Why thousands of drivers are adding Mechanical Breakdown Coverage for peace of mind.
Auto insurance is required. It’s a non-negotiable part of owning a vehicle.
But that doesn’t mean it covers everything that can go wrong with your car.
In fact, most drivers find out too late that the coverage they thought they had… doesn’t help when the engine fails when you’re on your way to pick up the kids or the A/C goes out in July rush hour.
So, what’s actually covered by your auto insurance and what isn’t? And how can you protect yourself from the expensive repairs that your insurer won’t touch?
Let’s break it all down.
“Doesn’t My Auto Insurance Cover Repairs?”
The short answer? No.
Auto insurance is designed to cover:
- Accidents (collision coverage)
- Damage caused by events like storms or theft (comprehensive coverage)
- Liability if you injure someone or damage property
What it doesn’t cover is any kind of breakdown or mechanical failure, meaning if your transmission fails, your power steering gives out, or your radiator cracks, your insurer isn’t footing the bill. You are.
This is one of the most common and costly misunderstandings among drivers.
Common Repairs Auto Insurance Won’t Cover
Here are a few real-world examples of problems your insurance won’t help with, leaving you to cover a very expensive repair you didn’t plan for:
| Repair | Covered by Auto Insurance? |
|---|---|
| Engine failure | ❌ No |
| Transmission problems | ❌ No |
| Blown head gasket | ❌ No |
| A/C compressor failure | ❌ No |
| Suspension issues | ❌ No |
| Electrical system problems | ❌ No |
Can’t you just see the dollars adding up with each of these?
Auto insurance won’t even cover something like a dead starter motor or a failed fuel pump, because they aren’t the result of an accident.
This should be one of your biggest takeaways from this article: Insurance does not equal repair coverage.
“So, How Do I Protect Myself From High Repair Bills?”
Of course, you need car insurance, so don’t cancel your policy.
The one thing you need to add is Mechanical Breakdown Coverage. But not the kind that ties you to dealerships or has a maze of fine print.
Sprout Assure offers a better solution through its Auto Club Membership with built-in Mechanical Breakdown Coverage that protects you when your car’s most essential systems fail.
It’s not a warranty. It’s not insurance.
It’s protection for the real-world repairs that every driver faces.
Let’s look at what that means.
How Sprout Assure’s Mechanical Breakdown Coverage Fills the Gap
Here’s what Sprout Assure covers that auto insurance does not, and why it deserves a superhero cape:
- Engine, transmission, and drivetrain failures
- Air conditioning and heating system breakdowns
- Electrical and high-tech component malfunctions (essential for new cars)
- Steering and suspension repairs
- Brake system issues
- And more
All with transparent pricing and no surprises.
Plus:
- Use any licensed mechanic or repair shop, not just dealerships
- Choose from two plan options: no deductible or $100 deductible
- Enjoy bonus perks like $150 in towing reimbursement and $100 toward oil changes
The Bottom Line: Auto Insurance vs. Mechanical Breakdown Coverage
Let’s look at a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Auto Insurance | Sprout Assure |
|---|---|---|
| Accident coverage | ✅ | ❌ |
| Theft/damage from storms | ✅ | ❌ |
| Engine or transmission failure | ❌ | ✅ |
| Pays for broken A/C | ❌ | ✅ |
| Choice of mechanic or shop | ❌ (in-network only) | ✅ Any licensed shop |
| Covers wear & tear breakdowns | ❌ | ✅ |
| Deductible options | Typically $500–$1,000 | $0 or $100 |
Notice how what one lacks, the other covers. By combining your auto insurance with Mechanical Breakdown Coverage, you’re giving yourself full coverage and full peace of mind.
They serve two totally different purposes. For comprehensive protection, you need both.
Real-World Example
Let’s look at how this would work in the real world.
Say your transmission fails while you’re on the road.
You’ve never been in an accident, so you assume your car insurance will help.
But the repair shop delivers some bad news:
- Auto insurance won’t cover it.
- The repair will cost $3,800.
- Don’t forget to add the cost of a hotel and rental car if you’re away from home.
- Total cost? Somewhere just north of $4,000.
With Sprout Assure, on the other hand, your transmission repair could be:
- Covered 100%, if you’re on the no-deductible plan.
- Or just $100 out of pocket, if you choose the lower-cost deductible option.
- And if you need a tow? You’ll get up to $150 reimbursed.
- Total cost? Maybe a few hundred dollars for a rental car and hotel.
That’s real savings and absolute peace of mind.
Common Misconceptions We Hear (And the Truth)
Still not convinced you need Mechanical Breakdown Coverage? Take a look at some of the common misconceptions we hear from drivers… until it’s too late.
“I just got full coverage, I’m good.”
Not necessarily. “Full auto insurance coverage” typically refers to liability + collision + comprehensive. In other words, accidents and damage. Nowhere does it say anything about mechanical breakdowns.
“My car’s still pretty new (or brand new). I don’t need breakdown coverage yet.”
Even newer cars are vulnerable to high-tech system failures and unexpected repairs. Modern vehicles are complex and expensive to fix. You may even face a failure that is not covered by your manufacturer’s warranty, or need to replace parts considered part of normal wear, in which case, the invoice comes right to you. Mechanical Breakdown Coverage fills in the gaps your car’s warranty left behind.
“I don’t want to get stuck at a dealership.”
Here’s more good news: Sprout Assure lets you use any licensed repair shop or mechanic, even your trusted neighborhood shop (as long as it’s licensed). No dealership requirement. No games. No running all around town.
Sprout Assure’s Auto Club Membership makes full protection simple, flexible, and affordable.
Ready to Cover What Insurance Won’t?
If you drive, you will face a breakdown eventually.
The only question is whether you’ll be stuck paying thousands out of pocket or be protected with smart, transparent coverage that works wherever you go.
Join Sprout Assure’s Auto Club Membership Today
Because insurance shouldn’t stop where real-life problems begin.
