If you use your car sparingly, your car might get damaged without even being used. Also, a slight scratch from an accident or a minor dent can cause rust. Keeping these aspects in mind, one might wonder, does car insurance cover rust damage?
Rust damage is usually compared with vehicle maintenance; most insurance policies do not cover it. It keeps the insurance premium affordable for average-income cacollision damager owners but can result in a loss of value if not repaired on time. In this article, you will learn more about rust damage on a vehicle and how it affects your car’s value over time.
Does Car Insurance Cover Rust Damage?
All cars rust over time. But nobody wants to deal with rust in their car. Do you know if your insurance premium covers rust damages or not? Most companies do not cover rust. You are protected against unexpected damages caused by accidents and thefts with an auto insurance policy. Car insurance companies do not generally cover rust since it is considered normal wear and tear.
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Two Situations Where Rust is Covered
People having full coverage insurance policies or a comprehensive package might have rust covered in two primary situations. These situations include:
1) Improper Repair Job
You may have taken your car to a mechanic to get it repaired at some point, but if a specific piece was not correctly installed, it may result in rust damage on your car.
It may be covered under comprehensive coverage due to the proper installation. If you claim rust damage after repairs, you must prove that it occurred afterward.
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2) Flood Damage
In some situations, flood damage and severe storm damage causing rust may be covered by comprehensive coverage. Coastal areas are usually more prone to hurricane damage than other areas.
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What Causes Rust on Vehicles?
The chemical reaction that causes rust on a car is the same as that which causes rust on other metal objects. Rust is formed when iron, oxygen, water, or moisture come into contact. Environmental factors, including road salt, acid rain, and high humidity, contribute to car rust.
1) Surface Rust
Surface rust damage occurs when your car’s top layer accumulates rust. It typically appears as bumps and nicks on the body panels. You have the best chance of preventing the spread of the damage if you treat it at this stage.
2) Scale Rust
When surface rust on body panels has been left unattended for too long, scale rust results. The rust may spread further and go deeper beneath the surface.
3) Penetrating Rust
Rust penetrates metal at this stage. It will most likely require replacement parts to resolve as it is the most damaging type of rust.
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How Much Does Rust Repair Cost?
Rust repair is a costly affair. It can range from $400-$2000. Generally, when rust affects essential equipment, it is best to avoid the risk of driving a car with weakened structures.
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What if The Car Accident Led to The Rust Build Up?
Any damage you sustain in a car accident should be reported immediately to your agent. The agency can deny the claim if the claim is delayed. In some cases, your car warranty may cover rust development.
The area is unlikely to develop rust if you filed a claim for the accident and got the repairs done. But sometimes rust is seen even after repair if the technician did not do an excellent job of repairing the damage.
If the damage has not been restored after filing a claim, the insurer generally is not responsible. If your car insurance does not cover these repairs, it is still best to get them done on your own to protect your car’s value.
The surface of the damaged area usually takes some time to rust. You must take care of the damage immediately to prevent rust buildup.
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Conclusion
Most insurance plans do not cover rust. This is because rust usually appears on the surface of vehicles due to wear and tear. Due to this, insurance companies try to avoid paying for repairs. They believe rust is a damage that could have been avoided with proper vehicle maintenance.
It may seem bad, but rust not being included in insurance plans helps everyone. It keeps their insurance rates low. You deserve compensation if the car is rusting due to an accident, lack of technician ability, or any other reason mentioned in the blog. Timely repair can protect the value of the car.
