Help! Rats Damaged My Car
Why do rodents consider your car to be an ideal home? It's dark and warm under your engine, and if you have dog food and other tasty treats nearby, it's even more appealing. In the winter, your vehicle keeps critters warm and protects them from predators.
You've probably imagined worst-case scenarios involving collisions, bad weather, vandalism, or theft as a car owner. However, you may not have considered the potential damage that rodents can cause.
Rats and other rodents can cause incredible damage to your vehicle—and headaches for you—by chewing on essential wiring, building nests, and hiding pounds of food inside your engine.
What Damage Do Rodents Cause?
The main issue with rodents is the wiring problems they cause, which can be especially difficult for a mechanic to repair. Rodents typically chew on wires near the location of their nest inside your vehicle, which can be difficult to locate and reach.
The nests themselves are a problem as well. Rodents transport hair, dog food, and anything else that would make an appealing nest into your car's engine, clogging it. The diseases and bacteria carried by rodents are also concerning.
- If rodents have made a nest near your air filter, you'll get a blast of rat excrement and dander every time you turn on the air conditioner, which can spread airborne viruses.
Is the Damage Covered by My Auto Insurance Policy?
The damage caused by rodents to your vehicle can be quite costly. If you were wise enough to purchase comprehensive coverage, you may be in luck. The damage may be covered depending on the specific terms of your auto insurance policy.
Comprehensive coverage is optional and covers non-collision damage to your vehicle. If you finance your car or lease it, your financing company may require you to carry it.
If the damage is expected to exceed your deductible, you should file a claim. If not, it may be preferable to pay for the damage to avoid an increase in insurance premiums.
How to File a Claim
The first step is to photograph all of the damage. Take photos of your vehicle that clearly show any visible damage caused by the rodents. To begin the claims process, contact your insurance agent or company as soon as possible.
Following that, the insurance company will either send a claims adjuster to your home or direct you to a pre-approved auto body repair shop for a vehicle inspection. Following the processing and approval of your claim, you will be issued a check for the cost of repairs, or an approved mechanic will perform the necessary repairs. If your claim is denied, you should contact your insurance company or a reputable attorney.
If you have a comprehensive policy with a high deductible and your vehicle is still drivable, consider taking it to a reputable mechanic for a repair estimate. If the cost of repairing your vehicle is less than your policy's deductible, 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 had rodent damage, the next step is to prevent it from happening again. Consider these precautions if you live in a rural area, it's winter, or you have eco-friendly wiring in your vehicle (which is often made of soy).
Secure Your Dog Food
Dog food is tasty for both dogs and rodents. Pet food and birdseed may be squirreled away by rodents inside your engine, air cleaner, or glove box if not stored in odor-proof and tamper-proof containers.
Stay Away From Rodent Zones
Avoid parking in areas where there is a rodent problem, a forest, or tall grass. If you must park outside, stick to paved or gravel roads.
Hide the Hiding Places
Seal any mouse holes in your garage, and inspect any plants stored there for rodents. Keep any overgrown hedges near your parking area trimmed back.
Protect Your Engine
In the offseason, block any engine entrances with a wire screen or by placing traps on top of wheels (speak to a mechanic to learn how to do it properly). Wrapping your car's wiring in rat-proof tape is also a good idea, though it is more expensive.
If possible and safe, leave your car's hood up when parked in the garage to make it less appealing to rodents. Rodent repellent sprays and electronic rat repellent devices may also be of assistance.
Snap traps are the most effective way to get rid of rodents. Live and glue traps are not recommended because the animal may panic and spread disease by defecating, urinating, or biting. Poisonous bait should be avoided if you have pets.
Be cautious when disposing of a trapped rodent. When picking them up, wear gloves and prepare a 10% bleach solution to spray down the trap.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you get rid of rats that are still in your car?
If a rat is actively living in your car, you can try to catch it with old-fashioned mouse traps. Place the traps in areas where rats are likely to congregate, such as near vents and under the hood. If you prefer a more humane method, scent spray products designed to repel rats without endangering pets or children are available.
Does car insurance cover squirrel damage?
For auto insurers, squirrel damage is classified as rat damage. This is because the damage will most likely be similar; squirrels enjoy chewing through mechanical wiring. Insurance may cover the incident, but only if you have comprehensive coverage.