As we’ll explain later, when rodents chew through your car’s wires, they technically aren’t malicious. But does it really matter if you’re late for work and your car won’t start because a wire is frayed or cut? Once you’ve been fooled by a rat, you should be able to claim for the repair costs through your comprehensive cover. Don’t be fooled again. Check out Bankrate’s insurance team’s comprehensive guide on how to easily stop rodents from entering your vehicle.
If a rodent chews through the wires in my car, will my car insurance cover it?
The details will vary by insurance, but some car insurance policies may cover damage caused by small rodents or rats chewing through your car’s wires. If your insurance includes comprehensive coverage, you may be able to make a claim if a rodent chews through your car’s wires. Comprehensive coverage is a type of coverage that can be added to your insurance policy to cover damage to your vehicle that is not covered by collision coverage, i.e., damage to your vehicle that was not caused by an accident.
Comprehensive coverage covers vandalism, theft, weather damage, fire damage, and wildlife damage. You’re probably looking for comprehensive coverage to cover damage from hitting a large animal like a deer, but it’s usually more for damage caused by rodents like rats chewing through your car’s wires. Even damage caused by animals of all types and sizes is covered. A qualified mechanic will need to confirm that a rodent is the cause of the damage, but repairs for squirrels, rats, and mice that have chewed through your car’s wires should be covered by a comprehensive insurance claim. is.
Can I get comprehensive coverage?
Before you make a claim on your insurance for a rodent that chewed through your car’s wires, you should first make sure you have comprehensive coverage. The easiest way to check this coverage is to check your policy declaration page. Some auto insurance companies call this coverage “comprehensive” coverage, while others call it “non-collision” coverage. This coverage typically comes with a deductible, but not all carriers require a deductible. If you’re still unsure, you can always call your insurance agent to find out. When purchasing comprehensive coverage, we recommend requesting quotes from multiple providers to compare coverage.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), nearly 80% of drivers in the United States have comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive coverage is considered optional coverage, but it’s usually required if you have a car loan or lease.
Why do rodents chew on car wires?
Exterminators explain that rodents chewing on car wires is simply because they are constantly chewing. Rodents’ teeth are constantly growing, and rodents must continually chew and wear down their teeth to keep them from becoming too long or too sharp.
For a long time, many people believed that the vehicle wiring contains substances that rodents love to chew, but this is just a superstition. If rodents are already under the hood, it’s simply a matter of convenience for them to chew on the wiring. The wiring is right there and easily accessible. Recently, some car companies have switched from petroleum-based wiring to soy-based wiring to be more environmentally friendly, so there have been discussions accusing car manufacturers of rodents munching on car wiring (and more A class action lawsuit has also been filed.
How to protect your car from rodents
Having comprehensive car insurance can give you peace of mind knowing that rodent damage may be paid for, but it’s easier to avoid the hassle of rodent damage in the first place. is. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent rodents from getting into your car’s hood and causing destruction.
- Please park inside. If your home has a garage, be sure to park your car inside an enclosed garage. Close the outside door as often as possible, and be sure to keep trash cans, pet food, bird seed, and other items out of your garage that could attract rodents.
- Seal your garage. Check the seals on your garage door and windows, as rats can get into small spaces. If there are any gaps, fill them or replace the weatherstripping to completely block off your garage.
- Keep your car clean. Potential food sources such as trash, food wrappers, and other debris can attract rats into your car. If you regularly keep the interior and exterior clean, rodents are less likely to find your car an attractive housing option.
- Use repellent. If you can’t park indoors or live near trees or grassy areas where rodents are common, take precautions such as insect repellents, peppermint oil, or other strongly scented items. It would be a good idea to take the following steps. You can always check with your local pest control professional or mechanic to see if the product is safe and effective to use. You can also purchase special tape to wrap around the wire. This tape is coated with an unpleasant flavor that prevents further chewing.
- Move your car frequently. Rodents like to nest in enclosed spaces, and if your car’s hood is always in the same place, it might seem like a great option, especially in cold weather. Even if you work from home and don’t drive much, be sure to start your car engine regularly to prevent unwanted animals from crawling into your car.
