What Does a Car Rust Warranty Cover?

A car rust warranty is your last defense against a vehicle's inevitable future of rusting. Nobody wants rust in their car. In fact, one of the main reasons why people walk away from dealing with second-hand vehicles is because of rust problems.

There are things you can do to slow down corrosion. You may wash your car as much as you want, rinse your automobile during the winter, or even wax it once a month… but you can never stop oxidation from occurring. So you might be asking, "is rust covered under car warranty?" If so, what does a car rust warranty cover?

In this article, we'll explain everything you need to know about a car rust warranty.

wiping the car clean with cloth

Is rust covered under car warranty?

Yes. When you buy a new vehicle, it has a car rust warranty. Most warranties include corrosion coverages, although the meaning of "corrosion" varies from warranty to warranty. Therefore, it is essential that you have a solid idea of what to expect.

Types of Coverages

The specific terms of corrosion coverage may vary based on the warranty, the vehicle type, and the provider. There are also two options for corrosion warranty depending on the coverages you want.

Rust perforation coverage: The coverage for this warranty applies to perforations caused by corrosion only. It means the rust has to go through the metal for the warranty to kick in. Therefore, even if the rust is clearly visible on the chassis, It usually isn't covered… unless it's deep enough to weaken the metal.

It's good coverage to have, but waiting for holes to appear before repairing your car doesn't make sense. Most people deal with the issue right away as rust repair costs are cheap rather than relying on the warranty to activate. Besides, minor corrosion can cause functional problems.

Most plans last at least five years, with 12 years being the longest. The mileage can be unlimited or restricted to 100,000 miles. Programs with more coverage usually cost more, but they typically include more than just corrosion protection.

Surface corrosion coverage: This has more comprehensive protection than rust perforation coverage. This car rust warranty covers any damage to the chassis that resulted from paint scratches or road salt damage.

You may extend the surface corrosion coverage to include engine and battery terminal concerns since visible rust covers issues with the vehicle's interior. When you pay your deductible, your insurance company will cover the remainder if the rust is visible.

A typical surface corrosion coverage will cover you for up to 12 years and provide unlimited mileage. Less comprehensive policies may only cover you for five years or 100,000 miles. Car rust warranty coverage for corrosion problems varies widely by vehicle make and model. And remember, the cost will increase with the level of protection you choose.

2 palms encircling a paper car

But is rust that bad?

Rust will begin to inflict significant damage once it penetrates the surface of your vehicle and starts to attack the frame. Because your frame is responsible for holding your car together, rust may cause various issues.

For example, a weakened frame provides less protection in an accident. Depending on the severity of the impact, this might be the difference between sustaining severe injuries or escaping unharmed.

Another scenario could be when rust gets into your car's structure. Nothing can prevent it from spreading and causing damage to components like the brakes, fuel lines, and suspension.

This is why knowing what is rust through warranty should not be easily neglected. If you want a description of our corrosion warranty coverages, click here to see our sample warranty. Can-Am warranty acts as a replacement for the factory warranty voided when a vehicle is exported from Canada to America. Become our dealer partner today and get instant access to our warranty.

Rust coverages of some manufacturers:

Chrysler: provides a 5-year rust-through warranty. This guarantee covers the cost of all materials and labor required to repair or replace any rusted or corroded sheet metal panels. This guarantee does not apply if a hole arises due to anything other than rust.

Toyota: The Toyota car rust warranty covers any corrosion or rust issues with your car. This policy provides for the replacement of any original body panel. Corrosion protection is provided for the first 60 months of ownership, independent of mileage.

Volkswagen: Vehicles are protected against corrosion during manufacturing for 12 years from the date of initial registration. The only prerequisites are: Within the warranty term, the issue must be notified to a representative of the Volkswagen Authorised Repairer network as promptly as it is identified.

Hyundai: Vehicles are covered for seven years against rust holes, regardless of mileage. This is described as a hole in a body panel caused by a workmanship flaw and regular wear. The warranty covers surface or aesthetic corrosion on body panels for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Honda: will replace or repair any body panel that rusts from the inside out on your car. This coverage is valid for 5 years and has no mileage restrictions. A 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty applies to Honda Genuine Accessories placed at the vehicle purchase date.

Mitsubishi: Offers a 7-year/100,000-mile limited guarantee against corrosion and perforation. It protects against perforation (metal rust-through) in exterior body sheet metal panels caused by corrosion under normal conditions. Corrosion induced by accidents, damage, abuse, abnormal usage, vehicle changes, or contact with corrosive materials such as salt, sand, hail, stones, acids, chemicals, or fertilizers is not covered.

Kia: A five-year or 100,000-mile limited anti-perforation guarantee protects the vehicle's body sheet metal against corrosion, rust, or perforation from the inside out. This guarantee, however, does not cover holes from the outside in, such as hail, pebbles, or unintentional damage.

Nissan: The corrosion or perforation guarantee is valid for 5 years and unlimited mileage. The manufacturer will reimburse the repair expenses if the body sheet panels become corroded or perforated due to rust.

Mercedes: Surface Corrosion: covers for 48 months or 80,000 kilometers from the initial registration date, whichever comes first. Perforation: Corrosion-related perforation for 60 months and unlimited kilometers from the initial registration date.

General Motors: For three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, all body and sheet metal components are assured against corrosion. Furthermore, you are covered against rust-through corrosion for 6 years/100,000 miles (whichever comes first).

man giving thumbs up inside the car

Conclusion and Takeaway

Rust can be a nuisance for both customers and dealers. A car rust warranty in buying a vehicle provides peace of mind for buyers. This means sellers will have an easier time selling the car.

It is also good to note that manufacturers today use very advanced rust prevention methods while building vehicles. Perhaps, in the future, rust will be a thing of the past. Only time will tell.

Which manufacturer's rust coverage do you think gives the fairest coverage? Comment below.

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