How I got my car registered and insured in MA (step-by-step, sorta)

- Totally get where you’re coming from - rodent damage claims are way more common than people think, especially around here.
- Hardware cloth and zip ties might not win any beauty contests, but honestly, it’s better than another four-figure repair bill.
- Ultrasonic repellers? Mixed results. Some folks swear by them, others say the mice just ignore the noise and keep nesting.
- Service techs have seen it all. You’re definitely not alone with the chicken wire setup - most just nod and move on.
- At the end of the day, protecting your car is what matters. If anyone gives you grief at Cars & Coffee, just tell them it’s “custom anti-theft.”

I get the appeal of hardware cloth and zip ties - cheap, effective, and you can do it yourself. But has anyone considered the long-term downsides? I’ve heard stories where moisture gets trapped under the mesh and causes rust, especially in our salty winters. Also, with insurance, do they ever give pushback if you’ve modified the undercarriage like that? I’m not saying don’t do it, just wondering if anyone’s run into issues down the line. For me, I’m still on the fence about ultrasonic repellents...I mean, if they work even 50% of the time, isn’t that worth a shot before drilling or zip-tying stuff under the hood?

Also, with insurance, do they ever give pushback if you’ve modified the undercarriage like that?

Honestly, it depends on the company, but most of the time, unless you’re welding a flamethrower under there, they probably won’t care about a bit of mesh and zip ties. That said, if rust turns into a structural issue and you try to claim it, you might get some side-eye. I’ve seen some wild DIY stuff over the years - one guy tried to claim damage from “homemade rodent armor” that basically turned into a rust farm. Ultrasonic repellents? If they work half the time, that’s still less hassle than arguing with an adjuster about why your car looks like a squirrel-proof bird feeder...

I’ve actually had to look at a claim where someone zip-tied chicken wire under their car to keep out chipmunks. It worked… until it didn’t, and then the rust was wild. Insurance folks get suspicious when DIY stuff causes more problems than it solves. Mesh is fine, but if it starts looking like a science project gone wrong, expect questions.

Mesh is fine, but if it starts looking like a science project gone wrong, expect questions.

That’s honestly kind of wild. I get why someone would try the chicken wire thing - chipmunks can do real damage - but I’ve always wondered about long-term effects. Did they actually attach it right to the undercarriage? I’d be worried about trapping moisture and road salt, especially with all the snow we get around here. Seems like rust is almost guaranteed.

I’m curious if anyone’s ever had luck with the “official” rodent deterrent tapes or sprays instead. Or maybe those electronic noise things? I feel like insurance companies look for any excuse to deny a claim, especially when DIY stuff backfires. But then again, leaving your car open to critter damage isn’t much better.

Is there any method that doesn’t end up costing you more down the line? Every time I try to be proactive, it feels like I’m just creating new problems...