Will Car Insurance Cover Battery Replacement?

A dead car battery can be an inconvenience. The last thing you want is to try to start your car in the middle of a freeze and see nothing happen.

The typical car battery usually lasts between three and five years. Some last longer. Regular maintenance is a key a battery’s life.

Still, winter is coming. Cold weather can be very hard on your car battery. Experts often recommend that if your battery is nearing the end of its life, you should replace it before cold weather.

Cold weather causes the number of dead car batteries to spike. This is because it takes more energy for your battery to start your engine during cold weather. Therefore, the battery drains faster.

If your battery dies, sometimes you can recharge it by jumping the car off with jumper cables. However, as a battery ages, the effectiveness of jump-starting your engine usually lessens. Eventually, you are in much better shape by replacing the battery entirely. Jump-starting can also damage other systems if you have to do it too often.

So, suppose it is time for a new battery. You will likely wonder if your car insurance will help pay for the new battery? Replacing a battery requires service fees, charges, taxes and even recycling fees. Battery replacements can range from around $75 to upwards of $300. It all depends on factors like where you live and the type of car you drive.

The bad news is, car insurance often won’t cover the costs of battery replacement.

Car batteries die. This is generally part of the normal wear and tear of your vehicle. Car insurance generally isn’t meant to protect you in cases of normal wear and tear. Many policies won’t cover the full replacement cost of a battery. You should always make sure to have someone who services your car check its battery health. That can help you reduce the risk of a dead battery.

The good news is, insurance can help in other ways. Your insurance will likely cover you to repair battery damages if you are in an accident.

Some policies also offer roadside assistance services. Roadside assistance can be helpful in the event of a dead battery. Many policies even offer jump-start services.

Insurance companies also sometimes work with trusted local services to deliver and replace the battery on spot. Your insurance can be a valuable tool even if it doesn’t fully cover battery replacement.

It is never a bad idea to check with your auto insurance company when you have to replace your battery. If they don’t provide full coverage, your insurance may still provide assistance.

Do you have questions about what your Raleigh auto insurance covers? We have many options to choose from that will protect your car and your battery. Call ACF Insurance Services Inc today at (919) 661-1100.