What Advance Auto Insurance Covers
Advance Auto Insurance is a coverage option that reimburses you for OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or aftermarket parts before your vehicle is repaired. Instead of waiting weeks for your insurer to approve parts and then waiting for the repair shop to order them, you pay out of pocket upfront and submit receipts for reimbursement. The insurer then refunds you the approved amount, typically within 5 to 10 business days.
This coverage is most useful when you need your car back quickly and the repair shop has parts in stock or can order them when ready. Without advance coverage, you might wait for your insurer's approval process, then wait again for the shop to source the part — a delay that can stretch a straightforward repair into weeks if the part is backordered.
Not all insurers offer this as a standalone product. Some include it as part of their collision or comprehensive coverage; others require you to add it as a rider. The amount you can claim and the types of parts covered vary by policy and insurer.
Key Takeaways
- Advance Auto Insurance lets you buy parts when ready and get reimbursed later, rather than waiting for insurer approval before the shop orders them.
- You pay the full cost upfront and submit receipts; reimbursement typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days.
- Coverage limits, deductibles, and which parts are covered depend on your specific policy and insurer.
- This coverage is most valuable when you need your vehicle repaired quickly and the shop can source parts without delay.
- Not all insurers offer advance auto insurance, and some bundle it into standard collision coverage rather than selling it separately.
How the Reimbursement Process Works
The process begins when you authorize the repair shop to proceed with work. If you choose to use advance coverage, you pay the repair shop directly for parts and labor. Keep all receipts, invoices, and documentation of what was replaced.
After the repair is complete, you submit your receipts and a copy of the repair estimate or invoice to your insurance company. Include the claim number if you have already filed a claim for the damage. Your insurer reviews the documentation to confirm the parts are covered under your policy and that the cost is reasonable for your area.
Once approved, the insurer sends reimbursement to you, not to the repair shop. The timeline varies by insurer — some process within 5 business days, others take up to 10 or longer if they need additional documentation. Check your policy or call your agent to learn your insurer's standard processing time.
OEM Parts Versus Aftermarket Parts Under This Coverage
Your policy determines which type of part your insurer will reimburse. OEM parts are made by the vehicle's manufacturer and carry the manufacturer's warranty. Aftermarket parts are made by third-party suppliers and are often cheaper but may not carry the same warranty or fit as precisely.
Many insurers will reimburse the cost of aftermarket parts at the aftermarket price, even if you buy OEM. For example, if an OEM door costs $800 and an equivalent aftermarket door costs $500, your insurer may reimburse only $500 even if you paid $800 for the OEM part. Some policies allow you to choose OEM and pay the difference yourself; others require aftermarket parts to keep costs down.
Before you buy any part, contact your insurer and ask which type they will reimburse and at what amount. This prevents you from paying out of pocket for a more expensive part your insurer won't fully cover.
Deductibles and Coverage Limits
Advance Auto Insurance is subject to the same deductible as your collision or comprehensive coverage — typically $500 or $1,000, though you may have chosen a different amount. You pay the deductible, and your insurer reimburses the rest, up to your coverage limit.
Coverage limits are usually tied to your vehicle's actual cash value (ACV). If your car is worth $15,000 and you have a $15,000 collision limit, your insurer will not reimburse more than $15,000 in total repair costs, including parts, labor, and any other approved expenses. Once you reach that limit, you pay for any additional repairs yourself.
Some insurers cap the amount they will reimburse for parts specifically, separate from the overall repair limit. For instance, an insurer might reimburse up to $5,000 in parts but $15,000 in total repair costs. Review your policy documents or call your agent to understand your specific limits.
When Advance Auto Insurance Makes Financial Sense
This coverage is worth the cost if you cannot afford to wait weeks for repairs or if you need your vehicle for work or daily transportation. The premium for adding advance coverage is usually modest — often $50 to $150 per year — but the benefit depends on how quickly you need your car back.
If you have an emergency fund or can absorb the upfront cost without hardship, advance coverage may not be necessary. You can straightforward pay out of pocket and submit receipts to your insurer under standard collision coverage, though the reimbursement may take longer. However, if you rely on your vehicle when ready and cannot wait for the insurer's approval process, the premium is a reasonable investment.
Advance coverage is also useful if you live in an area where parts are hard to source or if you drive an older or less common vehicle. In those cases, the repair shop may need to special-order parts, and waiting for insurer approval before ordering can add weeks to the timeline.
What to Do Before Buying Advance Coverage
Contact your current insurer and ask whether they offer advance auto insurance and whether it is included in your collision coverage or sold as an add-on. Request the premium cost, the coverage limit, and any exclusions — some insurers do not cover certain parts or types of damage.
Ask your repair shop whether they accept advance coverage and how they handle the reimbursement process. Some shops are familiar with it and can streamline the paperwork; others may not accept it or may require you to pay in full and handle the claim yourself.
Compare the cost of adding advance coverage to the cost of paying out of pocket and waiting for standard reimbursement. If you rarely use your vehicle or have a large emergency fund, the premium may not be worth it. If you depend on your car and cannot afford downtime, it likely is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use advance auto insurance at any repair shop?
Not necessarily. Your insurer may have a network of preferred shops that accept advance coverage, or they may allow you to use any shop but require you to handle the reimbursement claim yourself. Check your policy or call your insurer before choosing a shop to confirm they will reimburse for parts purchased there.
What happens if my insurer denies the reimbursement claim?
If your insurer denies the claim, you are responsible for the full cost of the parts. This can happen if the parts are not covered under your policy, if the cost exceeds what your insurer considers reasonable for your area, or if the damage is not covered (for example, wear and tear). Review the denial letter carefully and ask your insurer to explain the reason.
Do I have to use OEM parts to get reimbursed?
No. Your insurer will typically reimburse aftermarket parts at the aftermarket price. If you choose OEM parts, you may pay the difference out of pocket. Ask your insurer in advance what they will reimburse so you can make an informed decision about which type of part to buy.
How long does reimbursement take?
Most insurers process reimbursement within 5 to 10 business days of receiving your receipts and documentation. Some may take longer if they need additional information or if they are processing a high volume of claims. Contact your insurer to ask about their standard timeline and to check the status of your claim.
Can I use advance auto insurance for maintenance or wear-and-tear repairs?
No. Advance coverage only applies to damage from accidents, collisions, or other covered events. Routine maintenance, wear and tear, and damage from lack of maintenance are not covered. Your policy will specify which types of damage are may be able to access.