Will Car Insurance Pay for Clutch Damage?

Last Updated on October 21, 2020

The clutch is a vital part of your car that helps it to change gear while you are driving. The clutch takes a lot of wear and tear over the lifespan of your car. Because of this, it’s likely that your clutch will become damaged after using your car for several years. Since your car can’t run correctly without a working clutch, you may wonder if your car insurance covers clutch damage. Here’s what you need to know about car insurance and your clutch.

How Was Your Clutch Damaged?

To determine whether or not your car insurance company will cover clutch repairs, you will need to consider how the clutch was damaged in the first place. If the clutch was damaged in an accident, there is a good chance that the repairs will be covered under your policy. If you have comprehensive coverage and the clutch was damaged in a flood, as a result of vandalism, or in any other situation outside of your control, then it is likely that you will be covered. Keep in mind that clutch repairs are typically costly. If the cost of your clutch repair exceeds your car insurance coverage, then you will still need to pay for the remainder of the repair bill on your own.

Car insurance companies expect you to do regular maintenance on your car to keep it in good condition. If your clutch is damaged as a result of normal wear and tear, then repairs will not be covered under insurance. Make sure you are getting your clutch looked at regularly to prevent severe damage. Some of the most common ways that clutches are damaged include overheating, water getting into the clutch, or oil getting into the clutch. Talk to your auto mechanic to learn more about how you can prevent these things from happening. Investing in regular tune-ups for your car will ensure that you don’t have to spend a large sum of money on a costly clutch repair later on.

What Kind of Coverage Should I Have to Protect My Clutch?

Every state requires that automobile owners have a certain level of insurance coverage for their vehicles. Typically, you’ll need a certain amount of liability coverage for both bodily injury and property damage. Some states may also require personal injury protection or uninsured motorist protection. From there, you can choose to add on more coverage as you see fit. Many people opt to add collision and comprehensive coverage to their policies to ensure they are covered under many different circumstances.

If you are worried about damage to your clutch, you may want to invest in extra coverage beyond your state’s minimum requirements. Do some research on the average cost of clutch repairs for your cars. This can give you a guideline regarding how much liability insurance coverage you’re going to need. Talking to an insurance agent can give you a better idea of how much coverage you will need in the unlikely event of an accident or other unexpected damage to your car.

How Can I Extend the Lifespan of My Car’s Clutch?

Regular maintenance for your car can significantly extend the lifespan of your clutch and save you repair money in the long run. This is particularly important if you have manual transmission because your clutch will take a lot more wear and tear in this scenario. Here are some small things you can do to extend the life of your clutch.

• Avoid keeping your foot on the clutch. It can be tempting to have one foot there constantly, but this usually results in unnecessary wear. Practice keeping your foot away from the clutch when you are driving to avoid undue pressure.
• Try not to brake or speed up too abruptly. If you are heading toward a stoplight, start slowing down gradually instead of slamming on the brakes. The same thing goes for driving away from the stoplight – speed up gently instead of hitting the gas with a lead foot.

You should also keep in mind that your clutch is much more expensive than your brakes, so it’s better to put some wear and tear on your brake pads than onto your clutch.

If you’re worried about your clutch being damaged in an accident, make sure you invest in a car insurance policy with enough coverage to pay for the repairs. Talk to your car insurance agent to see what types of policies make the most sense for your needs, and make sure you shop around to get the lowest prices. You should also make sure you’re staying on top of your clutch’s maintenance because car insurance won’t pay for clutch damage if it only happens as a result of wear and tear.