Few things are more frustrating than hopping into your car when you're already running late, only to discover it won’t start. Believe it or not, cars are a perfect spot for small critters to settle in. Rodents like mice, rats, squirrels, and chipmunks can sneak into your vehicle and cause a surprising amount of damage. But here’s the question: does your car insurance cover damage caused by mice and other rodents chewing car wires? Let’s find out.
Is damage to wires chewed by mice covered by car insurance?
While the details can vary depending on your policy, yes, some car insurance plans can cover rodent damage caused by small animals, like mice, chewing on your car's wires. Rodents chewing wires aren't covered by basic liability coverage in Canada, but if you carry comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, you might be able to file a claim for this kind of damage. Here's an exploration of comprehensive coverage and its ability to cover damages to wires caused by mice:
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive coverage is optional coverage that takes care of vehicle damage unrelated to accidents—basically, anything that isn’t covered by collision coverage.
This coverage typically includes things like vandalism, theft, falling objects, weather-related damage, fire, and even damage caused by wild animals. While most people expect it to cover hitting a deer or another large animal, it also applies to animals of all sizes, including rodents. So, if rats, mice, or squirrels chew through your car’s wires, comprehensive coverage should cover the repair costs.
Comprehensive coverage isn’t required for basic auto insurance in Canada, but we usually recommend drivers add it to their policy. Rodent damage can be both unpredictable and expensive, so having comprehensive coverage is a smart and cost-effective way to make sure you're covered for any necessary repairs.
Also, it's important to note that while most comprehensive policies do cover rodent damage, it's always a good idea to double-check the details with your car insurance provider to be sure your car insurance coverage does include it.
How do I know if I have comprehensive coverage?
The easiest way to find out if you have comprehensive coverage is to check your car insurance policy or reach out to your insurance agent or insurance broker. Not only can they tell you if you have comprehensive coverage, but they can also help you get it if you don't.
Also, if you’re financing or leasing your car, you likely have comprehensive coverage since most lenders and leasing companies require full coverage insurance, which typically includes collision and comprehensive coverage.
Will a rodent damage claim affect my car insurance premiums?
Filing an insurance claim for rodent damage under your comprehensive coverage usually won’t cause a big hike in your insurance rates. Since it falls under non-accident events—like weather or animal damage—rodent damage is generally considered an “act of God,” something outside of your control. Unlike at-fault accidents or having multiple claims, a single comprehensive claim typically has a smaller impact on your insurance costs.
However, it’s good to keep in mind that insurance companies look at your entire claims history when calculating insurance quotes. Even though a comprehensive claim might not cause a big increase right away, making frequent claims —no matter how small—can eventually lead to higher premiums.
Could the insurance company deny my rodent damage claim?
It could, but it depends on the damage, your policy, and your deductible. Comprehensive coverage generally helps pay for accidental damage that’s not related to a collision, and rodent damage is typically included under this type of coverage. However, there are still times when it may not be covered. Below, we will examine deductibles and situations where comprehensive coverage might not cover claims for rodent damage:
Deductibles
If you have comprehensive coverage, you’ll need to pay a deductible before your insurance kicks in to cover the costs. A deductible is the portion of the claim you’re responsible for paying—it’s different from your premium, which is the regular payment to maintain your policy.
For instance, if a rat chews through your car’s wiring and your comprehensive deductible is $500, and the repair costs $1,000, you’d pay the $500 deductible, and your insurance would cover the remaining $500. But, if your deductible is $1,000, and the repair costs $500, your insurance company would deny the claim because you'd have to pay more upfront than the actual repair cost.
Neglect
Also, comprehensive coverage won’t apply if the damage is due to neglect or lack of maintenance. If you knew there was a rodent issue and didn’t take care of it right away, your insurance may not cover the damage.
Pre Existing damage
Further, comprehensive coverage doesn’t cover pre-existing damage. So, if your car had rodent damage before you bought it, your insurance won’t pay for those repairs.
Personal property
Lastly, while comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle, it won’t cover any personal property inside your car that gets damaged by rodents. So, if mice chew through your expensive headphone cables or laptop charger, those items wouldn’t be covered by your auto insurance policy. Personal property coverage typically comes from home insurance policies, but it usually doesn’t cover damage caused by animals or pests since it’s considered preventable.
How common are claims due to rodent damage?
It might seem like rodent damage to cars is a rare occurrence, but it’s actually more common than you’d think. In fact, some claim that rodent-related claims can make up as much as 25% of all comprehensive insurance claims, showing just how widespread—and costly—this issue can be for car owners.
Why does this happen? Well, rodents are always on the lookout for food, shelter and materials to nest with, and cars parked in garages, under trees, or near wooded areas are especially at risk because they offer the perfect shelter from weather and predators. Plus, rodents have a natural urge to gnaw, which unfortunately means they’ll chew on car wires, hoses, and other car parts.
Further, rodent damage often goes unnoticed until it causes serious electrical or mechanical problems. This leads to more expensive repairs and insurance claims. This is why it's so important to have your vehicles maintained regularly so that your mechanic can spot the signs of rodent damage before it becomes a significant issue.
How to identify rodent damage
Rodents can sneak into your car in all kinds of ways and cause a range of damage. If you suspect you may have rodent damage, here are some signs to look for:
Visual nests
This is probably the most obvious sign. Remember, rodents might take refuge in your car to stay warm or hide from predators. They can nest in places like your engine bay, bumper, airbox, and even under the seats or carpet. It could be a sign that a rodent has made itself at home in your vehicle if you notice:
- Droppings
- Nesting materials
- Tiny scratches
- Stockpiles of food
Damaged upholstery
Again, the first thing mice do when they get into your car is build a nest. They love using the foam insulation meant to block heat and noise for their cozy setups. So, if you start seeing chewed-up foam, holes in the seats, or missing chunks of insulation that don’t look like regular wear and tear, there’s a good chance you’ve got rodents making themselves at home in your car.
Clogged air vents
If you're having trouble getting hot or cool air through your vents, a mouse nest could be the culprit. Rodents like to gather things like cotton from the interior, pieces of clothing, or natural debris to build their nests inside the vents, which can block airflow.
Broken or frayed wiring
Rodents have teeth that never stop growing, so they need to constantly chew to keep them filed down. While they usually go for twigs and plants, your car’s wiring can be a tempting alternative. They can easily chew through car wires, fluid lines, and other crucial parts of your vehicle. Since the damage often happens in hard-to-reach areas, you might not even notice it until your car develops an electrical issue or a fluid leak.
Bad smells
If you notice bad smells coming from your car, it could be a sign of a pest problem. Many times, drivers first pick up on these odours through the air vents. Mice can use the vent system as a tunnel to move from the engine bay into the interior of your car, and they often find insulation and filter materials in the vents perfect for building a nest.
How to keep mice and other animals out of your car
Now that you know that mice can get into your car, let's talk about how to prevent them from getting in. Here are a few tips to help keep the mice away:
Close all windows and doors
One of the best ways to keep mice out of your car is by keeping all doors, windows, and sunroofs closed. Leaving them open gives easy access to mice and other pests.
Clean your car regularly
Rodents are drawn to garbage, so declutter your vehicle and toss out any fast-food wrappers, papers, or other items that could attract them. If you keep food in your car for emergencies, make sure it's sealed in containers that rodents can’t chew through.
Keep your car dry
Mice love moisture, so be sure to prevent condensation from building up in your car. If you notice moisture, find the source and fix it right away. Removing their water source will make your vehicle less appealing to them.
Use repellent
You can find a variety of mouse repellents at most home improvement stores to use in and around your car. Try using rodent repellents like mothballs, peppermint oil, or other strong-scented items. It's also a good idea to consult with a local pest control expert or your mechanic to ensure the product you choose is safe and effective. You can even buy special tape for your car’s wires that are coated with a bad taste to help stop rodents from chewing.
Move your car often
Rodents love cozy, enclosed spaces, and your car's engine bay might seem like the perfect spot, especially if it’s parked in the same place for long periods, like if the car was stored for winter. Even if you don’t drive much, try starting your car regularly to keep any critters from making it their new home.
Consider where you park
Try to avoid parking near areas that attract rodents, like trash bins or spots with natural food sources, such as vegetable gardens. Whenever possible, park in a sealed garage and keep the doors closed. Also, make sure the garage is free of stored food and nesting materials like newspapers, cardboard, straw, rags, or patio furniture cushions, as these can lure rodents in, and avoid storing trash cans for food waste in the garage.
Protect your car with BrokerLink
If you're wondering if your insurance coverage will cover rodent damage or if you're looking to add comprehensive coverage to your policy, reach out to BrokerLink today. Our licensed insurance experts are ready to help you with all things insurance.
You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.
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