Rodent Damage: Is Your Car Insured?

Rodents can be a real nuisance, especially when they get into your car. They can crawl into your vehicle's interior or undercarriage, and rodents from mice to chipmunks are known to nibble on wires, nest in vents, and leave droppings. Damages caused by rodents could cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars in repairs if you don't have the right insurance coverage. Fortunately, many comprehensive insurance policies include damage caused by rodents.

Comprehensive coverage

Before you try to file a claim, you will first need to confirm you have comprehensive coverage. The quickest way to confirm this coverage is to check your policy declarations page. Some auto insurance companies call this coverage "comprehensive" while others may call it "other than collision" coverage. If you are still unsure, you can always call your insurance agent to check.

Collision coverage

When deciding on the amount of your deductible, consider the cost of your car and the potential corresponding repairs, as well as your willingness to pay for repairs under the deductible amount. A higher collision deductible will lower your monthly premium but may put you at risk in the event of a costly accident.

While collision coverage will pay for repairs to your car resulting from a collision with an object, it is important to note that it does not cover damage caused by rodents. For protection against such incidents, you would need to add comprehensive coverage to your policy.

Comprehensive coverage is an optional add-on that covers vehicle damage not caused by a collision. It typically includes vandalism, theft, weather damage, fire damage, and damage caused by wild animals, including rodents. This coverage usually applies a deductible, but some carriers may not require one.

Deductibles

Understanding Deductibles

When it comes to auto insurance, a deductible is the amount of money you, the policyholder, must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in and your insurance company covers the remaining costs of repairs or replacements. In simpler terms, it is your share of the financial responsibility for a covered loss.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it typically covers damage caused by rodents, such as chewed-through wires. However, before your insurance company steps in to cover the repairs, you will need to pay the deductible. The deductible amount varies depending on your specific policy and the choices you made when purchasing the insurance.

Choosing Your Deductible

When selecting an auto insurance policy, you usually have the option to choose your deductible amount. Commonly, you can opt for a deductible of $500 or $1,000. It's important to remember that the lower your deductible, the higher your monthly or annual insurance premiums will be, and vice versa. This is because a higher deductible means you are taking on more financial responsibility in the event of a covered loss.

When to File a Claim

When considering filing a claim for rodent damage, it's essential to evaluate the extent of the damage and compare it to your deductible. For example, if the repairs cost $400 but your deductible is $500, it wouldn't make sense to file a claim, as you would be responsible for the entire amount anyway. In such cases, you would need to cover the repairs yourself.

Comprehensive Coverage and Deductibles

Comprehensive coverage is an optional add-on to your auto insurance policy. It typically covers damage to your vehicle from events other than collisions, such as fire, theft, vandalism, and animal damage. While comprehensive coverage includes rodent damage, it's important to confirm with your insurance provider, as specific policies may have exclusions or varying levels of coverage.

Deductible and Claim Filing Process

When filing a claim for rodent damage, it's essential to gather the necessary information and documentation. This includes taking photos of the damage, providing details about where your car is garaged, and knowing when the damage occurred. Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to guide you through the claims process, and you should retain all receipts, photos, and relevant documentation.

In summary, deductibles play a crucial role in auto insurance, including coverage for rodent damage. Understanding your policy's deductible amount and the process of filing a claim will help ensure a smoother experience if you ever need to repair rodent damage to your vehicle.

Preventing rodent damage

Park in a Garage

If possible, park your car inside a sealed garage. Rodents are attracted to vehicles parked outdoors, especially near vegetation, grass, and wooded areas. A garage provides a physical barrier and protects your car from being an easy target. Make sure to keep the garage doors closed as much as possible. If you have a pet, letting them into the garage occasionally can also help deter rodents, as the smell and presence of a predator will discourage them.

Seal Entry Points

Mice can squeeze through tiny spaces, so it's important to seal any gaps or cracks in your garage and car. Check the seals on garage doors and windows, and fill or replace weather stripping to completely block off potential entry points. Look for spaces around garage windows and doors, and consider using copper mesh to cover entrances like air intakes and the evaporator drain tube, as rodents don't like to chew on copper.

Keep Your Car Clean

Trash, food wrappers, and other debris can attract rodents, so it's important to keep both the interior and exterior of your car clean and clutter-free. Remove all garbage, paper, tissues, and food debris from the cabin area. Don't leave food wrappers or fast-food cups in your car, as the odour can lure rodents.

Use Repellents

There are various rodent repellents available, such as mothballs, peppermint oil, or other items with strong scents. You can also use ultrasonic devices or plug-in sonic repellents, but their effectiveness may vary. One effective option is to use rodent-deterrent tape, which is electrical tape treated with capsaicin, the compound that gives hot peppers their spiciness. This tape can be wrapped around wires to deter rodents from chewing on them.

Move Your Car Regularly

Rodents like to nest in enclosed, stationary spaces. Moving your car frequently, even if it's just starting the engine, can help deter rodents from setting up camp. If your car is parked in a garage, consider leaving the hood open to remove the shelter that the engine compartment provides. Additionally, honking the horn or playing the radio before starting the engine can help scare away any rodents that may have taken up residence.

Rodent deterrents

There are several ways to deter rodents from entering your car and causing damage. Here are some methods to consider:

• Parking your vehicle inside a sealed garage with exterior doors shut. Keep trash bins, pet food, birdseed, and other items that may attract rodents away from the garage.
• Seal up your garage by checking and filling any gaps in the seals on garage doors and windows. Consider using weather-stripping to completely block off entry points for rodents.
• Keep your car clean and free of trash, food wrappers, and other debris that could serve as a food source for rodents. A clean car is less likely to attract rodents.
• Use repellents such as mothballs, peppermint oil, or other items with a strong scent. You can also use ultrasonic devices, such as the MouseBlocker Pro or Loraffe Under Hood Animal Repeller, which emit ultrasonic waves and LED flashes to deter rodents.
• Move your car regularly, especially if it is parked in an area with thick underbrush or near grassy and wooded areas where rodents are known to frequent.
• Use "rodent tape" or other chemical deterrents, such as bitter or sour sprays, which rodents find unappealing. Honda offers a rodent-deterrent tape (part No. 4019-2317) that is treated with capsaicin to deter rodents.
• Keep the car's hood open when parked in a garage.
• Secure pet food and birdseed in sealed containers to avoid attracting rodents.
• Avoid parking near trash bins or natural food sources, such as vegetable gardens, whenever possible.
• Occasionally honk your car horn before starting the engine to scare away any rodents that may be nesting in your vehicle.

Frequently asked questions