As a car owner, you’ve probably imagined worst-case scenarios involving collisions, bad weather, vandalism, or theft. But you may not have considered the damage that rodents can cause. From chewing on essential wiring to building nests and hiding pounds of food inside your engine, rats and other rodents can cause an incredible amount of damage to your vehicle—and headaches for you.
What Damage Do Rodents Cause?
The main concern with rodents is the wiring issues they cause, which can be particularly tricky for a mechanic to fix. Rodents generally chew on wires close to where they’ve built a nest inside your vehicle, which can be difficult to find and reach. The nests themselves are also an issue. Rodents move hair, dog food, and anything else that makes an appealing nest into your car’s engine, which clogs it. The diseases and bacteria that rodents carry are also worrisome.
Is the Damage Covered by My Auto Insurance Policy?
The damage that rodents cause to your vehicle can be very expensive. If you had the foresight to purchase comprehensive coverage, you might be in luck. Depending on the specific terms of your auto insurance policy, the damage may be covered. Comprehensive coverage, which covers non-collision damage to your vehicle, is optional coverage. If you lease your car or use a loan to pay for it, your financing company may require you to carry it. If the damage is expected to be more than your deductible, you might want to file a claim. If not, it might be better to pay for the damage to avoid a potential increase in insurance premiums.
How to File a Claim
The first step is documenting all of the damage. Take photos of your vehicle that clearly show any visible damage the rodents have caused. Contact your insurance agent or company as soon as possible to get the claims process started. Next, the insurance company will either send a claims adjuster to your home or have you drive to a pre-approved auto body repair shop for a vehicle inspection. After your claim has been processed and approved, you’ll be issued a check for the cost of repairs, or an approved mechanic will perform the necessary repairs. If your claim is denied, contact your insurance agent or a trusted attorney. If you have a comprehensive policy with a high deductible, and your vehicle is still drivable, consider taking your car to a trusted mechanic for a quote on the repairs. If the cost of fixing your vehicle is less than the deductible on your policy, it may be best to bite the bullet and pay for the damage out-of-pocket.
How to Prevent Rodent Damage to Your Vehicle
If you’ve experienced rodent damage, the next step is prevention. If you live in a rural area, it’s winter, or you have eco-friendly wiring in your vehicle (it’s often made of soy), consider these steps to protect yourself from further damage.
Secure Your Dog Food
Dog food is delicious for dogs—and rodents. If it’s not locked up in smell-proof and tamper-proof containers, pet food and birdseed could end up squirreled away by rodents inside your engine, air cleaner, or glove box.
Stay Away From Rodent Zones
Avoid parking your vehicle in an area with a rodent problem, a forest, or tall grass. If you’re parking outside, stick to paved areas or gravel roads.
Hide the Hiding Places
Seal up any mouse holes in your garage, and check any plants you store in your garage for rodents. If you have unruly hedges near your parking area, keep them trimmed back.
Protect Your Engine
Block any entrances to the engine with wire screen or by placing traps on top of wheels in the offseason (speak to a mechanic to learn how to do it properly). Though it’s a bit more costly, wrapping your car’s wiring in a rat-proof tape is also a good idea. If you can, and if it’s safe to do so, leave your car’s hood up when it’s parked in the garage, which makes it less appealing to rodents. Rodent deterrent sprays and electronic rat repellent devices may also help. If you want to eliminate rodents, snap traps are your best bet. Live traps and glue traps aren’t recommended as the animal will panic and quite possibly spread disease by defecating, urinating, or biting. If you have pets, avoid poisonous bait. Once you’ve trapped a rodent, be careful with disposal. Wear gloves when you pick them up and mix a 10% bleach solution to spray down the trap.
