Mechanical Breakdown Insurance: Progressive Review
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If you’re worried about potentially paying thousands of dollars in car repairs due to an unexpected breakdown, you might consider purchasing mechanical breakdown insurance. Some major insurance companies offer MBI, but can you get mechanical breakdown insurance from Progressive?
In this article, we’ll review Progressive’s mechanical breakdown insurance options and discuss alternatives, including MBI policies from other insurance providers and coverage from the best extended car warranty companies in the industry.
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Table of contents
What is Mechanical Breakdown Insurance?
Can You Get Mechanical Breakdown Insurance from Progressive?
While other major auto insurance providers offer mechanical breakdown insurance, Progressive does not. In the past, Progressive did offer MBI through a company called DirectWarranty. But today, mechanical breakdown insurance from Progressive is not an option for consumers.
The closest thing to mechanical breakdown insurance Progressive offers is the towing benefit included with Progressive car insurance policies. With this benefit, a tow truck will meet you where your car breaks down and take it to the nearest repair shop. However, that’s where your coverage stops, so this is not considered mechanical breakdown insurance. Progressive does not provide additional coverage for mechanical car parts.
Which Companies Offer Mechanical Breakdown Insurance?
Geico Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
In our research, we found Geico mechanical breakdown insurance to be the best policy on the market. Geico MBI covers the following mechanical parts of your car:
- Engine
- Transmission
- Drive axle
- Steering
- Suspension
- Cooling system
- Electrical components
This coverage isn’t as comprehensive as a bumper-to-bumper warranty plan, but you’ll only be paying about $30 to $75 per year for Geico MBI, which is significantly less than the cost of a typical extended car warranty.
In order to qualify for Geico’s mechanical breakdown insurance, your car must be less than 15 months old and have less than 15,000 miles on its odometer. If your car doesn’t qualify for mechanical breakdown insurance, you can still get comprehensive coverage from an extended car warranty provider.
Mercury Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
Mercury Insurance’s MBI policy is called Mercury Mechanical Protection. This mechanical breakdown insurance covers the same vehicle components as the Geico MBI plan. Some parts not covered by either plan include:
- Routine tune-ups
- Non-mechanical items such as vehicle trim or upholstery
- Wear-and-tear items like brake pads and tires
- Damage due to improper maintenance
- Collision damage
To qualify for a Mercury MBI plan, your car must still be under its original factory warranty.
21st Century Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
21st Century does not share much online about its mechanical breakdown insurance coverage or costs. However, it does mention that MBI policies are underwritten by Interstate National Dealer Services, Inc, a nationwide vehicle service contract administrator.
This company has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, which bodes well for its trustworthiness and willingness to resolve complaints, but customer reviews only give Interstate National Dealer Services an average of 1.7 stars.
Mechanical Breakdown Insurance vs. Extended Warranty Coverage
Mechanical breakdown insurance policies are similar to extended car warranties in that both provide extended protection for certain parts of your car. If you have a new car, it’s important to decide which coverage is right for you while you’re still eligible to purchase MBI.
The following chart compares mechanical breakdown insurance with an extended car warranty.
Mechanical Breakdown Insurance |
Extended Car Warranty |
|
|---|---|---|
Coverage |
Insurance companies typically only have one MBI policy that offers fairly comprehensive coverage but does not include all vehicle systems. |
Warranty companies often offer many levels of coverage, from basic powertrain plans to comprehensive bumper-to-bumper warranties. |
Cost |
Typically, MBI policies cost less than $100 per year. |
Extended car warranties can cost hundreds of dollars per year. |
Eligibility |
Qualifications for coverage vary by provider, but typically, a car must still be covered under its factory warranty to qualify for MBI. |
You can buy an extended car warranty from a warranty company at any time in your vehicle’s life. |
Reliability |
MBI plans qualify as an insurance product, so they are regulated by state governments. |
Extended car warranties aren’t regulated by the government, but many are backed by insurance companies. |
Cancellation Policy |
MBI cancellation policies vary by provider. |
Usually, extended warranties come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and after 30 days, customers can cancel at any time for a prorated refund. |
Transferability |
MBI transferability varies by provider. |
Nearly all plans can be transferred to subsequent vehicle owners if you choose to sell your car while it’s still under warranty. |
Typical Benefits |
Rental car reimbursement and courtesy towing are typical perks included with MBI policies. |
Rental car reimbursement, towing, roadside assistance, and trip interruption coverage are typically included with extended car warranty plans. |
Top Recommendations for Extended Car Warranties
If you’re looking for an extended warranty, we recommend getting quotes from multiple providers to ensure you’re getting the best coverage and price for your vehicle.
We’ve reviewed every major extended warranty provider in the industry and have found Endurance and CarShield to be two of the best providers based on coverage, costs, customer service, and more. Since you can’t get mechanical breakdown insurance from Progressive, check out these top companies:
Endurance: Best Coverage
With its high term limits and customizable payment plans, Endurance provides the best coverage on the market. Plus, Endurance warranty reviews from customers are largely positive. Although Endurance extended warranties are more expensive than mechanical breakdown insurance policies, the price is well worth it for drivers who want the highest-quality coverage and benefits package available.
Endurance has six coverage plans that customers can choose from:
- Supreme: Highest level of coverage that provides exclusionary bumper-to-bumper protection
- Superior: Comprehensive stated-component coverage that protects the same items as the Supreme plan, minus gaskets
- Secure Plus: Enhanced powertrain coverage that includes only the most major vehicle systems
- Secure: Basic powertrain coverage for your vehicle’s engine, transmission, and drivetrain
- Select Premier: Coverage designed for the unique needs of high-mileage vehicles
- EnduranceAdvantage™: Covers mechanical breakdowns as well as maintenance
Your first year of Endurance coverage comes with a year free of Endurance Elite Benefits, which provides perks like:
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Key fob replacement
- Total loss protection
- Tire repair or replacement
- Collision discount
- Endurance mobile app
To get a free Endurance quote, use the buttons below.
CarShield: Best Value
If you’re looking for comprehensive coverage at a price that’s closer to what you’d pay for MBI, check out CarShield. Along with offering motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle coverage, CarShield has five auto coverage plans to choose from:
- Diamond: Comprehensive bumper-to-bumper coverage
- Platinum: Highest level of stated-component coverage
- Gold: Enhanced powertrain coverage
- Silver: Basic powertrain coverage
- Aluminum: Coverage designed for vehicles with complex electronic systems
Some benefits that come with a CarShield extended warranty include:
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Rental car reimbursement
- Courtesy towing
- Customizable payment plan options
You can read our in-depth CarShield review for more information, or get a personalized quote by clicking the buttons below.
Our rating: 4.2 out of 5.0
Our research found this provider to be the most affordable. Plus, it offers monthly plans.
Methodology
- Price: Comparing providers can be difficult due to the many factors that influence cost. To determine this score, we employ a secret shopper analysis using different vehicles, mileages, warranty plans, and locations.
- Coverage: A wide variety of coverage is essential to support the differing needs of customers. We take into account the number of extended car warranty plans available, term limits, exclusions, and additional benefits.
- Customer Service: The level of customer service and care provided by an extended warranty company is an important consideration. Our review team sifts through customer reviews and complaints from reputable sources such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. We also consider the responsiveness of each company’s customer service team based on our secret shopper analysis.
- Reputation: Good extended warranty providers consistently provide quality experiences. Our team takes into account BBB ratings and the company’s history of reliable service when giving this score.
- Transparency: Customers value a commitment to open and honest communication when it comes to vehicle service contracts. Our team of experts takes into account the availability of money-back guarantees and sample contracts.
Stephen Kenney is a writer and editor who focuses on car insurance, auto financing, and vehicle shipping services. He's a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and has experience covering categories ranging from travel to sports to environmental sustainability. In his free time, Stephen enjoys going on long-distance runs, trying out new recipes, and exploring his adopted hometown of Cincinnati.
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