Does comprehensive auto insurance cover rodent damage

D. Gilson is a writer and author of essays, poetry, and scholarship that explore the relationship between popular culture, literature, sexuality, and memoir. His latest book is Jesus Freak, with Will Stockton, part of Bloomsbury’s 33 1/3 Series. His other books include I Will Say This Exactly One Time and Crush. His first chapbook, Catch & Release, won the 2012 Robin Becker Prize from Seve...

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Does comprehensive auto insurance cover rodent damage

Leslie Kasperowicz holds a BA in Social Sciences from the University of Winnipeg. She spent several years as a Farmers Insurance CSR, gaining a solid understanding of insurance products including home, life, auto, and commercial and working directly with insurance customers to understand their needs. She has since used that knowledge in her more than ten years as a writer, largely in the insuranc...

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Reviewed by Leslie Kasperowicz
Farmers CSR for 4 Years

Does comprehensive auto insurance cover rodent damage

UPDATED: Jun 1, 2022

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UPDATED: Jun 1, 2022Fact Checked

The Highlights

  • Rodents can damage your car by gnawing on wires, clogging vents, and leaving droppings
  • Repairing car wiring damaged by rodents can cost between $700 and $2,000
  • In most cases, comprehensive car insurance will cover the repair costs associated with 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?
  • Which insurance companies cover rat damage?
  • How much does rodent damage to car wiring cost?
  • How do I protect my car from rodents?
  • What to Consider Before Purchasing Car Insurance That Covers Rodent Damage

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 coverage. 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

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Which insurance companies cover rat damage?

Most car insurance companies that offer comprehensive coverage 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.

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.

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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.

Are you looking for free insurance quotes?

Your one-stop online insurance guide. Get free quotes now!

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.

D. Gilson is a writer and author of essays, poetry, and scholarship that explore the relationship between popular culture, literature, sexuality, and memoir. His latest book is Jesus Freak, with Will Stockton, part of Bloomsbury’s 33 1/3 Series. His other books include I Will Say This Exactly One Time and Crush. His first chapbook, Catch & Release, won the 2012 Robin Becker Prize from Seve...

Full Bio →

Written by D. Gilson, PhD
Professor & Published Author

Does comprehensive auto insurance cover rodent damage

Leslie Kasperowicz holds a BA in Social Sciences from the University of Winnipeg. She spent several years as a Farmers Insurance CSR, gaining a solid understanding of insurance products including home, life, auto, and commercial and working directly with insurance customers to understand their needs. She has since used that knowledge in her more than ten years as a writer, largely in the insuranc...

Full Bio →

Reviewed by Leslie Kasperowicz
Farmers CSR for 4 Years

Does comprehensive auto insurance cover rodent damage

Is rodent damage covered by insurance?

The short answer is no, rat or rodent damage is not covered by insurance.

How much does it cost to fix rodent damage in car?

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.

Does car insurance cover rodents chewing through wires?

Auto insurance may cover damage caused by rodents, including chewed car wires, if you have comprehensive coverage on your policy. Some auto policies don't protect against rodents eating car wiring, so check with your insurance provider to make sure that you're covered.

Is squirrel damage covered by auto insurance?

Quick Take: If a squirrel damages my car, will my insurance provide coverage? Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car not caused by a collision. This may include damage done by animals of all types and sizes. It may also cover theft, vandalism, fire and weather damage.