I decided to save money and install my own Big Brake Kit. I forgot to torque the caliper bolts. On the highway, the caliper fell off, locked the wheel, and sent me into a ditch. Total loss. I was terrified the insurance company would deny the claim for “Faulty Workmanship” or “Negligence.”
Key Takeaways
- Stupidity is Covered: Generally, insurance covers negligence. If you make a mistake (run a red light, forget a bolt), the resulting accident is covered.
- The Part is Excluded: The policy will not pay for the brake caliper that fell off (Workmanship). It will pay for the bumper, hood, and frame damage caused by the crash (Resulting Loss).
- Gross Negligence: If you intentionally did something unsafe (e.g., used zip ties instead of bolts), they might argue Gross Negligence, but simple errors are usually safe.
- DIY Risk: You are your own warranty station. If you mess up, you have no shop to sue.
The “Why” (The Trap): The Workmanship Exclusion
Policy Exclusion: “We will not pay for loss caused by… faulty, inadequate, or defective workmanship, repair, construction, or grading.”
However, the “Ensuing Loss” exception usually saves you.
The “loss” of the caliper is excluded.
The “ensuing loss” of the car hitting the ditch is covered collision.
[IMAGE: Photo of a missing brake caliper and a crashed fender]
The Investigation: Adjuster Interview
I asked a senior claims adjuster: “If I fix my car and screw it up, causing a crash, do you pay?”
- Adjuster: “Yes. We pay for the crash. We deny the part you screwed up. It’s no different than if you forgot to check your tires and blew a flat.”
- Caveat: “If we find out you were using ‘experimental’ home-made parts, we might deny for Uninsurable Risk.”
Comparison Table
| Damage Item | Covered? | Reason |
| The Caliper (Fell off) | No | Faulty Workmanship |
| The Rotor (Chewed up) | No | Faulty Workmanship |
| The Fender (Hit ditch) | Yes | Collision (Resulting Loss) |
| The Tow Bill | Yes | Roadside |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Be Honest but Specific: Report it as “Mechanical failure caused loss of control.” You don’t have to lead with “I forgot the bolt.” Let the adjuster investigate.
- Don’t admit “Gross” Negligence: “I torqued it, but it must have backed out” is better than “I hand-tightened it and forgot.”
- Claim the Collision: Focus the claim on the impact damage, not the mechanical failure.
- Learn to Torque: Buy a torque wrench.
FAQ Section
Will my rates go up?
Yes. It is an “At Fault” collision claim.
Does this apply to oil changes?
Yes. If you double-gasket the oil filter and the engine seizes? The engine seizure is usually DENIED (Mechanical Breakdown). There was no “Collision.” This is the dangerous difference.
What if a shop did it?
Your insurance pays you, then sues the shop (Subrogation). You get your deductible back eventually.