With colder weather approaching, outdoor critters will begin looking for warmer places to stay, including your house and automobile. One small rodent can inflict extensive damage to your property which may not be covered by your home or auto insurance, so it's important to take proper precautions.
Read on to find out when damage is covered, when it's excluded, and what you can do to prevent damage.
Rodents and Property Damage
There are many reasons why a rodent may find itself in your home or car. The weather is getting colder, cars are sitting stationary for longer periods of time due to the pandemic, and vehicle undercarriages are being manufactured with natural products like soy which appeal to many rodents.
Rats, mice, chipmunks, and squirrels are all rodents as defined by "a gnawing animal." Their jaws and teeth never cease in growth, so chewing on objects is their way of maintaining a desirable tooth length. These mammals are able to chew through a range of materials including plastic, metal, wires, and wood. Considering the fact that both your car and home are made of those materials, the possibilities for damage are endless. Severe damage can lead to subsequent problems such as fire and erosion. In addition to physical damage to your home or car, rodents can carry horrible diseases that could leave you or a loved one very ill.
What's Covered
Generally speaking, homeowners and auto policies differ when it comes to covering rodent damage. It's always smart to consult your insurance agent if you have any questions or worries.
Auto
If you have comprehensive coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, rodent damage will likely be covered. Examples of comprehensive coverage are: a tree falling on your car, vandalism, deer strike, and a rat who decides your car engine will make a good home.
Home
Rodent damage is not typically covered under a homeowner's insurance policy. This is mainly due to the fact that most insurers assume that regular home maintenance will prevent rodents from entering the home and doing damage. The key is to address the situation as soon as you can after you realize the rodent infestation has taken place.
Rodent Damage Prevention
While there is always a possibility that something happens and is out of your control, there are steps that you can take that can lessen the likelihood of a rodent infestation in your home and car.
Auto
Animals like to go where food is ample. Where food is ample, they like to store food and set up nests. Garbage cans and bird feeders are both good sources of nourishment for a rodent, so parking your car far away from them is a great step to take. Keeping your car clean of food scraps or takeout boxes is another great step for prevention. In addition, there are now rodent-proof electrical tapes like this one on the market to stop rodents from chewing through wiring. For additional tips for keeping rodents out of your vehicle, check out this video from car expert, Brian Bowersock.
Home
Keeping your home sealed and clear of ideal nesting spots, like leaf piles and deep mulch, will discourage rodents from roaming and entering your property. Make sure food sources are secured in tight-fitting lids. By moving compost containers far away from your home and keeping outdoor cooking areas clean, you'll be taking necessary steps for home maintenance and rodent prevention.
Conclusion
By taking preventative measures, you limit the chances of a rodent entering your home or vehicle and doing major damage. It's important to know the signs of a rodent infestation so you can take action as soon as possible.
9 signs of a rodent infestation:
- Chew marks
- Musky or stinky odor
- Odd pet behavior
- Droppings
- Footprints
- Allergies
- Holes
- Noise
- Functional issues (i.e. car won't start, flooding)
If you have any questions or worries about your current policies, give your agent a call! In the meantime, assess the current state of your home and car to identify any opportunities for rodents to enter.
Legal Disclaimer. Views expressed here do not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein is for general guidance of matter only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. Discussion of insurance policy language is descriptive only. Every policy has a different policy language. Coverage afforded under any insurance policy issued is subject to individual policy terms and conditions. Please refer to your policy for the actual language.