Does State Farm Offer Mechanical Breakdown Insurance?

Last Updated on November 3, 2023

State Farm insures more vehicles in the United States than any other company. However, the company does not currently offer mechanical breakdown insurance.

Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) covers sudden and unexpected repairs on newer vehicles. It functions similarly to an extended warranty.

State Farm does not currently offer mechanical breakdown insurance, although several State Farm competitors do offer this coverage.

Table of Contents:

State Farm Does Not Offer Mechanical Breakdown Insurance

Some insurance companies in the United States offer mechanical breakdown insurance, while others do not.

As of 2022, State Farm does not offer mechanical breakdown insurance. You cannot buy mechanical breakdown insurance with State Farm, nor can you add MBI to your policy in any state.

Mechanical breakdown insurance is only available on newer vehicles. Even if State Farm did offer MBI, your vehicle may be ineligible. MBI is only available on new vehicles with low mileage because these vehicles are the least likely to break down. It does not make sense for State Farm to offer mechanical breakdown insurance on older vehicles, as these vehicles are more likely to need repairs.

However, State Farm customers could buy mechanical breakdown insurance coverage via other methods. They can buy third-party coverage through CarShield and similar providers, for example. Or, they can buy an extended warranty from their dealership.

What Does Mechanical Breakdown Insurance Cover?

If State Farm offered mechanical breakdown insurance, it would function similarly to an extended warranty.

MBI covers certain breakdowns within the first few years of ownership of a new vehicle.

If crucial components of your vehicle fail within the first few years of ownership, then you would be able to make a claim through mechanical breakdown insurance. Instead of paying $5,000 to replace an engine, for example, you could make a claim through mechanical breakdown insurance.

Most mechanical breakdown insurance policies provide similar coverage to an extended warranty, covering your vehicle from bumper to bumper. However, MBI plans have specific exclusions.

What Is Not Covered by Mechanical Breakdown Insurance?

Mechanical breakdown insurance doesn’t cover everything in your vehicle.

MBI does not cover wear and tear or maintenance-related issues with your vehicle, for example. If your vehicle breaks down because you failed to change the oil or follow proper maintenance procedures, for example, then your insurer would deny your mechanical breakdown insurance claim.

Other common items excluded by mechanical breakdown insurance include:

  • Auto glass
  • Tires
  • Bumpers and exterior trim
  • Interior upholstery
  • Maintenance services like oil changes
  • Parts that break down due to wear and tear, including brake pads and fuel filters
  • Damages related to lack of maintenance
  • Repairs related to pre-existing damage from before you activated your mechanical breakdown insurance plan

Mechanical Breakdown Insurance Options for State Farm Policyholders

If you’re a State Farm policyholder who wants mechanical breakdown insurance, then you have several options, including:

Switch to a Different Insurer: Progressive and other major insurers offer mechanical breakdown insurance. Shop around with different insurers to find one you like.

Add Emergency Roadside Assistance with State Farm: State Farm doesn’t offer MBI, but it does offer roadside assistance. State Farm’s Emergency Road Service coverage covers certain vehicle breakdowns, towing, fuel delivery, and locksmith charges. It’s different from MBI, but it may give you added peace of mind.

Choose a Third-Party Mechanical Breakdown Insurance Provider: Third-party companies like CarShield provide mechanical breakdown insurance regardless of your current insurer. These companies cover certain vehicle repairs and other expenses – similar to how State Farm’s mechanical breakdown insurance would work if offered.

Buy the Extended Warranty: Most dealerships offer an extended warranty. For an upfront fee, you get added protection for your vehicle beyond the original warranty. The extended warranty is similar to mechanical breakdown insurance, and they cover similar things.

Self-Insure Your Vehicle Against Emergency Repairs: Alternatively, you can self-insure your vehicle against emergency repair costs. It’s unlikely you’ll need to repair your vehicle in the first few years of ownership. If you’re worried about the cost of unexpected repairs, however, then you may want to self-insure: deposit a fixed amount of money each month into an account, then use that money for future repairs. If your car breaks down and needs repairs, then you have that money. If you never need repairs, then that money is yours to keep.

How Much Does Mechanical Breakdown Insurance Cost?

Although State Farm does not offer mechanical breakdown insurance, competing companies charge $50 to $300 per year for mechanical breakdown insurance, depending on your vehicle type and coverage options.

Most MBI plans come with a deductible of $100 to $500. You pay your deductible, and State Farm covers all remaining costs of repairing your vehicle.

Which Companies Offer Mechanical Breakdown Insurance?

State Farm is America’s largest car insurance company, and State Farm does not offer mechanical breakdown insurance. However, several other large car insurance companies do offer MBI, including:

Does My Vehicle Qualify for Mechanical Breakdown Insurance?

State Farm does not provide mechanical breakdown insurance to any vehicles, regardless of type. However, competing companies have strict requirements for qualifying for mechanical breakdown insurance.

Typically, your vehicle must meet the following specifications to qualify for mechanical breakdown insurance:

  • Be a new or used vehicle with fewer than 15,000 miles
  • Be a new or used vehicle within the last 1 to 3 model years

If your vehicle meets the qualifications above, then you can continue buying mechanical breakdown insurance every year up to a certain limit. Most MBI plans cover your vehicle up to 100,000 miles or 7 years of ownership, whichever comes first.

Will State Farm Ever Offer Mechanical Breakdown Insurance?

As far as we know, State Farm has no plans to implement mechanical breakdown insurance in the future.

The company has not previously offered mechanical breakdown insurance nationwide, and they do not appear to have plans to offer mechanical breakdown insurance at a future point or time.

Final Word on State Farm and Mechanical Breakdown Insurance

Some car insurance companies offer mechanical breakdown insurance, while other companies do not. As of 2022, State Farm does not offer mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) in any state.

However, you can buy mechanical breakdown insurance from third-party providers. Or, you can buy an extended warranty from your manufacturer or dealership for added protection.

To learn more about State Farm’s coverage options or to expand your vehicle’s coverage today, contact State Farm.

James Shaffer
James Shaffer James Shaffer is a writer for InsurancePanda.com and a well-seasoned auto insurance industry veteran. He has a deep knowledge of insurance rules and regulations and is passionate about helping drivers save money on auto insurance. He is responsible for researching and writing about anything auto insurance-related. He holds a bachelor's degree from Bentley University and his work has been quoted by NBC News, CNN, and The Washington Post.
Back to Top