Will Auto Insurance Pay for an Oil Change?

Last Updated on February 5, 2026

In almost every situation, auto insurance will not pay for an oil change. Oil changes are routine maintenance (like tire rotations or brake pads), so they aren’t covered by collision, comprehensive, liability, or any other standard auto insurance coverage.

If you’re wondering when you should change your oil (or how to interpret your oil-life monitor), start here: At what oil life percentage should oil be changed?

Auto insurance typically does not pay for oil changes because they’re routine maintenance—not sudden, accidental damage.
Collision and comprehensive coverage pay for covered accidents and events, but they still don’t cover normal upkeep like oil changes.
Engine damage from low oil is usually considered preventable maintenance and is generally not covered by standard auto insurance.
If a shop’s mistake causes oil-related engine damage, the shop (and its insurance) may be responsible—not your auto insurer.

Table Of Contents

Why Auto Insurance Doesn’t Cover Oil Changes
Oil Changes and Accidents
What If Low Oil Causes Engine Damage?
What About “Repair Programs” That Cover Maintenance?
Does Insurance Cover Damage Caused by Low Oil?
DIY Oil Changes: When They Make Sense
FAQs on Oil Changes and Auto Insurance
Bottom Line

Why Auto Insurance Doesn’t Cover Oil Changes

Auto insurance is designed to cover sudden, accidental losses—like crashes, theft, or storm damage—not predictable upkeep. Because oil changes are expected and recurring, insurers treat them the same way they treat other maintenance costs: the vehicle owner pays.

Oil Changes and Accidents

A common misconception is that if “bad oil” or “low oil” contributed to a wreck, the insurer will pay for an oil change afterward. In reality, even if an oil issue played a role, the oil change itself is still your responsibility.

Also, if your car is leaking oil after a collision and you keep driving it, any additional damage can become a problem. Insurers expect you to mitigate damage after an accident. Continuing to operate an unsafe vehicle may increase the risk of a claim denial for the extra damage that happened after the crash.

What If Low Oil Causes Engine Damage?

In general, auto insurers will not cover engine damage caused by low oil, sludge, or skipped oil changes—because that’s considered maintenance-related, not accidental.

However, there are a few edge cases where coverage or reimbursement might come into play:

Accident-related oil loss: If an accident damages the oil pan or causes a sudden leak, the insurer may cover the accident repairs under collision (and the engine damage if it was directly caused by the covered crash and you didn’t keep driving it).
Repair shop error after a covered claim: If your car is repaired after a crash and a shop’s mistake leads to engine damage, the shop may be responsible. Your insurer may still help facilitate the claim process, but liability often falls on the negligent party.
Faulty oil change by a mechanic: If a shop performs an oil change incorrectly (for example, the drain plug isn’t tightened or the wrong procedure causes damage), that’s usually handled through the shop’s insurance—not your own auto policy. Still, it can help to understand what car insurance covers vs. mechanical repairs when you’re deciding who should pay.

If you’re ever unsure whether an incident is worth filing, this guide can help you think it through: Should you make a claim after a car accident?

What About “Repair Programs” That Cover Maintenance?

Some companies sell auto repair memberships or service contracts that work a little like insurance: you pay a monthly fee, you may have a deductible, and the plan helps pay for certain repairs.

These programs aren’t the same as auto insurance, and many do not cover routine services like oil changes (or they cap them heavily). In many cases, it’s still cheaper to budget for oil changes and other regular maintenance out of pocket.

Does Insurance Cover Damage Caused by Low Oil?

Generally, no. Insurers usually classify low-oil damage as preventable maintenance. The best protection is staying on schedule and building a small maintenance fund so routine costs don’t turn into financial surprises.

DIY Oil Changes: When They Make Sense

If you’re comfortable doing it safely, DIY oil changes can save money and make it easier to stay on schedule. Just remember: mistakes can be expensive. Whether you DIY or use a shop, the goal is the same—keep fresh oil and a fresh filter in the engine so wear and tear is minimized over time.

FAQs on Oil Changes and Auto Insurance

Will my car insurance pay for an oil change?

Almost never. Oil changes are routine maintenance, so they aren’t covered by standard auto insurance (liability, collision, or comprehensive).

What if low oil causes my engine to fail—am I covered?

Usually no. Engine damage from low oil or skipped oil changes is typically considered preventable maintenance and isn’t covered by standard auto insurance.

What if my car starts leaking oil after an accident?

If an accident causes oil loss (for example, a damaged oil pan), collision coverage may pay for the accident-related repairs. Don’t keep driving the vehicle if it’s unsafe—additional damage after the crash can lead to claim disputes.

Will insurance pay if a mechanic messes up my oil change?

Typically the mechanic or shop is responsible, often through their own business insurance. Your auto insurer may not be the payer if the damage was caused by negligent work rather than a covered auto loss.

Are there plans that cover oil changes?

Some maintenance plans, prepaid service packages, or dealership plans may include oil changes. These are not auto insurance and the value depends on the price and what services are actually included.

Should I file an insurance claim if oil-related engine damage happened after a crash?

If the crash caused the oil loss and the damage happened immediately as part of that covered event, it may be worth a claim. If the damage happened because the vehicle was driven afterward while leaking oil, coverage is less likely. When in doubt, ask the insurer before authorizing major repairs.

What’s the best way to avoid oil-related repair bills?

Follow your manufacturer’s oil-change schedule, check your oil level periodically, and address leaks quickly. A small maintenance fund helps keep routine costs from turning into expensive breakdowns.

Bottom Line

Auto insurance almost never pays for oil changes because they’re routine maintenance. The only time “insurance” becomes part of the conversation is when oil loss and engine damage are directly tied to a covered accident—or when a repair shop’s mistake caused the damage and their insurance should pay.

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