Full coverage car insurance protects you and your vehicle in many situations, from fender benders and fallen tree branches to vandalism and theft.
But there are a surprising number of things most basic policies won’t cover, like personal items in your car, roadside assistance, custom parts and collisions outside the U.S.
Here are 13 scenarios not covered by standard auto insurance and how you can ensure you’re protected.
Paying too much for car insurance? Check out these options to save.
Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.
Geico auto coverage is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. It offers 16 discounts and a variety of optional add-ons, like roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and mechanical breakdown insurance.
1. Routine maintenance
Not even full coverage will reimburse you for an oil change, tire rotation or getting new air filters. But you can often get a prepaid maintenance plan or a set period of mileage from your dealership, garage or a third-party provider.
It won’t cover all the necessary tuneup work, but, by and large, you’ll get a better rate and know in advance how much routine care will cost. Some plans are transferable if you sell your vehicle.
2. Mechanical breakdowns
Standard car insurance won’t cover damage caused by routine wear and tear. So, If your brake pads wear out or the transmission gives up the ghost, you’re out of luck.
A mechanical breakdown policy, however, will cover parts and labor for repairs to the engine, transmission, drive axle, suspension, steering, brakes, HVAC and other systems. One of the best in the business, Good Sam’s Extended Service Plan is available for cars up to 15 model years old or with up to 100,000 miles on them.
Good Sam Auto Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
-
Policy highlights
The Good Sam Extended Service Plan is mechanical breakdown insurance available for vehicles worth up to $60,000 for sudden and unexpected issues not related to normal wear and tear. If your vehicle is unusable due to a covered loss, you may be reimbursed for food and lodging and meals (up to $100 a day for five days) and for a rental car (up to $60 a day for five days).
-
Vehicles
Cars under 15 model years old or driven under 100,000 miles. RVs under 20 models years old or driven under 150,000 miles. Trucks, trailers, fifth wheels and motorhomes also covered.
-
Covered components
Engine, transmission, drive axle, suspension, steering assembly, brakes, HVAC
-
Deductibles
Choose your deductible and monthly or annual payment terms.
-
Reimbursement
Good Sam pays garages and dealerships directly for pre-authorized claim
-
Transferable
Fully transferable to new owner for free
Pros
- No inspection or annual mileage restriction
- Parts and labor included
- Can be bundled with Progressive auto insurance
Cons
- Not available for cars over 100,000 miles
- May be harder to get coverage for older vehicles
3. Personal belongings
Amica Homeowners Insurance
-
Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
-
Maximum coverage
-
App available
-
Policy highlights
Amica offers two tiers of homeowners insurance coverage — a standard policy and the brand’s unique Platinum Choice homeowners insurance. The latter offers extended coverage for jewelry, liability and covers more situations than a standard homeowners insurance policy. Add-on options include computer coverage, sump pump backup coverage, and dwelling replacement coverage.
Lemonade Renters Insurance
-
Availability
Lemonade renters insurance is available in 28 states and Washington, D.C.
-
Coverage limits
Personal property coverage: $250,000, personal liability: $500,000, medical payments: $500,000, loss of use: $200,000
-
Deductible
-
Add-ons
Extra coverage for jewelry and other valuables, no-deductible claims, coverage for accidental damage and mysterious loss
4. Unlisted drivers who live with you
You can generally let someone else drive your car without them being on your policy. This is for infrequent use, though, like a neighbor going on a one-off grocery run.
Typically, though, any licensed driver who lives with you — whether that’s a spouse, a roommate or your teenage son — needs to be on your policy or they’re excluded from coverage. If they use your car and cause an accident, any damages won’t be covered.
5. Roadside assistance
Roadside assistance is a lifesaver if you run out of gas, get a flat tire or hit a snow bank. But most car insurance companies charge extra for it.
Lemonade Auto Insurance
-
Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
-
App available
-
Policy highlights
Lemonade offers coverage for a variety of scenarios, including: car crashes, highway stalls, damage from fire, vandalism and weather, damaged glass and windshield, if you’re sued for liability and if your car gets stolen
6. Driving outside the U.S.
No matter what state you live in, your car insurance is valid across the U.S. Once you cross the border, however, it’s a different story. Many providers extend coverage into Canada, but Geico is one of only a few that offers liability coverage in Mexico that is comparable to what you’d have at home.
Geico Auto Insurance
-
Policy highlights
Geico offers 16 discounts and a variety of optional add-ons, such as emergency roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and mechanical breakdown insurance.
-
Availability
Geico auto insurance is available in all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C.
-
Accident forgiveness
Accident forgiveness is automatic if you remain accident-free for five years. It can also be bought as an upgrade when you buy or renew your policy.
Terms apply.
Dairyland issues policies in 38 states, but only California drivers get automatic coverage within 25 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border.
Dairyland Auto Insurance
-
Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
-
App available
-
Policy highlights
Founded in 1953, Dairyland offers auto insurance in 38 states and specializes in high-risk drivers. Offerings include non-owner car insurance policies, coverage for motorcycles and off-road vehicles and limited Mexico coverage on all California policies.
7. Ridesharing or driving for business
If you’re a driver for Uber, Lyft or DoorDash, your vehicle is only covered when you have a fare. A ridesharing endorsement from Progressive ensures you’re protected when you’re on the clock but haven’t picked up a customer yet.
Progressive Auto Insurance
-
Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
-
App available
-
Policy highlights
Progressive offers a number of lines of insurance to allow for bundling, and convenient tools to help you keep your coverage in your budget.
If your personal automobile pulls double-duty as a work vehicle, you might need commercial auto insurance, which covers business use. BiBerk has some of the cheapest rates in the industry and offers free certificates of insurance instantly.
biBerk Commercial Auto Insurance
-
Features
BiBerk’s commercial auto insurance covers a variety of vehicles, from limousines to motorcycles. Its known for affordability, with prices as much has 20% less than other providers.
-
Coverage options
Options for commercial auto insurance include personal injury protection (PIP) coverage
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Licensed experts available on call
- Online quotes, policy management and claims system
Cons
- Only available in 19 U.S. states
8. Rental car reimbursement
Depending on the issue, the garage’s schedule and the availability of parts, car repairs can take days or even weeks to complete. Standard car insurance won’t pay for a loaner car, but with a full coverage policy from Allstate, you can add a rental car reimbursement benefit and be covered for $30 a day for up to 30 days.
Allstate Auto Insurance
-
Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
-
App available
-
Policy highlights
Allstate offers auto insurance customers a total of 14 discounts in addition to a pay-per-mile car insurance program. It offers quotes by phone, through an agent, or online. The company also offers a number of other insurance products to bundle your coverage and save.
9. Custom parts and collector cars
Most auto insurance policies only cover up to $1,000 for modifications, which is barely enough for high-end rims. State Farm has supplemental parts and equipment coverage that pays for custom paint jobs, stereos, lift kits, spoilers and other upgrades and aftermarket parts.
State Farm Auto Insurance
-
Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
-
App available
-
Policy highlights
State Farm is one of the largest auto insurers in the U.S. based on market share. It has an excellent reputation for customer satisfaction and offers discounts for safe driving and young drivers.
If you have a collectible ride, you’ll need classic car insurance, which has stringent storage requirements and mileage limits but pays out based on a predetermined value. Available nationwide, American Collectors Insurance’s Freedom Tier policy offers higher liability limits and more options for deductibles, plus up to $250 to relocate your car during a natural disaster.
American Collectors Insurance
-
Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
-
Policy highlights
American Collectors Insurance offers affordable agreed-value insurance for collector cars. All policies offer the ability to use a repair shop of your choice and basic towing services. The brand also offers optional coverage for expanded towing and transportation services.
Pros
- Quotes available quickly with simplified underwriting
- Coverage includes $0 deductible glass coverage
- Coverage includes $250 for disaster relocation expenses per insured vehicle
- No membership fees
Cons
- Only available in 20 states
- Does not offer coverage for everyday cars
- Does not offer coverage for racing or timed events
10. Pet injuries
If your four-legged friend is riding with you when you’re in an accident, most car insurance companies won’t cover their veterinary bills.
Pet insurance can help soften the financial blow. Accident and illness policies from Figo are affordable with generous limits. Customers can customize coverage with preventive care and exam fees and Costco members may be eligible for a discount.
Figo Pet Insurance
-
Policy highlights
Figo offers accident and illness and wellness plans.
-
Age limits
-
Coverage limit
$5,000, $10,000 or unlimited
-
Annual deductible
-
Reimbursement rate
-
Waiting period
1 day for accidents, 14 days for illnesses and 6 months for orthopedic injuries to dogs (may be waived by having vet examine your dog)
-
Discounts
5% multi-pet discount, 15% discount for Costco members and 5% military discount (in most states). Deductible drops by $50 each year you don’t file a claim
-
Direct vet pay
11. Racing or off-roading
Damages caused by racing, joyriding or off-roading aren’t covered by standard insurance, though Hagerty provides affordable off-track coverage for race cars, dragsters and race motorcycles.
Hagerty Insurance
-
Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
-
Policy highlights
Hagerty offers coverage for a variety of vintage and collector vehicles, including motorcycles and boats in addition to cars. It offers coverage for vehicles that are in restoration or building, and can also cover up to $750 worth of tools for your project car.
Pros
- Available in all 50 U.S. states
- Wide variety of vehicles can be covered
- Allows for flexible usage of collector vehicles for pleasure
- Access to useful valuation tools
Cons
- Requires seperate HPDE and Track Day coverage for racing vehicles
- Does not consider drivers with serious infractions, including DUIs and excessive speeding violations
- Does not cover off-road or recreational vehicles
12. Losses above your policy limit
If you’re held liable for an accident, your insurer will only pay out to your liability limit. Anything above that comes out of your pocket, so, to protect your assets in a lawsuit, it’s recommended to have liability coverage equal to or greater than your net worth.
If you have a particularly high net worth, an umbrella insurance policy from American Family can ensure your assets are protected. American Family also has generous discounts, including bundling home and auto insurance.
American Family Umbrella Insurance
-
Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
-
Maximum coverage
-
App available
-
Policy highlights
American Family has a wide variety of umbrella policies available, including personal coverage, commercial coverage and coverage for ranches and farms. It’s also highly rated for auto and home insurance.
Pros
- Wide variety of coverage options available.
Cons
- Not available in all 50 states.
13. The balance on your car loan
Your car starts depreciating the moment you drive it off the lot. If you get into an accident that totals your vehicle, your insurer may not cut you a check big enough to cover the balance on your car loan or lease.
Nationwide has gap insurance for cars up to six years old, twice what most companies will cover.
Nationwide Life Insurance
-
Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
-
App available
-
Policy highlights
Life insurance policies through Nationwide can come with several benefits, including the ability to keep all of your insurance policies in one place. Nationwide offers term, whole and universal life insurance, and offers a no-exam term life insurance option that can be bought online with coverage up to $1.5 million.
Car insurance FAQs
How much is car insurance?
Full coverage car insurance averaged $2,680 a year in June 2025, an increase of about 12% from the same time last year. Liability car insurance, meanwhile, averaged about $802 a year.
Individual premiums vary greatly based on your location, age, driving record, claims history, credit score and other factors.
Does car insurance cover theft?
Does car insurance cover flooding?
If you have comprehensive coverage, your vehicle is covered for water damage caused by flooding, rain or hail. It does not cover water damage due to maintenance or neglect, like a slow leak or leaving your window open during a storm.
Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
Your personal liability, collision and comprehensive coverage generally apply if you rent a car within the U.S. or Canada. You may want to consider rental car insurance, however, if you have limited coverage or are outside North America. You may be able to get a policy from the rental car company through your credit card company.
If you’re using the rental car for business, however, your personal policy likely won’t cover it.
Subscribe to the CNBC Select Newsletter!
Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox. Sign up here.
Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every insurance guide is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of insurance products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.
Catch up on CNBC Select’s in-depth coverage of credit cards, banking and money, and follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.
Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.
