Road trips are unique experiences. Whether you’re exploring with no exact destination in mind or are heading to a specific location, it’s a chance to take in new sights or see familiar ones again. Millions of people set out on weekend getaways and cross-country adventures each year. But as any experienced motorist knows, unexpected car troubles can arise at any time.
This doesn’t mean you have to worry about a breakdown with every passing mile. Instead, savvy travelers hit the highway by being prepared with mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI). It’s an ideal solution after the factory warranty expires, providing peace of mind against surprise repair bills. Keep reading to learn how MBI can prepare you for popular travel seasons like summer vacation and holiday time.
Understanding Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
Before diving into the details of mechanical breakdown insurance for road trips, it’s important to understand what MBI coverage involves.
Mechanical breakdown insurance is an auto protection plan that covers the cost of repairs when the original factory warranty no longer safeguards your car. Unlike traditional auto insurance, which primarily covers damage from accidents or other losses, MBI focuses on mechanical issues arising from defective components or workmanship.
In California, MBI has some unique aspects compared to other states. While extended warranties and vehicle service contracts are common elsewhere, California law requires that this type of coverage be offered as an insurance product when sold outside of a car dealership. As a result, MBI policies sold in the Golden State are regulated by the California Department of Insurance (CDI). This means that MBI providers, like Endurance Warranty Services, have to submit rates for state approval, meet strict financial requirements, and follow numerous consumer protection standards.
Mechanical breakdown insurance covers major vehicle systems, such as the powertrain (engine, transmission, and drive axle). Endurance’s standard MBI plan also protects the air conditioning, steering, brakes, core electrical system, suspension, and turbochargers. There’s also an option to add safeguards for the fuel and cooling systems and advanced electronics. Car owners looking for complete protection can opt for the Elite Plus plan, which offers exclusionary coverage similar to a new car bumper-to-bumper warranty.
Importantly, MBI doesn’t cover routine maintenance, like oil changes or tire rotations. Likewise, mechanical breakdown insurance isn’t traditional auto insurance — you’ll need a separate policy from a car insurance company.
Peace of Mind on the Open Road
Mechanical breakdown insurance is really about providing peace of mind during road trips and other long-distance journeys. Whether you’re one hundred miles from home or a thousand, the last thing you want to worry about is costly car repairs. MBI coverage lets you explore the highways and byways with confidence. You’re protected if something goes wrong with your car.
Consider this scenario: you’re far from home and enjoying a Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) adventure. While taking in the breathtaking California coastline, a strange noise bursts from the engine compartment. Your immediate thoughts go to disrupted plans and wondering if that’s a $100 or $1,000 repair or something worse. While MBI can’t immediately restore your travel plans, it can take the stress out of repair bills. Covered repairs are just that: covered. You’re only responsible for any deductible.
Another significant advantage of MBI is its flexibility. Unlike some protection plans, which require you to use specific repair shops or dealerships, Endurance MBI allows you to choose any licensed repair facility. This freedom can be particularly helpful during long road trips when you might need repairs in an unfamiliar area.
This sense of security is invaluable for families traveling with children or solo drivers who might feel more vulnerable on long trips. Rather than worrying about breakdowns, you can concentrate on planning inviting stops along your route or engaging in car karaoke with your travel companions.
Financial Protection Against Unexpected Repairs
Two inescapable facts about vehicle ownership today are that cars are getting older and repairs are getting more expensive. According to S&P Global Mobility, the average vehicle on American roads is now a record-breaking 12.6 years old as consumers deal with economic uncertainty and higher prices. At the same time, car owners are spending more money to keep their vehicles on the road. CNBC reports that repair costs increased by 10% in 2022 and show no signs of slowing down.
These elements underscore the value of mechanical breakdown insurance. Modern vehicles are complex machines with repair bills that can be eye-watering when something goes wrong. This is even more of an issue for California drivers, as costs in that state can be higher than elsewhere.
For instance, RepairPal says that the average nationwide cost for a transmission replacement runs from $5,266 to $5,469. However, someone in San Diego with a 2015 Toyota Camry requiring this work will spend $6,526 to $7,034. It’s cheaper in Fresno, $6,150 to $6,554, but still above average.
Imagine facing these costs while you’re on a long-awaited vacation, far from home and your trusted local mechanic. Not only would it put a significant dent in your travel budget, but it could potentially derail your entire trip. That comfortable financial splurge on a memorable outing could be in jeopardy.
MBI is designed to lessen the impact on your wallet. Depending on the coverage, you might only be responsible for a small deductible. In the case of an Endurance MBI policy, payment for covered repairs is made directly to the repair shop; there’s no reimbursement to wait for.
Comprehensive Coverage for Long-Distance Travelers
Many MBI policies, like those offered by Endurance, go beyond just covering repair costs, offering benefits that can be extremely helpful during road trips and other journeys.
These features start with 24/7 roadside assistance. Essential services for a flat tire, dead battery, or accidental lock-out can be a lifesaver, especially in unfamiliar territory. Help is just a phone call away.
Towing services are an essential part of roadside assistance, especially when car troubles can’t be resolved on the spot. Ordinarily, towing costs can be expensive—the initial hook-up charge and then per-mile fees. However, Endurance MBI plans include towing reimbursement that covers all or part of these expenses (see the contract for full details).
Rental car reimbursement is another feature that’s particularly useful for those suffering a breakdown while on an extended trip. If your vehicle needs major repairs that will take more than a day to fix, Endurance will reimburse policyholders for a rental car within daily and per-incident limits. You can continue your trip or at least have local transportation, depending on the situation.
The other significant perk to having an Endurance MBI policy is trip interruption protection. If your car breaks down more than 100 miles from home and requires extended repairs, the company will reimburse you for lodging and meal expenses within a daily and per-incident allowance. It’s a benefit that can turn a vacation-ruining disaster into a minor inconvenience.
The Role of MBI in Summer and Holiday Travels
Summer vacations and holiday road trips are built around fun and enjoyment, but these outings place an extra burden on your car. As a result, your vehicle is more vulnerable to breakdowns. Here’s why:
- Higher Mileage: The more miles you drive, the greater the chance of something going wrong with your car. It’s a simple matter of understanding the odds. Local errands and daily driving may not create enough opportunity for a brewing trouble spot to boil to the surface, but piling on hundreds or thousands of miles sure will.
- Extreme Temperatures: Cars and extreme temperatures don’t mix, especially during the sweltering summer. Ninety-degree or higher days make several vehicle systems work harder, including the cooling system and air conditioning.
- Increased Traffic: If you’re out on a summertime adventure or holiday trip, chances are you’re not the only one. This often means encountering stop-and-go traffic. Road construction also has a knack for interfering with road trips. Regardless of what causes a traffic jam, these slow-downs add stress to a car’s operations. Demands for the cooling system increase, and the brakes can get overworked, among several potential trouble areas.
- Overloaded Vehicles: Packing for a long trip can lead to overloading. All those suitcases, supplies, and gear could tax your car’s payload limit, and people count toward this, too. This extra strain can impact the vehicle’s suspension, brakes, and engine. In addition, towing a boat or trailer can further impact what your car can handle.
Pro Tip: Before towing anything with a vehicle covered by mechanical breakdown insurance, review the contract for requirements and limitations.
Extended Warranties vs. Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
You might come across extended warranties and mechanical breakdown insurance when considering vehicle protection. While these options seem similar at first glance, MBI has qualities that California car owners should know. These features can make MBI especially useful during long road trips:
- Regulated Protection: MBI is regulated as an insurance product in California, providing additional consumer protections. Purchasers can gain extra confidence by knowing regulators review all plans and rates. Meanwhile, providers have to meet strict financial standards and follow consumer protections.
- Immediate Assistance: Many MBI policies, like the options offered through Endurance, include 24/7 roadside. So, there’s no scrambling for help in the event of a breakdown. Just make one phone call for assistance with flat tire changes, battery jump starts, lock-out support, and towing to a garage.
- Repair Facility Flexibility: Endurance MBI plans allow car owners to choose from any licensed repair facility for covered repairs. This freedom can be valuable when seeking breakdown help on the road.
- Customizable Plans: MBI coverage through Endurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Different coverage levels and available upgrades tailor safeguards to specific needs and budgets.
Endurance MBI Coverage Options
Endurance offers three tiers of mechanical breakdown insurance for California vehicle owners, each designed to protect against unexpected breakdowns. Here’s an overview of each plan:
- Standard: The entry-level plan covers essential components, including the engine, transmission, drive axle, steering, brakes, electrical, air conditioning, and suspension.
- Premium: The most popular option provides more comprehensive coverage. It includes everything in the Standard plan plus fuel delivery system protection, enhanced electrical coverage, and luxury component safeguards.
- Elite Plus: The most robust plan provides near manufacturer-level coverage for almost every vehicle part, component, and system. This is exclusionary protection with a small list of exempted components.
- Add-On Coverage: These extras provide further plan customization, such as for owners who use their car commercially or have made modifications.
- Covered part cause of loss
- Emissions Coverage
- Business use option
- Lift kit / oversized tires
- Snowplow option
Endurance Mechanical Breakdown Insurance: For Road Trips and More
Find out more about mechanical breakdown insurance from Endurance, which provides essential protection for long-distance journeys and everyday driving. Request a FREE online quote or call (800) 253-8203 for one-on-one help from an Endurance plan advisor.
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