Does car insurance cover rodent damage?

Have rodents damaged the interior of your car or chewed through wiring? You’ll be relieved to find out that many car insurance companies cover rodent damage in the same way they would a collision with a deer or other large animal.

We’re here to help you compare car insurance options that protect your vehicle from rats, squirrels, and other pests. Read on to find out which insurance companies cover rodent damage to a car as well as how to best protect your car from pests in the future.

Once you feel prepared to protect your car from rodent damage, enter your ZIP code in our free online quote tool to compare rates and find a car insurance plan that works for you.

Does car insurance cover damage from rodents?

As long as you have comprehensive coverage, your car insurance will almost certainly pay for any repairs or even replacements related to rodents gnawing on wires, scratching your car, or nesting in your vehicle.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, rodent damage protection is one of the many common benefits of comprehensive care insurance. That said, the Institute does recommend reviewing your policy carefully to make sure you’re protected.

As for what rodent damage to a car can look like, here are a few examples that a comprehensive policy would cover:

• Wiring that’s been gnawed on
• Clogged vents due to nesting rodents
• Bite/claw marks on your seats
• Droppings, stains, or other signs of rodents living in or near your vehicle

Which insurance companies cover rat damage?

Most car insurance companies that offer comprehensive auto insurance will cover damage from rats and other rodents as part of this type of policy. If you have comprehensive coverage from your current insurance company, contact them to find out if rodent damage is covered, or see the best comprehensive coverage car insurance companies to find the right fit.

If you’re looking for the best car insurance company that covers rodent damage, we recommend starting your search with Liberty Mutual, Progressive, and GEICO as these are our top picks for affordable car insurance. USAA is also a good option if you or an immediate family member is a veteran or active member of the military.

How much does rodent damage to car wiring cost?

Rodent damage to your car’s wiring can be expensive to pay for out of pocket. According to KSHB 41 News, repairing car wiring after rodent damage can cost between $700 and $2,000.

Depending on where rodents have damaged your car’s wiring, you may be unable to start your vehicle at all until it’s repaired. In situations like this, you may benefit from emergency roadside service coverage in addition to comprehensive car insurance.

How do I protect my car from rodents?

No matter how great your car insurance coverage, it’s always cheaper to prevent rodent damage than it is to repair it.

Terminix, a pest control company, offers some suggestions for preventing rodents from invading your engine:

• Try to move your car frequently to keep rodents from nesting.
• Park in a garage instead of outdoors if possible.
• Check for potential entry points and seal those that you can.
• Contact a pest control specialist or set rodent traps yourself.

What to Consider Before Purchasing Car Insurance That Covers Rodent Damage

Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for coverage.

• Purchase comprehensive car insurance to ensure that you’re covered in the event of rodent damage.
• Remember that rodent damage to car wiring can cost up to $2,000 when considering the comprehensive coverage options offered by different insurance companies.
• To avoid costly repairs entirely, take steps to prevent rodents from nesting in your vehicle.

Ready to start your search for affordable car insurance that covers rodent damage? Try our free online quote tool to compare rates in your area.

Case Study: Car Insurance Coverage for Rodent Damage

Case Study 1: Comprehensive Coverage Saves the Day

Susan’s car was parked in her garage for a week while she was away on vacation. Upon her return, she discovered that rodents had chewed through several wires in her car’s engine. Thankfully, Susan had comprehensive car insurance, which covered the cost of repairs. She only had to pay the deductible, and her car was back on the road in no time.

Case Study 2: No Coverage Leads to Out-of-Pocket Expenses

John parked his car in an open parking lot near his workplace. One day, he found that rodents had nested in his car’s air vents, causing damage to the ventilation system. Unfortunately, John did not have comprehensive car insurance and had to bear the entire repair cost out of pocket.

Case Study 3: Partial Coverage for Interior Damage

Mary discovered that rodents had made their way into her car and caused damage to the interior upholstery and wiring. While Mary had comprehensive car insurance, she learned that interior damage caused by rodents was not fully covered under her policy. She had to pay for some of the repairs herself.