After cleaning my engine- my car has major problems. This local mechanic said that I can claim it on my car insurance, but I have never made a claim before and I really don't know if this is possible. I was considering calling my insurance agent, but I wanted to know first if anyone has any information. Does it matter that someone else cleaned my car? I sure that the insurance will not cover this, but I am need of some help. Thanks for the info

HOLY COW!! THAT'S A GREAT IDEA!!

I wonder why I didn't think of that!!

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'98 Lowered Integra with neon underbody lights

Besides asking us here, call your agent.

Best Regards,
Jim

If the car was running when being washed it could have very well sucked water in the intake. Water doesn't compress so something would have to give, usually the valves from what I've seen. If water went in the valves will be bent and the piston could possibly be broken if not shattered like the hydrolocked Dakota I worked on.

I know someone who drove their '03 Volvo S80 through high water and the car ingested it. Insurance paid for a new crate motor.

Thanks
David

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2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

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Your policy probably includes an exclusion for "expected or intended injury or damage". I doubt if the insurer will want to pay for something caused during routine maintenance. Similarly, if you twisted off a bolt head while changing the oil, would you expect insurance to pay for it?

The situation stated earlier where the person was paid for damage to a car after driving through water is different. It can be argued that there is no way to avoid driving through water, depending on the situation.

In one instance, however, I was aware of a claim wherein a guy was hauling diesel fuel in an approved container in the trunk of the car, and the container leaked fuel into the trunk and back seat. The insurance company eventually bought him another car because they couldn't get the smell out no matter what they did. It was a comprehensive coverage claim.

It all depends on the insuring company and the policy language.

DS
87 300D
Northern Iowa

100% (and exclusions page)

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Your best argument would in relation to an act of God - can you in anyway claim that you or anyone else heard voices? Seems like a long shot.

I called my insurance agent and guess what he told me to call back when I get the bill. I hope he is really going to help. The reason the insurance will pay is because of the reason that I had the engine washed. The whole thing started when I started my car and it went immediately died. Then I started it again and backed up (but I seemed not to have any power stering)- as I drove down the road it was difficult to turn, etc. then car started running hot and immediately returned home. My sister's boyfriend came over and when we opened the hood- there was blood, flesh, and hair from a cat (which was dead in the yard). I was completely shocked- basically the cat had made my belt come off. We put the belt back on and the car drove fine, then we washed the motor and I had major problems. My agent explained that they have had problems w/ rats in motor, etc. so I may get some help. I didn't even realize this was possible I am so glad I called- thanks again for the advice. The only problem I forsee is the mechanic technician said they can't say for sure if everything was just concidence or caused by belt, motor running hot, or water. Thanks, Angie

You have what is called in the insurance business 'a covered peril'. The incident with the animal is certainly unforseen, and thus an insurable event. If the insurance company denies coverage, go after them.

DS
87 300D
Northern Iowa