Mechanical Failure Exclusion

[frankm]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Utah

Our son drove our car up a mountain road. He over revved the engine until it through a rod which punctured the oil pan causing the engine to seize. Our insurance is denying the claim based on a mechanical failure exclusion. It seems obvious to me that this was an operator failure or misuse of the vehicle not a mechanical failure. The engine only had 60K miles on it and I drove this same mountain road myself frequently with no problems. This is the kind of mistake teenagers make and one reason we had comprehensive coverage. How can they call this mechanical failure?

Thanks, Frank

[divona2000]

Because comprehensive insurance generally covers damage to your car if a deer suicides on the front, or if it's damaged by fire or water; theft, riots...accidental damage that isn't caused by a collision. It does NOT cover drivers who---

Originally Posted by frankm

..over revved the engine until it through a rod which punctured the oil pan causing the engine to seize...

Racing the engine until it throws a rod-not covered.

[ecmst12]

It doesn't matter the REASON for the mechanical failure. It's still not covered. It wasn't a collision, or anything that would fall under comprehensive coverage. Read your policy.