Auto Insurance And Rodent Damage: Are You Covered?

Rats and other rodents can cause extensive damage to vehicles by chewing through wires, building nests, and leaving droppings. This can result in costly repairs, with some cases costing up to $4,000. So, does auto insurance cover rat damage? The answer depends on your specific policy. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies include coverage for animal damage, including rodent-related incidents. However, not all insurance policies have this coverage, so it is essential to review your policy's specific terms and conditions to determine what is covered. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance will typically help pay for repair costs, minus any deductible. On the other hand, if you don't have comprehensive coverage, you will likely be responsible for covering the cost of the damage yourself.

What to do if rats damage your car

Rats can wreak havoc on your vehicle in several ways. They can chew through wires, scratch up seats, and bring in debris that can act as a fire hazard or nest in AC ducts, among other things. If you find yourself in this situation, here are some steps you can take to address the issue:

Determine the extent of the damage

Before taking any action, it is important to assess the damage caused by the rats. Check for exposed wires, scratch marks on coated wires, droppings, paw prints, teeth marks, and the smell of urine. Look under the hood for any signs of nesting, such as twigs, leaves, or insulation scavenged from hood liners and vehicle carpeting.

Contact your insurance company

If you have comprehensive coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, damage caused by rats may be covered. Contact your insurance company to inform them of the situation and inquire about the process for filing a claim. They may require photos of the damage and details about where and when it occurred.

Get your car to a mechanic

Take your car to a trusted mechanic to confirm that rats are the cause of the issues and to assess the full extent of the damage. They can also provide detailed notes on the rodent damage, which will be useful when dealing with your insurance adjuster.

Clean and disinfect your vehicle

Rats can leave behind infectious materials, droppings, and urine, which can pose health risks. Wear protective gear, such as plastic gloves and a long-sleeve shirt, and clean out the engine compartment, removing any nesting materials and disinfecting contaminated surfaces. Avoid using a vacuum cleaner or sweeping until surfaces have been disinfected to prevent the creation of potentially infectious aerosols.

Prevent future infestations

To prevent rats from returning, park your car in a sealed garage, away from trash bins, natural food sources, or other attractions. Keep food sources, such as pet food and birdseed, secured and away from your car. Use rodent repellents, such as essential oils like peppermint, or specialised tape that is coated in an offensive flavour to deter chewing.

Comprehensive coverage

If you have comprehensive coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, damage caused by rats or rodents that get inside your vehicle may be covered. Comprehensive coverage covers animal damage, which typically includes rodents chewing through your car's electrical wiring. However, not every insurance policy includes this coverage, so it's important to check your specific policy and the exact terms of your comprehensive coverage to know if you're protected against rodent damage.

When filing a claim for rodent damage, you'll need to provide photos of the damage, details about where your car is garaged, and information about when the damage occurred. It's also recommended to have a trusted mechanic confirm that rodents are the cause of any issues.

While comprehensive coverage can provide protection against rodent damage, it's important to note that it doesn't cover every scenario. Damage to personal property inside your car caused by rodents, such as scratched CDs, is typically not covered under your auto policy. Such incidents may be covered by homeowners, renters, or condo insurance policies, but these policies usually exclude damage caused by animals or pests as they are considered preventable.

To protect your car from rodent damage, you can take preventive measures such as parking in a sealed garage, removing food sources, using rodent deterrents and repellents, and driving your car regularly.

Filing a claim

If you discover rat damage on your vehicle, the first step is to assess the damage. Rat damage can manifest in several ways, such as chewed wires or droppings. It is recommended that you take your car to a trusted mechanic to confirm that rodents are indeed the cause of the issue.

Once you have confirmed rat damage, the next step is to gather the necessary information and evidence to support your insurance claim. This includes taking clear photographs of the damage and making a note of where your car is typically parked, as well as when the damage occurred. It is also important to have your policy number and declarations page readily available.

After you have gathered the necessary information, contact your insurance provider to inform them of the damage and your intention to file a claim. They will guide you through the specific steps and requirements for submitting a claim. You will likely be assigned an adjuster who will provide further instructions on the claims process.

During the claims process, it is important to retain all relevant documentation, including receipts, photos of the damage, and any other relevant information. Your insurance provider may have a list of preferred repair shops that can facilitate a smoother claims process and expedite your final payout.

It is worth noting that not all insurance policies cover rat damage. Comprehensive auto insurance policies typically include coverage for animal damage, but it is important to carefully review your policy's specific terms and conditions to confirm what is covered. Additionally, there may be a deductible amount that you need to pay before your insurance coverage takes effect.

Preventing rat damage

Rats and mice can be a persistent problem for car owners, with their ability to find their way under the hood, into vents, trunks, and cabins, causing extensive and costly damage. However, there are several measures you can take to prevent rat damage to your car.

Firstly, it is important to identify and eliminate potential hiding and breeding spots for rodents near your parking area. This includes clearing any unattended trash, boxes, or grassy areas that could provide shelter for rodents. Keeping the area well-lit can also help deter rats, as they prefer to stay concealed and avoid bright lights.

Food sources are a significant attractant for rodents, so it is crucial to remove any food items from your car and its surrounding area. Ensure that garbage cans are tightly sealed and avoid keeping pet food or other edible items within reach of rodents.

Sealing your garage is another effective measure. If you have a garage, ensure it is well-sealed and plug any holes or cracks with sheet metal or steel mesh. Keeping the car's hood open when parked in a garage can also help deter rats by reducing the warmth and increasing moisture in the engine compartment, making it less appealing for nesting.

Using repellents and traps can also help keep rodents at bay. Ultrasonic repellents emit a high-frequency noise that humans cannot hear but is unpleasant for rodents. Alternatively, you can use natural deterrents such as peppermint oil or cayenne pepper, which need to be reapplied regularly. If you know the entry points used by rodents, sealing them with mesh or spicy rodent-deterrent tape can be an effective solution.

Finally, keeping your car in use is an important preventive measure. Driving your car regularly or at least starting the engine can help deter rodents. If you plan to leave your car unused for an extended period, invest in a vehicle cover, and consider parking it in a different spot from time to time.

What rat damage is not covered by insurance

Whether or not rat damage to your car is covered by insurance depends on the type of insurance you have. If you have comprehensive coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, rodent damage that occurs when rodents get inside your vehicle may be covered. However, if you don't have comprehensive coverage, you will have to pay for the damage yourself. Comprehensive coverage is typically mandatory for leased or loaned cars, but it is optional if you own your car.

Even if you have comprehensive coverage, there may be circumstances where rat damage is not covered. For example, if the cost of repairing the damage is less than your deductible, insurance won't cover you, and you'll be responsible for the entire amount. Additionally, comprehensive coverage may not cover rodent damage in every location or circumstance, so it's important to confirm with your insurance company that this type of damage is included in your policy.

It's worth noting that homeowners or renters insurance typically does not cover rodent damage to your car, even if it's parked in your garage or on your property when the damage occurs.

Frequently asked questions