Does your car insurance cover damages by rat attack?

Something that most Indian car owners are aware of is that theft, accidents, and water can all damage a car. However, we often overlook the relatively common cause of car damage, which is rats. Rats attacked stopped cars a lot more often than you might think, especially in cities or during the monsoon season.

Damage from rodents, like chewed wires, seats, and engine hoses, can be expensive to fix and raise safety concerns. Now for the real question: Does car insurance cover damage caused by rats? This guide will answer that question, talk about the different types of policies that protect you, and suggest ways to completely avoid this rodent problem.

What kind of damage do rats do to your car?

It is common for rats and mice to hide in car trunks and undercarriages, especially when cars are stopped for a long time. The warm engine and leftover food or other organic items often attract them. This is how they cause trouble:

1. Connecting wires and electricity tracks: Rats eat the insulation on wires, which can cause short circuits or even system breakdowns.

2. Broken brake lines and hoses can significantly reduce your level of safety.

3. Rats and mice often build their nests in foam and fabric, like car seats, floor mats, and air filters.

4. In air conditioning systems, tubes that are chewed can leak gas or make the system less efficient.

5. Rat urine and droppings in vents or air ducts can leave behind smells that won't go away and could be harmful to your health.

Fixing this kind of damage is costly and time-consuming, and if not found quickly, it could endanger the car's safety.

Does my car insurance cover damage from rats?

It really depends on what kind of policy you have.

1.    Car insurance for a third party

This type of policy is mandatory as it represents the most basic form of coverage. However, this policy only covers damage or liability you cause to other people or their property in an accident involving your car. Any damage to your car, even harm from rats or other animals, is not covered.

2. Full coverage car insurance

This coverage covers damage to a third party and your car against many different things, like natural disasters, theft, vandalism, and yes, usually, animal damage.

Comprehensive insurance may or may not cover rodent damage in the policy.

In order to be sure, always check your policy or call your respective insurance company. Some insurers believe that they can "prevent" damage from rats, and they may request additional proof or an inspection.

Making a rat damage claim

If you have a full-coverage insurance policy on your car and find proof of rat damage, here's how to file a claim: Tell your insurance company right away to file a claim, call the insurance company or go to their website or app and do so.

●        Write down the damage: Take clear pictures of any lines that have been chewed on, broken parts, or rodent activity you can see inside the car.

●        Get a quote for the repair: Your insurance company might send you a surveyor to have a close look at the damage.

●        Send in the paperwork: Your RC book, driver's licence, insurance policy number, and repair bills are all in this.

●        Approval and payment: Once you're accepted, you can go to a network garage for repairs and pay nothing up front, or you can get paid back later.

What doesn’t it cover?

In some cases, even if you have comprehensive insurance, your claim may be turned down.

1. If you knew that rats were in the house but did nothing about it, terrible things could happen.

2. If the car was left in a dangerous spot for a long time without being used.

3. If there are no obvious signs of rat behaviour and the damage could have been caused by something else, if you try to fix the damage at a garage that isn't allowed to do so,

4. If your own damage insurance has stopped or run out,

5. Also, if you wait too long to tell your insurance company about the damage (usually 24 to 72 hours after finding it), they may deny or lower your claim.

How to keep rats from getting into your car

Even though insurance can help with the costs, it's always better to avoid problems than to fix them. To keep rodents from damaging your property, do the following:

1. Drive your car often: People often steal cars that haven't been used in weeks.

2. Don't park in places where rodents like to hang out: Stay away from damp, dimly lit places where there is food waste close.

3. Keep the area around your engine clean. Don't leave food wrappers or other organic materials out where mice can find them.

4. Put mesh or metal guards around holes and vents.

5. Use things that keep rodents away, like peppermint oil or tobacco leaves, or use sprays and sound devices.

6. Routine checks: If you park your car for a long time, open the hood and check the air filters and wires every week.

Should you tell your insurance company about the risk of rodents?

Most car owners don't think about mice as a threat until they get a repair bill they didn't expect. When you get a new policy or update an old one, you should ask the insurance company directly, "Does rat damage fall under your comprehensive plan?"

If not, see if you can buy add-ons or engine safety covers that come with or add to this coverage. Today's clear talk could save a lot of money tomorrow.

Rats may be small, but the damage they do isn't. Does your car insurance cover damage caused by rats? Most likely, if you have an add-on, but it's always a good idea to check and be certain. Most people don't know how common rodent damage is, especially in city centres and places where it rains a lot.

The car insurance plans from Zurich Kotak General Insurance are designed for modern car owners who don't leave anything to chance. They offer better protection, more openness, and customer-first service. So, do check your policy inclusions to ensure if rat attack is covered.