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You hop into your car to head to work, put your foot on the brake and push the button to start the engine. But nothing happens, so you try again. Still nothing. If this scenario sounds familiar, you know how frustrating it can be when you're greeted by a dead battery. Car batteries don't last forever, and if you plan on keeping your car for more than a few years, chances are you'll need to replace it once or twice. But who's responsible for the cost? Let's find out.
Does Car Insurance Cover Battery Replacement?
A standard auto insurance policy doesn't cover battery replacement due to normal wear and tear. So, if your battery dies because it's old, you're on the hook for the cost to replace it.
However, if the battery was damaged from an incident your insurance policy covers, such as a crash or severe weather, your insurer may pick up the tab, depending on the types of coverage you have. If your insurer covers the incident, you may be required to pay a deductible before your coverage kicks in based on the type of claim you file.
Learn more >> What Does Car Insurance Cover?
Does Filing a Claim for Battery Replacement Raise Your Premium?
Whether filing a car insurance claim raises your rate depends on your policy. Some policies may only increase your premium if the claim you file exceeds a specific dollar amount or if you have more than one claim within a designated time period. Others may raise your rate no matter what.
If you're unsure how filing a battery replacement claim may affect your premium, contact your insurance company or agent for additional information.
Learn more >> Why Did My Car Insurance Go Up?
Should I File a Car Insurance Claim for Battery Replacement?
If you need to replace your battery because it's come to the end of its life, filing a claim probably doesn't make sense because your insurance company typically won't cover the cost. However, if you need a new car battery because yours was stolen or damaged in an accident or other covered incident, your insurer might pay to replace it, and it may be worth filing a claim. But first, you need to do some math.
If you file a claim under a coverage with a deductible attached to it, you have to pay for battery and repair costs until you reach the deductible amount. Your insurer will cover the amount above that threshold.
To determine whether the battery replacement and repair cost would exceed your deductible amount, it's a good idea to get a quote for the repair costs before filing a claim. Batteries for gas-powered vehicles are relatively inexpensive, averaging about $200 to $400 each. However, repairs for additional damage could cost thousands. Comparing the cost to replace the battery and repair the damage will help you decide if it makes financial sense to file a claim.
While filing a claim can help you recoup your money, there may be little to reimburse after paying your deductible if your car sustained minimal damage. It may also increase your premium, so you need to decide what makes the most financial sense for you.
Electric Vehicles
The cost-benefit analysis is different if you drive an electric vehicle (EV). The average price of EV batteries is significantly higher than batteries for gas-powered vehicles, ranging from $5,000 to $16,000. However, most EV batteries typically come with warranties lasting about eight to 10 years or 100,000 miles. If your battery is still under warranty, the automaker will typically cover the repair, with a few exceptions. Be sure to read the fine print to find out what they will and won't cover, as well as scenarios that can nullify the warranty.
If your battery is damaged in an incident your insurer covers, such as an accident or falling tree limb, the insurance company may pick up the tab for the damaged battery. However, a standard auto insurance policy doesn't cover routine wear and tear or mechanical failure.
How to File a Claim for a Car Battery
The process for filing a claim varies by insurance company, but you can generally complete it in a few simple steps.
- Contact your insurer. Let them know what happened and why you want to file a claim. They can answer your questions about the process, what your deductible is (if applicable), whether the loss is covered and how filing a claim may affect your premium in the future. Insurance companies typically offer multiple options for filing a claim, including online, by phone or through an app.
- Submit the required information. Your insurance company will ask for details about the incident that led to the claim. If you were in an accident or your battery was damaged in another covered event, you'll need to provide a summary of what happened, including the date and time of the incident. The insurer may also request photos of the damage.
- Stay in touch. It will take time to completely resolve the claim, and your insurer may request additional information during the process. Providing it as quickly as possible will help avoid delays.
How to Protect Your Car's Battery
Here are a few tips to help you preserve the life of your car's battery.
- Make sure the interior lights are turned off. When you exit the car, check that the doors are securely closed and no interior lights are on. They can drain your car's battery if left on without the engine running.
- Turn off the headlights. Interior lights aren't the only lights that can drain your battery when the car isn't running; headlights can too. If your headlights have an auto setting, consider using it, so they turn off automatically when you turn the engine off.
- Drive regularly. Some systems use battery power even when the car is off. When you drive, the battery gets recharged. Driving regularly helps keep the battery charged so it doesn't drain to empty while sitting idly.
- Park your car in a garage. Severe temperatures can reduce your battery's life. If possible, park your car in a garage to avoid excessive exposure to extremely high and low temperatures.
The Bottom Line
Car batteries don't last forever, especially if you drive a gas-powered vehicle. If your battery reaches the end of its life due to normal wear and tear, your insurer won't pay to replace it. Replacing the battery is part of the cost of owning a car, like changing the oil or air filter.
However, if your battery is damaged in a covered loss, such as a collision or car fire, the insurance company may pay for the replacement. If you need to pay a deductible before your insurance kicks in, determine whether it makes financial sense to file a claim.