Over time, it’s only natural for your car to rust. Is this, however, something that Illinois auto insurance covers? The answer is usually no, because the objective of automobile insurance is to help protect you from unexpected damages like car accidents and theft. Because rust is considered normal wear and tear on a car, it is not covered in most cases.
Does my insurance cover rust repair?
No, rust damage to a car is often not covered by auto insurance policies. Rust is normally merely considered part of the vehicle’s normal wear and tear. Collision and Comprehensive Physical Damage coverages cover damage to the vehicle caused by an accident, not rust that develops over time.
If, on the other hand, the rust is the result of an incident where the repair was not done correctly or you had water damage to the car as a consequence of floods, hurricane winds, and water, you should check to see if your Comprehensive coverage will cover the rust damage.
Comprehensive insurance typically protects your car against losses caused by events other than collisions (OTC). Comprehensive insurance, for example, covers damage to your car caused by theft, flood, fire, or animals. This optional auto insurance coverage pays to repair your vehicle, less your chosen deductible, and may cover rust damage, depending on how and why it occurred.
Normal wear and tear and mechanical problems that are not caused by a covered incident or loss are among the OTC exclusions. If the rust was not caused by an accident or other incident covered by your motor insurance policy, but rather by natural wear and tear, your auto insurance coverage would not pay the necessary repairs.
Because state laws and insurance policies differ, you can read the terms of your OTC auto insurance policy and chat with your agent to find out for sure if any of the rust-related repairs to your vehicle will be covered.
The repairs that you need to do due to rust on your vehicle are likely to be covered by the warranty; you’ll need to check the car’s warranty for further information (if it is still covered and this damage falls into their coverages). If you have mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) on your vehicle, you can check to see if this type of damage is covered, though typical wear and tear is not normally covered by this form of insurance.
Does rust count as damage?
Rust is a prevalent problem with automobiles. You can technically drive a car with severe rust damage, but too much rust will degrade your vehicle’s performance over time. A corroded frame is more likely to shatter in a car accident, increasing your risk of harm. If your vehicle’s body has rust holes, exhaust gases may flow inside your vehicle, posing a number of health dangers.
If rust has begun to form on your vehicle, it must be repaired immediately before it worsens. According to Advance Auto Parts, depending on the degree of the damage, you may be able to repair it yourself.
What damage is not covered by car insurance?
Intentional damage, general maintenance, and damage caused by regular wear and tear are not covered by car insurance. The policyholder’s injuries or vehicle damage are not covered by the minimum car insurance coverage, which only provides liability insurance to pay for injuries and property damage caused to others.
However, the specific coverage exclusions differ each policy. Furthermore, insurance firms provide additional policy add-ons that can protect you in scenarios that aren’t covered by the state’s basic vehicle insurance requirements.
Can rust on a vehicle be fixed?
Yes, you can stop automotive rust from spreading. The best solution will, however, be determined by the type of rust. Surface and scale rust can be prevented by sanding rusted paint and applying primer, color coat, and clear coat.
Is rust covered under comprehensive?
You have full coverage insurance. Your vehicle is covered by comprehensive insurance if it is damaged in an accident that does not include another vehicle or a fixed object. Any rust damage to your automobile may be covered under your policy if it is damaged by flooding or hurricane wind and rain, for example.
Is rust covered under warranty?
Naturally-occurring corrosion (OEM warranty): When purchasing a new car, the guarantee will typically cover rust and corrosion that happens due to circumstances beyond the driver’s control. The guarantee is only valid for a certain amount of time and mileage, which varies depending on the car (usually 12 years or 100,000 miles).
When should I be concerned about rust on my car?
If you notice rust and are concerned, you should first seek professional counsel. As previously said, some rust acts as a protective coating, and removing it may cause damage to your vehicle. While the coating will not kill the rust, it will prevent it from obtaining the oxygen it requires to continue to rust.
How much does it cost to get rust off a car?
Rust removal costs an average of $500 to help restore a car to better condition, and the cost might quadruple if the rust is severe. Repairing a dent in a car is less expensive than you would think: eliminating a modest dent costs roughly $50 per inch on average.
Should I buy a car with rust underneath?
Should You Buy a Rusted Car? If the rust is simply superficial, you can keep the secondhand car. However, if it impacts the frame, it might be painful. Look into the vehicle’s history and have a mechanic look over the sections you can’t.
Does car insurance cover all damage?
Collision and comprehensive coverage are both available. Collision insurance covers damage to your car that occurs as a result of an accident, regardless of who is to blame. It will also cover damage caused by potholes. If your automobile is stolen or destroyed by something other than a car accident, comprehensive insurance will pay out.