Is a Car Battery Covered Under Insurance?

Basic car insurance covers damage from accidents, theft, vandalism, weather events like hail or floods, fire, and similar incidents. But parts that just wear out over time through regular everyday use are not included in basic policies. Batteries gradually lose their charging capacity through normal electrical drainage and ageing. So, even a dead battery from old age wouldn’t fall under the insured events that policies handle. Insurance helps you recoup losses from unpredictable mishaps, not predictable maintenance needs.

New batteries usually come with a 1-3 year prorated warranty from the manufacturer, though. So, if the battery kicks the bucket during that original warranty period, the maker will partially reimburse you for the portion of the expected life that it didn’t meet. But once you’re past the warranty expiration, you’re on the hook for the full replacement cost if that battery dies of old age. Most standard car batteries last 3-5 years under regular use, sometimes longer and sometimes shorter. The warranty helps cover premature failure, but the cost falls to the owner after it expires. You can also avail of car battery replacement service at home.

A few insurers offer optional “replacement cost” add-ons that expand your coverage to certain parts damaged from wear and tear, not just accidents. But those come at an extra cost on your premiums – they aren’t standard inclusions. Such optional policies will reimburse you for expired batteries or worn brake pads based on the current replacement price rather than the depreciated book value. However, you’ll still need to pay the deductible. Replacement cost coverage usually only applies to parts that are 5 years old or less, so it has its limits, too.

Those optional coverages can provide peace of mind against unexpected repairs. But for most drivers, the extra premium cost makes it cheaper in the long run to just budget ahead for new batteries every 3-5 years rather than pay continually for the expanded coverage. However, it may be worth considering for older cars where many parts need replacement.

You can also get third-party “auto breakdown” coverage that includes battery replacement. If your battery dies, their coverage will pay for a mobile technician to test, replace, and dispose of the dead battery. But again, you pay an annual fee for that service coverage on top of standard insurance. For most people, being proactive about regular battery testing and replacement is more cost-effective than paying ongoing premiums for roadside battery coverage.

To avoid getting stuck with a huge bill from a surprise battery failure, get in the habit of having your battery tested annually once it’s 2-3 years old. That allows you to find out if the battery is wearing down while you’re still on your own terms, rather than stranded somewhere with a car that won’t start. Be prepared to replace batteries every 3-5 years – sometimes you’ll luck out with longer life, but it’s smart to plan ahead. And when you do replace the battery, spend a few extra rupees for a top-tier model rated for 5+ years from a reputable brand. Proper maintenance also helps – watch for corrosion buildup on the posts and keep connections tight. A well-maintained quality battery avoids unpleasant surprises.

While it would be great if insurance helps with the costs when your batteries finally give out, standard policies aren’t designed to cover normal wear. The good news is that some preventative care and proactive replacement go a long way towards avoiding the nightmare scenario of your car battery leaving you in the lurch at the worst possible moment!

Moreover, to choose a car battery replacement service at home, you must choose AIS Carfit Experts for convenience.