The mechanical failure guarantee: what exactly is it?
Breaking down - in the city, in the countryside, on the motorway ... - is every motorist's nightmare. In addition to the damage of being immobilized without a vehicle, the financial cost of such a disaster can quickly reach amounts as high as they are unpredictable. Whether you've purchased a new or recent vehicle, or a second or third-hand car, mechanical breakdown coverage is an extremely useful option that you can purchase as part of your auto insurance policy. The contours of this warranty can nevertheless prove to be quite complex to define: here is in detail everything you need to know to make your choice clear and protect your vehicle with complete peace of mind!
The mechanical breakdown guarantee, a reassuring option for your car
How it works ?
The electrical failure guarantee allows your insurance to cover the repair of your vehicle following a breakdown. It covers both parts and labor.
Once the vehicle has been towed, a repair estimate will be made with your insurer. Your car will then often be repaired in an approved and partner garage, but you keep the choice to select the repairer you want. Depending on your insurer, you may or may not have to advance the costs.
Why take out a mechanical breakdown guarantee?
For a new car, the mechanical breakdown warranty can serve as a relay for the manufacturer's warranty (and the extended warranty if you have taken out one), once it has expired. However, new vehicle breakdowns very often occur beyond this warranty period! Such an option is therefore particularly attractive if you have purchased a valuable vehicle whose protection you wish to extend.
Recall
The manufacturer's warranty is a legal obligation for the manufacturer, which forces him to take responsibility for any repair related to a defective part, whether mechanical, electrical or electronic. It is free for the customer and valid for between 1 and 2 years (or sometimes up to a certain mileage).
For used vehicles, the mechanical breakdown guarantee can also be very interesting, to avoid any unpleasant surprises after the purchase. Older vehicles or vehicles with high mileage are more prone to breakdowns than new vehicles! Moreover, if you wish to resell the vehicle later in your turn, having taken out such a guarantee is likely to increase its value but also to reassure the potential buyer, who will be sure that it will have been maintained in good condition. conditions.
A paid and optional option
As a reminder, insurers generally offer several insurance options:
Third-party insurance: this is compulsory, and covers your civil liability in the event of an accident, that is to say bodily injury and material damage that you could inflict on others;
Third party insurance "plus" or intermediary: it often includes a basic damage cover (fire and theft, glass breakage, natural disaster, possibly collision), a personal driver's cover (in the event of bodily injury that might suffer) or even legal protection in the event of a dispute (legal fees, legal fees, etc.);
Comprehensive insurance: these are the most comprehensive insurance formulas, where we often find a mechanical breakdown guarantee. A wide choice of other options is also offered, ranging from accident damage coverage to vehicle content coverage, including replacement compensation in the event of destruction or theft.
The mechanical breakdown guarantee is therefore always a paid option to be taken out as part of your auto insurance contract: it is never included in the basic plan. It can also be the subject of a specific option taken out separately, outside the formula.
I insure my vehicle to a third party: what I need to know
To remember
In addition to the mechanical breakdown guarantee, you can take out other options to supplement your protection in the event of a disaster: assistance (which covers towing), vehicle loan, etc.
Points of attention
Several elements must be taken into account when you take out a mechanical breakdown guarantee, in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises the day you want to activate it.
Waiting period
The waiting period provides that you will not be able to be compensated in the event of a claim for a certain time following the signing of the contract. This period can vary between 6 and 12 months, sometimes more. So be careful if you want to take over a manufacturer's warranty: you must then take out the option before it expires!
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