Does Car Insurance Cover Repairs?
Table of Contents
Yes, car insurance can cover repairs, but it depends on the type of cover you have, what caused the damage, and whether you’re at fault. Generally, fully comprehensive insurance offers the broadest repair protection, while third party policies provide minimal or no repair cover for your own vehicle.
Key points
When Does Car Insurance Cover Repairs?
Your insurer may pay for repairs in the following situations:
- Accidents where you’re at fault (if you have comprehensive cover)
- Accidents caused by another driver
- Damage from fire, theft, or vandalism
- Windscreen or glass damage (often with a lower excess)
- Natural events like floods, falling trees, or storms (comprehensive only)
Types of Repairs Covered by Insurance
The type of car insurance you choose will determine whether repairs to your vehicle are covered:
-
Comprehensive cover – This is the most complete option, covering repairs to both your car and other vehicles, even if you’re at fault for the accident.
-
Third Party, Fire & Theft – Accident damage to your own car isn’t covered, but you’ll be covered if your vehicle is damaged by fire or stolen.
-
Third Party Only – No cover for repairs to your own vehicle. This level of insurance only covers damage to other people’s vehicles or property.
Do I Have to Use My Insurer’s Repairer?
Not always. Many insurers prefer you to use their approved repair network, which may come with perks such as guaranteed repairs, courtesy cars or no extra paperwork.
Sometimes you can choose your own garage, just check if it affects your claim or payout.
What About Minor Repairs?
For things like scratches, scuffs, or small dents, it might not be worth claiming:
- You’ll need to pay your excess (which may exceed the repair cost)
- It could impact your no claims bonus
- You may face higher premiums at renewal
Instead, some people use SMART repairs (Small to Medium Area Repair Techniques) or pay out-of-pocket if the damage is minor.
Will insurance cover repairs if the accident was my fault?
Yes, but only if you have comprehensive cover. Third party policies won’t cover your own car.
Does insurance cover mechanical breakdowns?
No. Standard insurance doesn’t cover wear and tear or mechanical issues; those are typically covered under a warranty or separate breakdown cover.
What if the repairs cost more than the car is worth?
The car may be declared a write-off. You’d receive a payout for the market value, minus any excess.
Can I get repairs done before telling my insurer?
It’s best to inform them first. Going ahead without approval could invalidate your claim.
In Summary
- Insurance may cover repairs, but only under certain policy types
- Fully comprehensive cover includes your car, even if you’re at fault
- Third party-only policies don’t cover your repair costs
- You may be able to choose your own repairer, but check the terms
- For small fixes, consider paying out-of-pocket to protect your premium
Compare Car Insurance Quotes
Don’t have your registration number? No problem, click here.
Our recommended guides
max_posts: 4
posts_per_page in Query: 4
Posts found (paged query): 47
Posts found (all): 47
WP_Query args:
Array ( [post_type] => guide [posts_per_page] => 4 [post_status] => publish [tax_query] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [taxonomy] => guide_category [field] => term_id [terms] => Array ( [0] => 3481 ) [operator] => IN ) ) )
