Progressive’s mechanical breakdown insurance offers a flexible plan with ample coverage for personal vehicles, towable RVs, and motorhomes.
At some point, your car is going to break down. Worse yet, its warranty will probably have expired by then. Faced with the inevitability of high repair bills, you might wonder, “is there car insurance
for that?” There is! Today we’ll review Progressive’s mechanical breakdown insurance policy and perks. Read on to find out what it includes, the exceptions, and whether you’re eligible for a plan.
Progressive mechanical breakdown insurance: the basics
With the Good Sam Extended Service Plan
, Progressive offers mechanical breakdown insurance through their partner, Good Sam. Similar to your car manufacturer’s warranty, it covers the cost of repairing mechanical failures. However, unlike a warranty, it covers failures that result from extended normal operation, not just manufacturing defects. Plus, you can keep it for as long as you like.
Here are some more facts about Progressive's mechanical breakdown insurance:
Who’s eligible: Plans exist for cars, trucks, SUVs, and RVs up to 15 model years old and with less than 100,000 miles; and for rear-engine diesel motorhomes with up to 120,000 miles. Buyers must have a Good Sam membership.
How long it lasts: The maximum coverage available extends to 18 model years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
What you pay: The total cost of your plan could be anywhere from $100 to $10,000, depending on the vehicle you want to insure and the length of your chosen term.
What it covers: The Good Sam Extended Service Plan covers the cost of diagnostics, parts, and labor.
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What does the Good Sam Extended Service Plan cover?
The Good Sam Extended Service Plan
covers the cost of diagnosing and fixing mechanical failures, including the price of replacement parts. However, like most things in life, it’s not that simple—some exceptions and conditions apply. Here’s an overview of the coverage you can expect for your vehicle or RV:
Personal vehicles (cars, trucks, and SUVs) | Towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels, and pop-up trailers) | Motorhomes (classes A, B, and C) |
---|
Air conditioning and heating
| Air conditioning and heating Range, oven, or gas system Landing, leveling, and/or stabilizing jacks
| Chassis coverage for motorhomes includes everything in the personal vehicles category. Coach coverage for motorhomes includes everything in the towable trailers category. |
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As part of the Good Sam Extended Service Plan, you’ll also receive benefits, like:
Being able to repair your vehicle at a mechanic of your choice
Trip interruption insurance, providing you with up to $100 per day towards meals and lodging for five days
10% discount on non-covered repairs if you use a preferred service provider
No inspection is required for enrollment
Transferrable to new owners without any fees
No yearly mileage limits (a lifetime limit of 150,000 miles applies)
What does the Good Sam Extended Service Plan not cover?
The Good Sam Extended Service Plan is no exception to, well, exceptions. It won’t pay for damages resulting from accidents, like:
Collisions with other vehicles or stationary objects
High winds, fire, or flood
These expenses fall under Progressive’s collision insurance
and comprehensive coverage
policies. You’ll also have to pay out of pocket for: Misusing, abusing, or neglecting your vehicle
Ordinary maintenance items, like oil changes, filter changes, or tire rotations
High wear-and-tear parts, such as light bulbs and brake pads
Excluded parts, such as drive belts, spark plugs, and hoses
Tires aren’t covered either unless you purchase Tire Protection. This add-on offers $350 for replacing, mounting, and balancing each tire.
How much does the Good Sam Extended Service Plan cost?
We requested a quote
for an inexpensive 2020 Ford F-150
with 30,000 miles on it and received an estimate of $30 to $38 per month. However, the cost of your plan could vary significantly depending on: The year, make, and model of your vehicle. Cars with a low-reliability rating are more likely to break down, so you'll pay more for coverage.
The condition and odometer of your vehicle. See above.
The plan availability in your region. The Good Sam Extended Service Plan isn’t available to residents in New York
or Indiana
. The product you choose to cover. Because motorhomes combine coverage from both personal vehicles and towable trailers, they’re the most expensive to insure.
The length of the term you choose. Coverage is available for up to 18 years/150,000 miles.
Your chosen deductible. The total cost will depend on how much you choose to pay per repair, which ranges from $100 to $500.
Your payment method. In addition to pay-as-you-go monthly plans, Good Sam offers an annual lump sum payment option, which will reduce your overall cost.
Is the Good Sam Extended Service Plan worth it?
The Good Sam Extended Service Plan overlaps significantly with manufacturer warranties and mostly benefits frequent travelers.
Whether it's worth it depends on your car's reliability and how much you drive. You can learn about your car’s reliability by researching on RepairPal
, J.D. Power
, and Consumer Reports
. In terms of how much you drive, think of how often you hit the road (and for how long). Check the Edmunds’ True Cost to Own calculator
—it’ll tell you how much your car will cost to maintain over the next five years, which you could potentially save on if you go with the Good Sam Extended Service Plan. Mechanical breakdown coverage vs. extended warranty
While it shares a similar name, the Good Sam Extended Service Plan isn’t quite the same as an extended car warranty plan
. Here are the biggest differences: | Good Sam Extended Service Plan | |
---|
| Personal vehicles and trailers up to 15 model years and less than 100,000 miles. Rear engine diesel motorhomes up to 120,000 miles. | Manufacturer-extended warranties may be limited to new or CPO vehicles |
| Must be a Good Sam member and Progressive insurance customer | May restrict repairs to authorized garages |
| Plans available for personal vehicles, towable RVs, and motorhomes | Multiple plans from different providers |
Maximum length of coverage | | |
| | |
| Collision, crime, and weather-related damages; wear-and-tear, neglect, and routine maintenance | Collision, crime, and weather-related damages; wear-and-tear, neglect, and routine maintenance |
| Rental coverage, trip interruption, plan transfers, no yearly mileage limits, and more | Roadside assistance often included |
| | |
The bottom line
Progressive’s mechanical breakdown insurance policy offers the most value if your car’s original warranty has already expired. The Good Sam Extended Service Plan can help you preserve your vehicle’s resale value (especially since plans are transferable) and keep it on the road as long as possible.
If you love road trips, then you’re also likely to enjoy Good Sam’s membership perks. If not, you should look for a different MBI product; there’s no sense in paying for benefits you aren’t likely to use.
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