Is Full Coverage Car Insurance Worth It for Repairs?

Last updated on : 18 Apr 2025
4 min read

If you’ve ever faced unexpected car repairs, you know how quickly costs can spiral. It's no surprise many drivers wonder, does full coverage insurance cover repairs and if it’s truly worth the premium. At Shory, we get asked this all the time, and we think it's time to break it down simply, clearly and honestly.

Let’s take a realistic look at how much full coverage helps with car repairs, and whether it saves you money or just gives peace of mind.

What Is “Full Coverage” Anyway?

Contrary to what the term suggests, full coverage car insurance for repairs doesn’t cover everything. It’s the comprehensive coverage, usually a combination of collision coverage (damage from accidents) and other events like theft, vandalism, or weather damage. But, here’s the catch, it doesn’t usually include mechanical breakdowns from regular wear and tear.

So, does full coverage pay for car repairs like a failing transmission or engine trouble? Unfortunately, not unless the damage was caused by an incident covered under your policy.

Let’s Talk Numbers: The Cost of Repairs vs. Insurance

Car repair bills can range widely, from a few hundred bucks for a new alternator to several thousand for engine overhauls. That’s where the real comparison kicks in: full coverage vs repair costs.

At Shory, we’ve seen customers who’ve benefitted hugely from their full coverage policies after major accidents, saving thousands. Others? Not so much, especially when expecting help for standard repairs, only to learn it’s not covered.

If your car is older or not worth much on the market, paying for full coverage might not make sense. But if your car is newer, financed, or simply valuable to you, it’s an investment in protection from worst-case scenarios.

Hidden Value: Peace of Mind and Protection

Sure, car insurance repair coverage doesn’t handle everything. But it can prevent financial disaster after a collision or major theft-related repair. Imagine someone sideswipes your parked car and the bill comes in at AED 9,000. With full coverage, you’re only responsible for your deductible, not the entire amount.

And during chaotic times, floods, hailstorms, vandalism, comprehensive coverage can be a lifesaver. So even if full coverage won’t fix your brake pads or replace a busted A/C, it’s invaluable when things really go south.

Real Scenarios: When It Helps (and When It Doesn’t)

Example 1: A customer in Dubai got rear-ended, and the damage estimate was over AED 15,000. Their full coverage took care of it. That’s the power of car insurance repair coverage.

Example 2: Another client had a transmission fail. No accident, no external damage, just age and wear. Full coverage didn’t cover it. That’s a typical gap in coverage most drivers discover too late.

Should You Drop or Keep Full Coverage?

Ask yourself:

  • Is your car still valuable or financed?

  • Can you comfortably afford a major repair out-of-pocket?

  • Do you live in a high-risk area (traffic, crime, extreme weather)?

If you answered “yes” to the first two and “no” to the third, scaling back might work. Otherwise, keeping full coverage is smart, especially with rising car insurance repair costs and increasingly expensive parts and labor.

At Shory, we won’t upsell you on coverage you don’t need. But we do believe that smart protection matters, and sometimes full coverage is a smart bet.

Final Word: So, how much does full coverage help with car repairs?

A lot, when the damage falls within the covered causes. But not for mechanical wear and tear. It's about protecting you from the big, sudden financial hits. It’s not a maintenance solution, it’s an accident and disaster buffer.

So if you've been asking, does full coverage pay for car repairs or wondering if it's worth the cost, the answer is: it depends on your risk, your car’s value, and your peace of mind. And at Shory, we’re here to help you weigh that properly. 

Disclaimer: Shory aims to present accurate and up to date information, however we take no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content.

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