You brought your car in for routine maintenance or maybe a brake job or tire change but now something feels off. Worse yet, your vehicle is damaged or unsafe due to what seems like a mechanic’s mistake.
That raises an important question:
Does your car insurance cover mechanic negligence?
The short answer is: Usually not. Car insurance typically does not cover damage caused by poor repairs or negligence unless the damage leads to a covered event (like an accident). Instead, the mechanic or repair shop is liable, and their garage liability insurance should pay for it.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- What mechanic negligence is
- When car insurance might step in
- How to hold the repair shop accountable
- What coverage you actually need
- Steps to take after the incident
- Real-world examples and legal options
Let’s help you protect yourself and your vehicle.
What Is Mechanic Negligence?
Mechanic negligence refers to any situation where a technician or repair shop fails to perform services correctly, leading to damage or safety issues.
Common Examples Include:
- Failing to tighten lug nuts (wheel comes off)
- Incorrectly installing brake pads
- Forgetting to replace engine oil or leaving a drain plug loose
- Cross-threading bolts or using wrong parts
- Failing to reconnect safety systems (airbags, sensors, etc.)
- Improper engine or transmission work leading to breakdown
Negligence doesn’t always mean intentional wrongdoing it can be a careless mistake, oversight, or poor training.
Does Your Car Insurance Cover the Damage?
Generally speaking, your auto insurance does not cover mechanic-caused damage unless a covered peril results from that negligence.
Let’s break this down based on common policy types:
1. Liability-Only Coverage
Liability insurance only covers damage you cause to other people and their property. It will not pay for:
- Your own vehicle damage
- Damage from faulty repairs
- Accidents caused by someone else’s negligence
2. Comprehensive or Collision Coverage
Even with full coverage, your insurer may deny a claim if:
- The mechanic’s error caused internal damage (like engine failure)
- There was no collision, vandalism, or external peril
- The damage is clearly linked to the repair shop’s work
However, if the mechanic’s error caused a collision, your collision insurance may cover the accident but your insurer will likely pursue reimbursement from the shop through a subrogation claim.
When a Hail Damage Claim Might Affect Your Rates
While rare, there are situations where your overall insurance cost could go up after filing a hail claim:
1. Multiple Claims in a Short Timeframe
If you’ve recently filed a claim for theft, windshield damage, or a similar incident, your insurer may see a pattern of frequent claims, which can trigger a premium adjustment.
2. You File a Claim Without Comprehensive Coverage
If you incorrectly file a hail claim under your collision coverage, it could affect your rates because collision claims typically increase your risk rating.
3. High Claim Frequency in Your ZIP Code
In high-risk areas with lots of hail claims, some insurers may raise rates across the board due to increased payouts even if you’ve never filed a claim before.
Who Is Liable for Mechanic Negligence?
If a repair shop damages your vehicle or causes it to fail, the shop is responsible, not your insurer.
Most reputable mechanics carry:
- Garage liability insurance – Covers bodily injury or property damage caused by operations
- Garage keepers insurance – Covers customer vehicles while in the shop’s care, custody, and control
You can file a claim against their insurance if:
- The repair was done improperly
- The mistake led directly to damage or safety issues
You can prove the shop was negligent
What If the Mechanic Refuses Responsibility?
Unfortunately, some shops may:
- Deny wrongdoing
- Claim the issue was pre-existing
- Blame aftermarket parts
- Refuse to share insurance information
In such cases, you have options:
- File a claim with your own insurance if it involves a collision or comprehensive coverage
- Request subrogation your insurer pays you, then seeks reimbursement from the shop
- Take the shop to small claims court
File a complaint with your state’s automotive repair board or consumer protection agency
Real-Life Example
Driver: Monica, 34
Location: San Diego, CA
Situation: Oil change shop failed to tighten the drain plug; engine seized 3 days later
Outcome:
- Monica’s insurer denied the claim (no collision or external peril)
- The repair shop’s garage liability policy paid $6,400 to replace the engine
- Monica received a rental car reimbursement during repair
She said:
“I thought my insurance would cover it, but it turns out the shop was the one that had to make it right.”
What If You Don’t Repair the Damage?
Here are limited cases where your car insurance may step in:
If an Accident Occurs as a Result of the Mistake
Example:
Mechanic fails to secure the hood, and it flies open while driving, causing a crash. Your collision insurance may cover the repairs and your insurer may recover costs from the shop.
If the Damage Is Vandalism, Not Negligence
If your car is damaged at the shop due to vandalism, theft, or a fire, then your comprehensive insurance may apply assuming the repair shop doesn’t cover it under their garage keeper’s policy.
How to Protect Yourself When Visiting a Mechanic
Ask About Insurance
Reputable shops carry:
- Garage liability
- Garage keepers insurance
- Workers comp (in case of injury on-site)
Ask upfront if they’re insured for mistakes.
Get a Detailed Invoice
Always request:
- An itemized breakdown of parts and labor
- A warranty on the service
- The name of the technician who worked on your car
Document Everything
If you suspect a repair-related issue:
- Take photos of the damage
- Save all repair receipts
- Note the timeline between service and failure
Get a second opinion from another certified shop
Can You Sue a Mechanic for Negligence?
Yes. If a repair shop refuses to take responsibility for their mistake, you can:
- File a lawsuit in small claims court (usually for damages under $10,000)
- Sue for damages including repair costs, loss of vehicle use, and rental car expenses
You may also:
- File complaints with the BBB or state repair licensing board
- Leave reviews on Google, Yelp, and social media for public accountability
FAQs: Mechanic Negligence and Car Insurance
Usually not unless the damage leads to a covered event (e.g., crash). The mechanic’s insurance should pay instead.
Yes, if you successfully file a claim with the shop’s insurer or win in court. Keep all invoices and repair estimates.
Get a second opinion from another certified mechanic. If they confirm negligence, file a claim or consider legal action.
Yes, garage keepers insurance covers customer vehicles damaged while under the shop’s care often including mechanic errors.
Yes, your insurer may help with the process and pursue subrogation on your behalf if the shop is uncooperative.
Final Thoughts
So, does car insurance cover mechanic negligence?
Generally, no. If a mechanic damages your car due to poor repairs or carelessness, their business insurance is responsible not yours.
To recap:
- Car insurance won’t cover internal damage from bad repairs
- If a crash results from the error, collision coverage may apply
- The mechanic’s garage liability insurance should cover their mistakes
- Legal options exist if the shop refuses to cooperate
Need better coverage for unexpected situations? Use Alias Insurance to compare comprehensive and collision auto policies from top-rated U.S. providers, fast, easy, and reliable.
Sources:
- Insurance Information Institute – Understanding Auto Insurance Coverage
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners – Garage Insurance Explained
- Consumer Reports – Auto Repair Rights and Recourse
- Better Business Bureau – Auto Repair Complaint Guidelines
