I pulled the cover off my 300SL after winter storage to find a mouse nest made of shredded original leather and wiring insulation. The repair bill was $18,000 for a new harness and upholstery. My standard auto carrier called it “vermin damage”—a standard exclusion—leaving me to pay for the rodent buffet myself.
Key Takeaways
- The “Vermin” Exclusion: Standard policies almost always exclude damage by rats, mice, and squirrels.
- Comprehensive is Not Enough: Even “Full Coverage” often has this exclusion hidden in the fine print.
- Classic Policies are Better: Specialty carriers (Hagerty, Leland West) usually cover “Animal Damage” broadly, including nesting.
- Prevention is Required: If the insurer sees you left the car in a barn with food inside, they might deny for “Neglect.”
The “Why” (The Trap): Maintenance vs. Accident
Insurers view infestations as a maintenance issue. If you checked the car regularly, you would have stopped the mice.
Therefore, “long-term nesting” is considered “Gradual Deterioration.”
However, if a deer hits your car, that is “Animal Impact” (covered). If a mouse eats it, it’s “Vermin” (excluded). It’s a cruel distinction.
[IMAGE: Photo of a chewed wiring harness and mouse droppings on a car seat]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I asked carriers: “If mice eat my wiring, is it covered?”
1. Progressive Classic / Geico
- Answer: “Damage caused by vermin, rodents, or insects is excluded.”
- Result: $0 payout.
2. Leland West
- Answer: “We cover it under Comprehensive.”
- The Clause: They specifically market “Rodent Damage” coverage because they know storage is part of the hobby.
- Result: Covered (minus deductible).
3. Hagerty
- Answer: Generally covered under “Comprehensive – Other than Collision.”
- Advice: They emphasize that “Mold” resulting from the urine might be a separate sub-limit.
Comparison Table
| Carrier Type | Rodent/Vermin Damage | Mold Coverage | Prevention Required? |
| Standard Auto | Excluded | Excluded | N/A |
| Classic Specialist | Covered | Limited | Yes (Reasonable care) |
| Homeowners | Excluded | Excluded | N/A |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check the Exclusions List: Look for the word “Vermin.” If it’s there, you are vulnerable.
- Switch to Specialist: This is the #1 reason to leave standard auto for your classic. The vermin coverage alone pays for the policy.
- Proof of Storage: Keep receipts for your storage unit or photos of your clean garage. It proves you weren’t negligent.
- Bait and Trap: In 2026, use “Smart Traps” that alert your phone. If you can prove you had traps set, you defeat the “Neglect” argument.
FAQ Section
Is the smell covered?
If the urine smell cannot be removed, it constitutes a “Total Loss” of the interior. Coverage depends on whether “Vermin” is a covered peril.
What about bugs (moths/termites)?
Insect damage is almost always excluded, even by specialists. Rodents are the exception, not the rule.
Does my storage unit’s insurance cover it?
Rarely. Storage facilities protect the building, not your goods inside. Read their contract—it usually says “Store at your own risk.”