The engine is a lot like a car's brain. It holds all the power you need to help your car function. Explaining further, an internal combustion engine is a heat engine that changes energy from the heat of burning fuel into mechanical work called torque. This torque is applied to the wheels to make the car move. In short, without the engine, your car's wheels would never turn!
Since the engine is such a crucial part of your car, it is necessary to protect it. It needs more protection than the other parts of the vehicle, mainly because of two reasons. The first reason is that the engine is the lifeline of your car, without which no other piece can function. The second reason is that the first part affected by any adversity like floods or heavy rains is the engine.
When you purchase car insurance, many add-on covers like the zero depreciation cover, NCB protection cover, invoice protection, roadside assistance, engine protection cover, and so on are available at your disposal. Although each of them serves an important function, the engine protection cover is one add-on that you should not discount as your car is nothing without a well-functioning engine.
Is It Really that Important to Protect the Engine of your Car?
The engine is the most expensive component of the car; its cost of maintenance can be high. If the monsoon season is on the doorstep, and the water enters the engine, it may cause you trouble. It is a must-have add-on if you live in a more flood-prone location. Repairing the engine and its components will put a big dent in your savings, so it's best to cover you with an engine safety cover.
How much does It Cost to Add an Engine Protection Cover to Your Policy?
Generally, the expense of protecting the engine is valued at about 2% of the current market value of your vehicle. Let's say, for example, that your car's current market price is INR 5 lakh. So the expense of protecting your car’s engine will be 2% of INR 5,000,000, which comes to INR 10,000. You would then have to pay an extra INR 10,000 on top of the cheapest car insurance premium for engine protection.
Who Should Definitely Buy an Engine Protection Cover?
If you relate to any of the following circumstances, you should definitely consider buying an engine protection cover.
- Risk of water ingression: If you reside in a flood-prone area, an area with heavy rainfall, or near a water body that tends to flood during monsoons, you should opt for the engine protect cover add-on. The engine of your car is the first part to be affected by water ingression, which is more likely in these situations.
- Owners of high-end cars: Luxury cars, sedans, SUVs, and made-to-order cars fall towards the higher end of the price continuum, and so do their parts. As a consequence, the cost of repairing their engines will be much higher than non-premium cars. Hence, the need for the engine cover.
- Desire to avert any financial risk: The cost of repairing or replacing the engine of your car is substantial. Considering that the insured has to mandatorily bear the cost of regular servicing and cost of consumable components, it is advisable to opt for an engine protect cover to avert further financial risks.
What All is Covered Under an Engine Protection Cover?
In addition to the standard car insurance coverage, the engine protection cover has unique features and advantages. The insurance provider shall reimburse up to the sum stated in the contract for the costs of repair or replacement of the damaged engine parts. Below are the inclusions under the engine protection cover add-on:
- The harm caused by leakage of lubricating oil within the engine is shielded.
- The harm caused by water entering the car engine.
- Physical damage to engine components such as gearboxes, pistons, connecting rods, etc.
- The harm caused by a hydrostatic lock while attempting to start the car when the water reached the engine.
What All is not Covered Under an Engine Protection Cover, and What are Its Limitations?
Despite the fact that you have a legitimate engine safety add-on coverage, there is a substantial risk that your auto insurance claim will be denied if you do any of the following before you contact the insurance provider about the engine damage:
- Try to force the car to start while it's submerged underwater with a wet engine. In general, the engine is programmed to completely shut down and not let the water in. Attempting to start the engine by force would allow the water in and cause significant damages leading to a refusal of your claim.
- If you are trying to drive a car with a damaged bonnet, the lubricating oil can seep into the engine. This situation would be termed intentional damages/consequential damages. Since the harm is consequential and not due to an accident, the insurer may not validate the insurance claim.
- Engine protection cover add-ons have a limited validity. Just one request per add-on is possible during the duration of the insurance policy, and for another claim to be made, the policyholder must purchase an additional add-on.
- This add-on is available to cars not older than five years.
Final Thoughts
The engine is the most crucial part of any car and hence requires extra protection. It costs a meager amount compared to the amount it covers because repair and replacing a car engine is a very costly affair.
If your car is exposed to the risk of water ingression, the engine protection cover is a must for you. It covers all possible risks to your engine like the hydrostatic lock, leakage in lubricant tubes, and malfunctioning gearbox. It is the perfect partner for a healthy engine!
