Yes, full coverage car insurance can cover repairs, but it depends on what caused the damage. Full coverage isn’t a single policy. It’s a combination of collision, comprehensive, and liability coverage that protects you in most situations from car accidents to theft, fire, vandalism, or natural disasters.
If your car is damaged in a crash or by a covered event, your full coverage insurance will usually pay for the repairs after you pay your deductible. For example, if your car is hit by another driver, your collision insurance helps fix your vehicle. If a tree branch falls on it, your comprehensive insurance steps in. However, routine maintenance, wear and tear, or mechanical failures are not covered.
Understanding what full coverage does and doesn’t include helps you plan your budget and avoid unexpected repair costs. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly which types of repairs are covered, how deductibles affect claims, and smart ways to save money using Alias Insurance, a trusted car insurance comparison site in the USA that helps you find the right protection at the best rate.
What Is Full Coverage Car Insurance?
Full coverage is not a specific policy you buy. It’s a term insurers use for a bundle of coverages that protect both you and your car in different scenarios.
It usually includes:
- Liability insurance: Covers other people’s injuries or property damage if you cause an accident.
- Collision coverage: Pays for your car repairs after an accident.
- Comprehensive coverage: Covers non-collision events like theft, weather damage, or vandalism.
Together, these coverages protect your car from most major risks on and off the road.
When Full Coverage Pays for Repairs
Your insurance will cover repair costs when damage occurs due to a covered event. Here are the main situations where full coverage helps:
1. Accidents and Collisions
If your car is damaged in an accident, collision insurance pays for repairs after you pay your deductible.
Example: You hit another vehicle or back into a pole. Your insurer will cover bodywork, bumper repair, or paint damage.
2. Weather and Natural Disasters
Comprehensive insurance covers damage from natural events such as hail, floods, or storms.
Example: Hail dents your car roof. Comprehensive pays for repair costs.
3. Theft or Vandalism
If your car is stolen or vandalized, full coverage includes replacement or repair after the claim is approved.
Example: Someone breaks your windows or spray-paints your car. Comprehensive coverage applies.
4. Fire or Falling Objects
Events like wildfires or fallen tree branches are also covered under comprehensive.
Example: A falling object cracks your windshield. The repair cost is reimbursed.
5. Hitting an Animal
If you hit a deer or animal, your comprehensive coverage pays for repairs. This is a common claim in many U.S. states.
When Full Coverage Does Not Cover Repairs
Full coverage has limits. Certain repairs and issues are excluded. Insurance does not pay for:
- Mechanical failures such as engine, brake, or transmission problems
- Normal wear and tear from daily use
- Routine maintenance like oil changes, new tires, or brake pads
- Custom upgrades or aftermarket parts not listed in your policy
- Negligence or racing damages
If your car needs repairs from aging parts, you’ll need to pay out of pocket or use a vehicle warranty instead of insurance.
Table: Covered vs. Not Covered Repairs Under Full Coverage
| Type of Repair | Covered by Full Coverage? | Coverage Type |
| Accident damage | Yes | Collision |
| Fire damage | Yes | Comprehensive |
| Theft or vandalism | Yes | Comprehensive |
| Hitting an animal | Yes | Comprehensive |
| Storm or flood damage | Yes | Comprehensive |
| Engine failure | No | Not covered |
| Tire wear or brake replacement | No | Not covered |
| Electrical issues | No | Not covered |
| Rust or corrosion | No | Not covered |
| Regular maintenance | No | Not covered |
Understanding Deductibles in Repair Claims
Your deductible is what you pay before your insurer covers the rest. Deductibles typically range from $250 to $1,000 depending on your policy.
For example:
- Repair cost: $2,000
- Deductible: $500
- Insurance pays: $1,500
If repairs cost less than your deductible, it’s better to pay out of pocket. Filing small claims may increase your premium at renewal.
Does Full Coverage Pay for Engine or Transmission Repairs?
No, full coverage does not include repairs caused by mechanical failure or wear. If your engine stops working due to age or poor maintenance, insurance won’t cover it.
However, if your engine or transmission is damaged in an accident or by a covered event (like flooding or fire), your insurer will pay for repairs through collision or comprehensive coverage.
For long-term mechanical protection, you may consider an extended warranty or mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) offered by some companies.
How to File a Repair Claim with Full Coverage Insurance
If your car is damaged, follow these steps to file a successful repair claim:
- Document the Damage
Take clear photos or videos from all angles. - Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the incident as soon as possible and provide all details. - Get an Estimate
Visit an approved repair shop for a damage evaluation. - Pay the Deductible
Your insurer will deduct it from the total repair payout. - Repair Your Vehicle
Once approved, you can get your car fixed at a network or preferred shop.
Tip: Keep all receipts and communication records for future reference.
Statistics: How Often Full Coverage Helps with Repairs
- Over 70% of U.S. drivers carry full coverage, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III).
- The average repair claim under full coverage costs about $3,500 per incident.
- Collision and comprehensive claims make up around 45% of all insurance claims filed annually in the USA.
- The most common full coverage repair claims are collision damage (30%), vandalism (20%), and storm damage (15%).
These figures show why full coverage is valuable for protecting against major repair costs.
Examples of Repairs Covered by Full Coverage
Here are real-world examples of covered repairs:
| Situation | Type of Coverage Used | Repair Example |
| Rear-end accident | Collision | Bumper replacement |
| Hailstorm damage | Comprehensive | Roof dent removal |
| Car keyed by vandal | Comprehensive | Paint repair |
| Hitting a deer | Comprehensive | Hood and light repairs |
| Tree branch fall | Comprehensive | Windshield and body repairs |
Does Full Coverage Include Rental Car Repairs?
Yes, if your policy includes rental reimbursement coverage, your insurer pays for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered accident.
Should You File a Claim for Minor Repairs?
Filing a claim for small repairs may not always be beneficial. If the damage is minor and repair costs are close to your deductible, paying out of pocket avoids potential rate increases.
You should file a claim when:
- Repairs exceed your deductible
- Damage is due to a covered event
- You have multiple areas of damage
Avoid filing for minor scratches or dents under $500.
Full Coverage vs. Warranty for Repairs
| Feature | Full Coverage Insurance | Car Warranty |
| Covers accidents | Yes | No |
| Covers wear and tear | No | Yes (sometimes) |
| Covers mechanical breakdowns | No | Yes |
| Required by lenders | Yes | No |
| Covers theft, fire, weather | Yes | No |
Full coverage handles accidents and external damage, while warranties handle mechanical or manufacturer-related repairs.
How to Lower Repair Costs and Save on Premiums
- Choose a higher deductible to lower premiums.
- Maintain your car regularly to prevent future issues.
- Bundle home and auto policies for discounts.
- Drive safely and avoid small claims.
- Compare rates from multiple insurers using Alias Insurance to get affordable full coverage plans.
Alias Insurance helps U.S. drivers find competitive quotes from trusted companies, even if they have a history of claims or accidents.
Does Full Coverage Cover Repairs from Someone Else’s Fault?
If another driver causes the accident, their liability insurance pays for your repairs. But if that driver is uninsured or underinsured, your uninsured motorist coverage (often part of full coverage) can help pay for repairs.
FAQs
Repairs from accidents, theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters are covered. Mechanical or maintenance issues are not.
Yes, collision coverage pays for repairs when you hit another car, object, or road barrier.
Only if the engine was damaged by a covered event such as a crash or flood.
Yes, frequent claims or expensive repairs may increase your premium at renewal.
Yes, if caused by an accident or covered event. Comprehensive insurance often includes windshield coverage.
Conclusion
Full coverage car insurance is one of the best ways to protect your vehicle from costly damage caused by accidents, theft, or natural disasters. While it won’t pay for mechanical failures or maintenance, it can save you thousands on major repairs. Compare quotes and coverage options with Alias Insurance to find the most affordable full coverage policy for your needs.
