Does car insurance cover electrical problems?
Whether your car insurance will cover electrical issues depends on the cause of the issue and the type of car insurance coverage you have. If the electrical issues were caused by a covered accident, the repairs may be covered by the at-fault driver's insurance (or your insurance, if you have collision coverage). If the electrical issues were the result of normal wear and tear or age, they likely won't be covered. That said, some insurers now offer optional vehicle protection or mechanical breakdown insurance that can cover electrical problems.
Explore Progressive Answers' auto editorial guidelines to find out why you can trust the car insurance information you find here.
Which electrical problems does car insurance cover?
Car insurance may cover electrical problems caused by a covered incident. Here's how car insurance may cover different situations that result in an electrical problem:
- Electrical problems from an accident someone else caused: If the other driver was found at-fault in the accident, their insurance should cover the necessary electrical repairs.
- Electrical problems from an accident you caused: If you caused the accident that led to electrical problems with your car, you'll need optional auto collision coverage for the repairs to be covered.
- Electrical problems from an incident out of your control: If your car's electrical issues were caused by an incident like a flood or fire, you'll need optional comprehensive car coverage for the repairs to be covered.
- Electrical problems from wear and tear: These aren't covered by standard auto insurance. But if you've purchased a vehicle protection plan, car electrical problems from wear and tear may be covered.
Pro tip:
Did you purchase your car in the last few years? Before you repair an electrical issue that arose on its own, check your manufacturer's warranty. If the warranty includes the broken component, your dealer should provide a free fix covered by the car warranty.
What are the most common electrical issues with cars?
Here are some of the most common car electrical problems and what you can do about them:
Bad alternator
Kelley Blue Book (KBB) lists a bad alternator as one of the most common reasons a car won't start. Your alternator is responsible for sending electricity to your car's major components and recharging your car's battery. If you notice that your car's displays seem dimmer, it may be a bad alternator. Get it checked by a mechanic — if it's the alternator, you can change the alternator yourself or have the mechanic do it.
Dead battery on a gas-powered car
If your car battery dies, your car won't be able to start on its own. You may be able to jump it and drive it to have the battery tested and replaced. Find out the common signs of a bad battery vs. a bad alternator.
Dead 12-volt battery on an EV
An electrical vehicle typically has two batteries — a large one responsible for the car's major systems, and a smaller 12-volt battery responsible for minor systems and starting the car. If your EV's 12-volt battery dies, you can likely jump the car just like a standard car. Find the 12-volt battery in your EV, use a gas-powered car to jump it, and take the EV to have its batteries tested.
Bad spark plugs
A gas-powered car's spark plugs are an essential part of the ignition system. Firestone Complete Auto Care says that spark plugs may need to be replaced at around 80,000 miles, but this will vary by model. Have your spark plugs checked if:
- Your car's check engine light comes on
- Your car emits a burning smell
- Your car stalls when starting
- Your mileage and acceleration response decreases
- You notice irregular noises when your car is on but not being driven
Ways to protect your wallet in case of electrical issues
New and existing Progressive customers can consider adding the following coverages to help protect your wallet from different types of electrical issue:
- Roadside assistance: To avoid getting stranded when your car experiences an electrical issue, consider adding roadside assistance to your auto insurance policy. Roadside assistance typically covers towing to the nearest repair facility and jumping your car.
- Comprehensive and collision: Adding these optional coverages can help pay for repairs resulting from covered incident, minus your deductible, even for an accident that was your fault.
- Vehicle protection: Where available, Progressive Vehicle Protection can step in after your vehicle's warranty expires to pay for repairs to major components and more. To find out if you're eligible for this coverage, you can quote auto insurance with rental car coverage and roadside assistance with trip interruption.
And remember, if someone else causes an accident that results in electrical issues for your car, you can file a third-party claim for the repairs.
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