What is Car Erosion Near Beaches?
Car erosion near beaches in Florida is a coastal erosion process that occurs from the sun and salt damage that oxidizes the inside of your car. The process of car erosion can cause extreme damage to your car if left unattended for too many years. These damages can occur on the exterior of your car through the paint, and create rusting to metal parts of your vehicle.
What Causes Car Erosion Near Beaches?
Have you ever noticed how houses near the beach look older, no matter how beautiful? This is because of erosion. Erosion is a natural process of the earth’s surface. It is caused by waves, wind, and other natural forces that act on the land. Erosion can be a good thing because it helps to form new beaches and change coastlines. However, erosion can also cause problems when it occurs near homes or roads near the beach. The roads near the coast can start having potholes and damage your tires, wheels, suspension or other parts. This happens because coastal areas experience extra levels of humidity and the sun itself expands the paint while the salt and water in the air can scratch the paint and get into all of the parts of your car.
Does Insurance Cover Car Erosion from the Beach?
Unfortunately, no. Car insurance does not cover erosion caused by the sun and salt. This is why it’s important to maintain your car and take preventative measures. The first step to protecting your car though is getting insured today to protect yourself from all other dangers. Some of the car manufacturers may cover the rust and erosion with limited warranty. Unfortunately there is not such a thing “car erosion insurance”.
Car insurance does not cover rust, corrosion and erosion damage. Rust almost always results from normal wear and tear.
Insurance Fact
Do I Need To Wash My Car After Going To The Beach?
After visiting the beach it is always a good idea to wash your car to help prevent some of the damage caused by the salt and sun. Don’t be too worried though, if you rarely visit coastal areas then the damage will be extremely minimal that it is not necessary.
Although, if you live on the beach, then you will want to regularly bring your car into the car wash to help mitigate some of the damages.
Can Sand Cause Damage to my Vehicle?
Yes. Sand is a usual culprit in coastal areas for windshield damage. Since sand is so fine and grainy, it can rub against your windshield and create substantial damage.
| Average Cost Per Year | State Minimum Car Insurance | Basic Full Car Insurance | Full Car Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $835 | $1,620 | $1,920 |
| Texas | $718 | $1,565 | $1,842 |
| Tennessee | $539 | $1,354 | $1,583 |
How to Prevent or Mitigate the Effects of Car Erosion Near The Beach
An important thing to keep in mind is that newer cars use more plastic parts than older models, so newer model cars may fare much better in these conditions. Generally, you will see noticeable changes to your vehicle from rust and oxidation within 5-7 years. In the past, erosion has been a significant problem for beaches near cities. As cars and other vehicles drive on the beach, they cause sand to get embedded in their tires and eventually wash away.
What Steps Can I Take to Prevent Car Erosion?
- Putting your car inside a garage can help stop your car from eroding because the salt and sun won’t be able to get into the metals or paint of your car.
- Washing your car on a regular schedule will help prevent the salt from setting into the paint and exterior of your vehicle.
- Get a full coverage. Some of the insurers may cover some of the damages if you have Comprehensive & Collision to your auto insurance policy.
