Maintaining your car is part of keeping your vehicle in good shape, and deferred maintenance can lead to numerous issues with your car. Putting off maintenance-related tasks, like oil changes, tire rotations and engine fluid checks, can cause serious issues with your vehicle, which is why many drivers initially suspect deferred maintenance as the cause of car troubles that pop up. But it’s not just overdue oil changes or low fluid levels that can cause issues. Rodent damage is also quite common, especially if the vehicle is parked outdoors.

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Mice, rats, raccoons, chipmunks, squirrels or other rodents have been known to take shelter under the hood of a car, and in many cases will spend their time chewing on engine wires. The wires in your vehicle are essential for it to operate properly, and rodent chewing can cause serious damage to the engine that may be expensive to repair. But the good news is that your car insurance may cover the damages from rodents in some cases. Here’s what you should know about whether car insurance covers rodents chewing wires.

Does car insurance cover rodents chewing on wires?

Although the specifics vary by policy, some car insurance policies may cover rodent damage to car wiring. If your policy has comprehensive coverage, you may be able to file a claim for rodent damage to your wiring. Comprehensive coverage is a type of coverage that can be added to your policy and covers vehicle damage that is not covered under collision coverage—that is, damage to your vehicle not caused by an accident.

Comprehensive provides coverage for vandalism, theft, weather damage, fire damage and damage caused by wild animals. Although you probably expect comprehensive coverage to cover damages caused by hitting a larger animal, like a deer, damages from animals of all types and sizes are typically covered, even the damages caused by rodents. Although a certified mechanic will need to confirm that rodents did cause the damage, the repairs for rodents chewing through your car wires should be covered under a comprehensive claim.

Do I have comprehensive coverage?

Before you try to file a claim for rodents chewing car wires, 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. This coverage typically applies a deductible but not all carriers require one. If you are still unsure, you can always call your insurance agent to check.

Why do rodents chew on car wires?

Pest control companies explain that rodents chew on car wires simply because they are always chewing. Rodent’s teeth are constantly growing and to keep them from getting too long or too sharp, rodents must constantly chew to wear down their teeth. For a long time, many people believed that vehicle wiring contained materials that rodents liked to chew but this is just a myth. If a rodent has already set up shop in your hood, the reason they chew through your wires is purely convenience—the wires are right there and easily available to them.

Ways to protect your car from rodents

Although knowing your comprehensive coverage may cover damage caused by rodents should give you a peace of mind, it is easier to avoid the hassle of rodent damage in the first place. Luckily, there are steps you can take to help prevent rodents from crawling into your car’s hood and causing destruction.

  • Park inside. If your home has one, always park your car inside a sealed garage. Make sure that you keep exterior doors shut as often as possible and do not keep trash bins, pet food, bird seed or other items that may attract rodents, inside the garage.
  • Keep your car clean. Trash, food wrappers and other debris that could serve as a food source may draw rodents into your vehicle. If you regularly keep the interior and exterior clean, rodents are less likely to find your vehicle an attractive option for residence.
  • Use repellants. If you cannot park inside or live near a wooded or grassy area where rodents are known to frequent, you might want to take precaution by utilizing rodent repellents such as moth balls, peppermint oil or other items with a strong scent. You can always check with a local pest control specialist and your mechanic to make sure a product is safe and effective for use. You can even purchase specialized tape to go around your wires that is coated in an offensive flavor that may deter further chewing.
  • Move your car frequently. Rodents like to nest in enclosed spaces and your car hood may look like a great option if it is always sitting in the same place, especially during colder months. Even if you are working from home and do not drive very often, try to start your car on a regular basis to deter any unwanted animals from crawling inside.

Frequently asked questions

    • If you have discovered a rodent nest in your vehicle, it is best to get a licensed mechanic to examine the area and check for damage. If possible, try to take photos inside your hood, or wherever the rodents have nested, in case you need to file a claim later. Ask the mechanic to take detailed notes of the damaged areas and to clearly explain that the cause of the damage was from rodent activity, and not just normal wear and tear. These items may come in handy when you are working with a claims adjuster.
    • Rodents come in all shapes and sizes, and some are very small and sneaky, so you may not even realize a rodent has nested in your vehicle. By the time you figure it out, the damage may already be done, as you’ll experience issues with your engine. To take care of the issue before it compounds, look for signs of rodents, such as droppings, paw prints, strange odors, teeth or scratch marks, or even the rodent itself in the vicinity of your vehicle. You may even be able to hear scratching or movement sounds to indicate something is under the hood of your car.
    • Unfortunately, rodents can wreak havoc on your vehicle in several ways once they start. Although chewing through your wires is a huge concern due to impacting your vehicle’s function and safety, there are plenty of other areas that can become damaged. Rodents can chew and scratch up almost anything including your interior seats or plastic panels on your car. Additionally, they may bring debris inside that could act as a fire hazard or nest up in AC ducts or other areas impeding the function of your vehicle.