Quick poll for the group: have you ever had your comprehensive insurance cover animal damage? Like, not just deer collisions, but stuff like squirrels chewing wires or raccoons getting into the engine bay? I had a friend whose car got trashed by a family of mice last winter—apparently it was all covered. Curious how common this is, and what kind of critters people have dealt with. Ever had to file a claim for something like that, or do you just pay out of pocket and move on?
Weirdest Animal Damage Your Car Insurance Has Covered?
Had this happen last year—squirrels chewed through some wiring under the hood while my car was parked at my apartment. At first, I thought it was just a fluke, but the mechanic said it’s actually pretty common, especially in colder months. Filed a comprehensive claim and it was covered after my deductible, though the process took a bit longer than I expected. If it’s just minor damage, I’d probably pay out of pocket, but wiring can get expensive fast. Never thought I’d have to worry about rodents more than fender benders...
Never thought I’d have to worry about rodents more than fender benders...
Funny you mention that, because I always figured parking dings or hail would be my main concern. Honestly, I’m a bit hesitant to file claims for stuff like rodent damage unless it’s really major. Sometimes the insurance hike isn’t worth it in the long run, especially for older cars. Had raccoons get into my ‘72 Chevelle once—cost me a weekend and some wiring, but I just handled it myself. Guess it depends on how attached you are to your ride (and your wallet).
Had raccoons get into my ‘72 Chevelle once—cost me a weekend and some wiring, but I just handled it myself.
That’s wild. I thought my squirrel saga was bad—little guy chewed through my windshield washer hose, so every time I tried to clean the glass, it just dribbled onto the engine. Didn’t even bother with insurance, just zip-tied a new hose on there. Anyone ever had birds do damage? My neighbor swears a woodpecker went after his side mirror once... not sure if I buy it, but stranger things have happened.
Never had birds go after my car, but I wouldn’t put it past them—seen crows mess with wiper blades before. Insurance only ever helped me after a deer hit, everything else (like the damn mice in the air filter) was on me. Feels like most of this stuff ends up being DIY.