U.S. News: Breakdown Insurance On Increase

According to insurance provider Geico, mechanical breakdown insurance is gaining favor with consumers.
Mechanical breakdown insurance covers the cost of car repairs that are not covered by other warranties. Geico, which began offering the policies in 1989, has seen the market grow quickly, particularly in the last year.
John Zinno, president of Geico’s Safe Driver Motor Club and assistant vice president of Geico, says that its mechanical breakdown insurance provides that covered repairs don’t cost the auto owner more than $250 of out-of-pocket expenses. “Consumers must manage their expenses, maybe even more so these days, and this product offers a limit on what you’ll have to pay. It provides a sense of financial stability in these uncertain times.” The company’s offering combines components of collision and comprehensive coverage and covers items that not all manufacturer or aftermarket warranties guarantee such as exhaust systems, clutch and electrical accessories.
Under the insurance provisions, the company pays 100% of the cost for covered mechanical repairs, minus the deductible of $250. Auto owners can take their car to any licensed repair facility, although repairs still under manufacturer’s warranties must be repaired by a dealer.
Geico notes that new auto owners must add the coverage within the first 11 months of purchase or within the first 11,000 miles. MBI then becomes part of the regular GEICO policy and can be renewed continuously, up to 100,000 miles or seven years. The coverage can be transferred at no charge provided the new car owner is or becomes a policyholder with specific MBI coverage.