Does car insurance cover rodents chewing car wires?

As we’ll explain later, rodents technically don’t have malicious intent when chewing your car wires. But when you’re running late for work and your car isn’t starting due to frayed or severed wires, does it really matter? If the rodents fool you once, you should be able to file a claim through your comprehensive coverage for repair expenses. Don’t get fooled again; take a look at this comprehensive guide from Bankrate’s insurance team on how to easily deter rodents from your vehicle.

Does rodents chewing on car wires qualify for car insurance?

Although the specifics vary by policy, some car insurance policies may cover damage related to small rodents and rats chewing on car wires. If your policy has comprehensive coverage, you may be able to file an insurance claim for rodents chewing car wires. 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 if the damage is caused by rodents, like rats chewing car wires. Although a certified mechanic will need to confirm that rodents did cause the damage, the repairs for squirrels, mice or rats chewing car wires should be covered under a comprehensive claim.

Do I have comprehensive coverage?

Before you try to file a claim with your insurance 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. If you are shopping for comprehensive coverage, you might want to request quotes from several providers to compare coverage.

Nearly 80 percent of U.S. drivers carry comprehensive coverage, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I). While comprehensive is considered an optional coverage, it is typically required if you have a car loan or lease.

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 continually 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. More recently, there’s been debate (and even class-action lawsuits) blaming vehicle manufacturers for rodents munching on car wires since several car companies have switched from petroleum-based to soy-based wiring to become more environmentally friendly.

Ways to protect your car from rodents

Although knowing your comprehensive car insurance coverage may pay for damage caused by rodents should give you 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.
• Seal up your garage. Rodents can squeeze into tiny spaces, so check the seals on your garage doors and windows. If there are gaps, fill them in or replace weather-stripping to completely block off your 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 precautions 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

• How do I document damage caused by a rodent for an insurance claim?

  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.

• How do I know if a rodent has chewed through my wires?

  One of the most noticeable signs of potential rodent damage is if you try to start your car and you can’t get the engine to turn on. While this is an extreme sign, you can spot smaller clues by looking around your vehicle for rodent droppings, paw prints, scratch marks or teeth marks and the smell of urine. You can also pop the hood and look for exposed wires or scratch marks on the coated wires. Don’t forget to inspect the belts or check for nests under the hood. If you see exposed wires or fiber insulation, you might want to contact a mobile mechanic to do an inspection and repairs.

• Can rodents cause other damage to my vehicle?

  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.

• How much does it cost to repair rodent-chewed car wires?

  Typically, repair costs from rodents chewing car wires range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. However, your exact price will depend on the extent of the damage, as well as the type of wires that were chewed. For example, if a rat was only inside your car for a night, the damage might not be as extensive as if it had been living there for weeks. Keep in mind that even if you file a successful comprehensive car insurance claim, you’ll still need to pay your deductible (your portion of the total cost for repair that is taken out of your claim amount).