When does auto insurance cover a dead battery?

Does auto insurance cover a dead battery? It’s a common question.

While auto insurance can help pay for damage to your car caused by collisions, weather, or even vandalism (depending on your coverage), one common problem that is not typically covered by auto insurance is a dead car battery.

That said, even if your auto insurance covers car battery replacement, you probably won’t be able to take advantage of this option since auto insurance deductibles tend to be much higher than the cost of buying a new car battery.

However, this doesn’t mean that auto insurance can’t save you time and money the next time your car runs out of juice. If you’re looking for auto insurance that can make replacing a dead battery easier, read on to learn about the options available to you. 

And once your questions about auto insurance for car battery replacement have been answered, enter your ZIP code in our free online quote tool to compare rates and find auto insurance that’s right for you.

When does auto insurance cover car battery replacement?

For the most part, auto insurance won’t cover the cost of replacing your dead car battery. If you have collision or comprehensive insurance, your insurance company may be able to replace your dead battery. But unless your deductible is lower than the cost of a new battery, you won’t save money by seeking a replacement from your insurer.

While your auto insurance probably won’t cover you if you need to replace your car’s battery, you might be covered if you have a warranty for your car battery (or possibly for the car it powers). According to AutoZone, a typical car battery only lasts about three to five years; however, if your battery breaks down well before the three-year mark, replacement may be covered under a manufacturer’s warranty. 

What insurance companies cover car battery replacement after a collision?

If you have collision coverage and are involved in a roadway accident, your auto insurance will replace your battery if it is damaged and the total amount of damage to your car exceeds your deductible, likely meaning that more than your battery needs replacement or repairs.

Similarly, if you have comprehensive auto insurance and your car battery is damaged as a result of something other than a collision (like flooding or fire), your auto insurance could end up covering a replacement.

In all likelihood, you won’t rely on auto insurance to replace a dead or damaged battery since replacing a car battery only costs about $50 – $250. In other words, you won’t be able to save money by going through your auto insurance unless your deductible is very low.

How can I reduce the cost of replacing a car battery?

While your auto insurance probably won’t help cover the cost of replacing your dead battery, there are a few options that can make the process of restoring a battery less costly and time-consuming:

• Check to see if battery replacement is covered by a warranty, either from the battery manufacturer or as part of your vehicle warranty if you drive a new car
• Purchase roadside assistance insurance, so you’ll be able to have someone jumpstart or tow your vehicle if your battery expires while you’re away from home
• If you’re comfortable doing so, replace the car battery yourself to avoid spending time and money having someone else restore it. Home Depot has a helpful guide to walk you through this fairly straightforward task

Can roadside assistance insurance help me replace a dead car battery?

Purchasing roadside assistance is a good idea if you’re concerned about your car battery dying while you’re on the road. While roadside assistance won’t help you replace your battery (and roadside repair likely won’t be an option), it will make the process easier by helping you jumpstart your car or get a tow to the nearest mechanic.

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Some roadside assistance programs, like Allstate Roadside Advantage, also offer additional benefits like savings on certain travel expenses and trip interruption coverage.

What to Consider Before Buying Auto Insurance That Covers Dead Batteries

• While multiple types of auto insurance could technically cover the cost of replacing a dead battery, it’s unlikely that your deductible is low enough to take advantage of any policy that offers battery replacement
• Car battery replacement may be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, or as part of your vehicle warranty, if you drive a new car
• Purchasing roadside assistance insurance can save you time and money if your battery dies while you’re away from your home

Are you looking for the best car insurance companies that can assist you with a dead battery? Try our free online quote tool to find affordable insurance that’s right for you.