I turned the key on my Sprinter after storing it for two months, and the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree. No start. I popped the hood to find a nest the size of a basketball on top of the engine block. Mice had chewed through the main engine wiring harness. The dealer quote? $4,200. I panicked, thinking this was a “maintenance” issue.
Key Takeaways
- Soy-Based Wiring is Bait: Modern vehicles use soy-based insulation on wires. Mice love it. This is a known manufacturing issue but still falls on the owner.
- It is a Comprehensive Claim: Rodent damage is generally covered under “Comprehensive” (Fire, Theft, Vandalism, Animal Strike).
- The “Vermin Exclusion”: Some cheaper policies explicitly exclude damage by “vermin, rodents, or insects.” You must check your exclusions list.
- Prevention is Required: If you file two rodent claims in a row, they might drop you or deny the second one for “failure to mitigate risk.”
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is the “Vermin Exclusion” in Cheap Policies.
While major carriers usually cover this, budget carriers or basic liability policies often exclude “damage caused by animals other than collision.” They view mice entering your vehicle as a maintenance failure (where did you park? did you leave food inside?).
If you have a policy that covers “Fire, Theft, and Collision only,” rodent damage is NOT covered. You need full “Comprehensive” (Other than Collision) coverage.
The Investigation (My Analysis of 3 Carriers)
I checked who pays for the chewed wires.
Progressive
- The Verdict: generally covers rodent damage under Comprehensive.
- The Catch: You pay the deductible. If you have a $1,000 deductible and the repair is $1,200, it’s not worth it.
State Farm
- The Verdict: Very good about this. They classify it clearly as an animal damage claim.
- The Experience: I’ve seen them pay out $6,000 for a total harness replacement without much fight, provided you have Comprehensive.
Geico
- The Verdict: Hit or miss depending on the state. Some state policies have specific rodent exclusions. You must read the “Exclusions” section of the policy specific to your state.
[IMAGE: Engine bay of a van with shredded insulation and mouse droppings visible]
Comparison Table
| Feature | Comprehensive Coverage | Liability Only | Specific “Vermin” Exclusion |
| Rodent Damage | Covered (usually) | Not Covered | Not Covered |
| Deductible Applies? | Yes | N/A | N/A |
| Rate Increase? | Low (Non-fault) | N/A | N/A |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Verify Comprehensive Coverage: Ensure you have “Comprehensive” on your policy, even if the vehicle is in storage.
- Inspect Monthly: If you store the van, pop the hood every 30 days. Look for droppings.
- Peppermint Oil & Traps: Insurance expects you to try to stop them. Spray peppermint oil. Put traps on the tires. Document these steps.
- Do Not Splice: If the harness is chewed, push for a replacement, not a repair. Splicing 50 wires is a recipe for future electrical gremlins. Insist on a new harness for reliability.
FAQ
Does insurance cover the cleanup?
Yes. Hantavirus is real. If the interior is infested, professional cleaning/decontamination can be part of the claim.
Is a squirrel the same as a mouse?
To insurance, yes. Rodents, raccoons, squirrels—all fall under “Animal damage” (Comprehensive).
Can I sue the manufacturer for soy wiring?
Class action lawsuits have been tried (Honda, Toyota, etc.). They generally fail. You are stuck with the insurance claim.