Does Auto Insurance Cover Rodent Damage?
What is Comprehensive Coverage?
Comprehensive insurance typically pays for damage to your vehicle not caused by a collision — minus your deductible. Some examples are hail, theft, vandalism, and, in many cases, rodent damage.
Your lender or dealer will likely require you to have comprehensive insurance if you financed or leased your car.
Rodents such as mice and squirrels often chew wires, hoses, and filters near the engine and may even nest. They sometimes burrow into the vehicle’s interior, destroying the seats, steering wheel, and panels. Damage to personal items left in the car is not covered under comprehensive insurance.
Filing a Claim for Rodent Damage
Depending on the severity, rodent damage can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Have a licensed mechanic inspect your vehicle if you think rodents damaged it. Take photos of any destruction and ask your mechanic to summarize the cause and needed repairs before you file a claim.
Common Questions About Rodent Damage and Insurance
An auto insurance policy with comprehensive coverage often helps with repair costs from rodent damages, although not all insurers may offer that specific protection. However, you are solely responsible for paying for the repairs without comprehensive coverage.
Keep your vehicle in the garage to help prevent rodents from encroaching. Check for and seal any open spaces around the garage door and windows. Move your auto often if you park outside. Keep the inside clean of food, vacuum seats, mats, and interior crevices. Also, intermittently check your fenders, bumpers, and engine for signs of rodent activity, such as droppings. Scents such as peppermint oil or cayenne pepper act as an effective repellant.
Some insurers may not cover damages from a squirrel or mouse if they believe there was neglect or the owner ignored potential hazards (parking near trash receptacles, undergrowth, or natural food sources like a vegetable garden).
Comprehensive auto insurance can help pay for damage to your vehicle for events other than a collision, including from rodent infestation. Check with your insurer to determine whether you have it or need it.