Does auto insurance cover battery replacement? (2026)

Car insurance usually doesn't cover car battery replacement, but there are exceptions. Read on to learn what your options are if your car's battery needs to be replaced.

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Brett Surbey

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Brett Surbey is a corporate paralegal specializing in tax reorganizations and the creation of corporations so they can successfully navigate all aspects of their business and mitigate risks where necessary. He has assisted lawyers on a number of enigmatic transactions, including M&As, complex corporate succession plans, and amalgamations.   In addition to his legal career, he is a known e...

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Kristen Gryglik

Licensed Insurance Agent

Kristen is a licensed insurance agent working in the greater Boston area. She has over 20 years of experience counseling individuals and businesses on which insurance policies best fit their needs and budgets. She knows everyone has their own unique needs and circumstances, and she is passionate about counseling others on which policy is right for them. Licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,...

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Kristen Gryglik

Updated December 2024

Does insurance cover battery replacement? It would be nice to have your major car repairs covered by insurance, but auto insurance for maintenance is not common. 

does auto insurance cover battery replacement

While most car insurance companies won’t help with buying a new battery, there are some policy options that will help with jumpstarting a dead battery. With damage and loss under covered incidents, your policy could help with battery replacement. If you’re wondering, “Does Geico replace a car battery?” keep reading to learn more about this and whether a car battery is covered under lease.

Things to remember

  • Routine inspections and maintenance for a car are not covered by auto insurance
  • In special circumstances, it may be possible to get battery replacement covered by an insurance policy
  • When tempted to file a claim for a battery replacement, consider the inexpensive nature of the part when compared to the policy deductible

Car Insurance Battery Replacement Coverage

Does insurance cover a car battery? When it comes to car repairs, car insurance companies don’t typically extend coverage for general maintenance items like a car battery, headlight, or tire.

Vehicle owners assume the costs of preventative maintenance and any repairs or replacement for auto parts. A car battery is included with an insurance policy if it’s specifically named as a covered part or if it’s damaged during a covered incident.

When you sign up for car insurance, you won’t find a line for car battery coverage. However, that doesn’t mean you are totally on your own if your car battery malfunctions.

Does roadside assistance replace batteries? While Geico, Progressive, Nationwide, or State Farm battery replacement coverage is not available, they are some of the auto insurance companies that offer roadside assistance plans, which will help out if your battery dies while on the road.

 
 
 
 
 
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Each company has different benefits with a roadside assistance plan, but many of them include a free jumpstart for a dead battery or a towing service for your disabled car.

Roadside Assistance Programs

Auto insurance covers roadside assistance as an add-on to a standard policy, though these services come at an additional cost. Roadside assistance often takes care of things such as towing a disabled vehicle, jump-starting a dead battery, delivering fluid or fuel, or changing a flat tire. 

Will roadside assistance replace a battery? This program doesn’t address the cost of buying a new battery but the expense of getting your vehicle towed to an auto shop or sending a response technician to jump-start the battery for you.

Does Geico cover battery replacement? While you can’t get Geico battery replacement, they’ll tow you to get a new one or help jump-start your existing one. 

Since this add-on is charged each policy term, compare the cost of this service to the cost of a new battery when deciding on adding roadside assistance.

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Preparing for Possible Car Battery Replacement Situations

While you would want your insurance to cover as many issues as possible, you probably won’t find a policy that will assist with the daily maintenance and upkeep your vehicle requires. There is a big difference between levels of coverage, making it harder on your budget if you are looking for a more inclusive policy.

Understanding car insurance will help you compare the differences between low, medium, and high coverages and rates.

Auto Insurance Average Monthly Rates By Coverage Type

Insurance CompanyHigh CoverageLow CoverageMedium Coverage
Allstate: Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates By Coverage Type$428$386$408
American Family: Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates By Coverage Type$285$281$295
Farmers: Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates By Coverage Type$375$327$347
Geico: Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates By Coverage Type$286$250$268
Liberty Mutual: Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates By Coverage Type$530$484$505
Nationwide: Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates By Coverage Type$292$283$287
Progressive: Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates By Coverage Type$363$311$335
State Farm: Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates By Coverage Type$288$255$272
Travelers: Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates By Coverage Type$385$352$372
USAA: Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates By Coverage Type$222$200$212

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If your goal is to find an insurance policy that will help you with car repairs, you might want to consider exploring options of an extended warranty. This isn’t an insurance policy, but it can be financial help with car repairs that aren’t related to collisions.

Understanding How Car Insurance Covers a Battery if it Wasn’t Damaged by a Wreck

So, is a battery covered under insurance?

A battery could be damaged from a non-accident incident, or a driver may swerve off the road and collide head-on with a mailbox or tree. A terrible storm could cause a tree limb to fall on your car and damage the battery or other parts. In these situations, you would want to have extended coverage through a comprehensive or collision policy, which cover many incidents.

However, while it might be a covered incident, you would be responsible for paying the deductible on the policy before the benefits take effect.

Does auto insurance cover battery replacement?: Car Insurance Deductible Definition Card

The average battery costs around $120, but the average deductible is $500.

By comparing the different types of auto insurance coverage, you will see how insurance companies address non-accident repairs. If you get into an accident, liability auto insurance coverage is used to repair the damage to the other vehicle or personal property, as well as pay the medical or death expenses for the individuals in the incident.

Does auto insurance cover battery replacement?: Liability Insurance Definition Card

To cover your own vehicle during an incident, you may have to file a claim on the other driver’s liability insurance if you haven’t taken out additional coverage on your own policy. If a car accident damages your battery, this could be the way an insurance company pays to replace it.

More About Car Battery Insurance Coverage

Is a car battery covered under insurance? While insurance won’t pay to replace a dead car battery, a roadside assistance program can help out in the meantime. However, if you got in a wreck that damaged your battery, insurance will cover it.

Even if your budget can’t afford an insurance policy that includes a car battery replacement, you should invest in the best coverage your finances allow. This financial protection can give you peace of mind whether you are facing a repair after an accident or you’ve experienced damage from inclement weather.

As far as your car battery is concerned, you could use a roadside assistance add-on to get you back on the road while you figure out what option you will choose for replacing the battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does car insurance cover battery change?

You may wonder, “Does car insurance cover a dead battery?” In most cases, car insurance won’t pay for a dead battery, unless it was caused by a covered claim.

However, you could get roadside coverage to help out temporarily when your battery dies. For example, you can get a tow with Geico roadside assistance to replace a battery, or they’ll come to jump your battery off.

Are electric car batteries covered by auto insurance?

Does insurance cover EV battery replacement? Coverage EV batteries may vary depending on the insurance company and policy. However, electric car batteries are generally not covered unless damaged by a covered comprehensive or collision claim.

It’s important to review your policy or contact your insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage for electric car batteries. Enter your ZIP code into our free tool below to instantly compare cheap electric vehicle battery insurance quotes from top providers.

Does insurance cover Tesla battery replacement?

Tesla owners may be asking, “Does car insurance cover Tesla battery replacement?” Car insurance won’t usually pay for battery replacement unless it was damaged in a covered claim.

Does Tesla insurance cover battery replacement?

With Tesla, does insurance cover a dead battery? Tesla Insurance won’t generally pay for car batteries unless it was damaged in a covered event.

Read More: Tesla Auto Insurance Review

Does car insurance cover a hybrid battery replacement?

If you drive a hybrid, you may be asking, “Does car insurance cover a hybrid battery?” Generally, car insurance won’t cover a dead hybrid SUV battery unless it was damaged in a covered claim.

What is a hybrid car?

How does a hybrid car work? A hybrid car is a combination of both an electric motor and a traditional gas engine to improve fuel efficiency. Often, hybrid battery replacement cost is higher than for a traditional gasoline vehicle.

Does comprehensive coverage include car battery replacement?

Does my car insurance cover battery replacement under comprehensive? Comprehensive coverage typically covers damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision incidents, such as theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters. If your car battery is damaged or stolen as a result of one of these covered incidents, comprehensive coverage may cover the replacement cost.

Will my insurance rates increase if I file a claim for battery replacement?

Filing a claim for battery replacement may or may not directly impact your insurance rates. Insurance companies consider various factors when determining premium rates, including your claims history. If you have multiple claims, it could potentially lead to an increase in rates. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider to understand how filing a claim for battery replacement may affect your rates.

Are leased vehicles covered for battery replacement?

Does insurance cover battery replacement for leased vehicles? Check out your lease agreement to see the specific terms regarding maintenance and repairs regarding leased car battery replacement. In most cases, the responsibility for battery replacement lies with the lessee, or the person leasing the vehicle.

We recommend you review your lease agreement or consult with the leasing company to understand their policies regarding battery replacement.

What is the lifespan of a car battery?

The average lifespan of a car battery is three to four years, though it could last longer or die much sooner depending on your vehicle type. For instance, the car battery life for a 2023 CR-V hybrid sport vs. sport touring are different.

How long does a hybrid battery last? Depending on your car, a hybrid car battery could last anywhere from 8 to fifteen years.

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