdown, engine failure or a broken gearbox.

 

Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) to cover the cost of mechanical failure to your vehicle

 

When your vehicle is new then you should be provided with a manufacturers warranty for a set period of time. To get cover from this warranty you would need to use and service the vehicle in line with the manufacturers advice.

 

When you get to the end of the manufacturers warranty you may be able to extend your protection with a an extended warranty or a mechanical breakdown insurance policy.

 

MBI can cover the costs of mechanical failure to the vehicle. Most MBI products cover sudden breakdown and failure but not normal wear and tear. Some more expensive MBI products can cover wear and tear, so it is important to check the policy terms.

 

The Confusion Between GAP Insurance and Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI)

 

GAP Insurance and Mechanical Breakdown Insurance can be mistaken for each other because they can both cover expensive claims. However, there are clear differences even when the size of the insurance claim could be similar.

 

GAP Insurance can cover a financial shortfall if the vehicle is written off or stolen

 

So if the vehicle was first purchased at £20,000 and then written off two years later then GAP Insurance pays to top up the motor insurers settlement back to the £20,000 first paid.

 

Mechanical Breakdown Insurance can cover the cost of repairing a mechanical failure suffered by the vehicle.

 

Should you suffer sudden engine failure (a blown engine, seized engine etc), a broken transmission or further mechanical issues that will cost you significantly to fix.

 

Can GAP Insurance cover engine failure?Where you can buy GAP Insurance and Mechanical breakdown insurance

 

Buying a GAP Insurance policy or a MBI product can be quite similar. The motor dealer you bought the vehicle from may be able to provide you with an extended warranty or MBI policy. You can also look to online providers for MBI products too.

 

If you are looking to buy insurance to cover engine failure and mechanical problems then doing your homework can ensure you have the right cover at the right value.

 

Having to replace a car's engine or gearbox can be very expensive. However, it is not something you can claim on a GAP policy.

 

The Importance of Comprehensive Coverage

 

If you are concerned about how to insure your car correctly then you need to decide what you are looking to protect.

 

Fully comprehensive car insurance can protect you for day to day incidents you may suffer when driving your car. These can include:

  • damage caused by accident/collision

  • theft

  • fire

  • flood

  • an incident with an uninsured motorist

 

GAP Insurance can cover the financial shortfall, due to depreciation, following a write-off declaration by your car insurance following:

  • accident

  • theft

  • fire

  • flood

 

Mechanical Breakdown Insurance and car warranties can cover the cost of repairs following sudden mechanical failure like:

  • a blown engine

  • a seized engine

  • mechanical breakdowns

  • gearbox problems

 

Find the right product you need and buy it from the right insurance company. Doing your homework to know what you are covered for is the key.

 

Published 5/7/23, written by Mark Griffiths