Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free
Question

Are my seats covered from damage caused by a rat?

Rodent died deep in my new cars vent after he chewed my seat. Is it covered? Came home from vacation and opened my car and it smelled like death. When I turned on the A/C it smelled 10 times worse. Something definitely died in the vent system. According to the dealership, it is deep in there an will take 7-8 hours to remove. The mouse even chewed a hole in the passenger seat :( . I called the insurance company and they said they will cover any damage caused by the rodent, but not the removal of the carcass. Isn't the smell that is preventing me from driving the car damage? How do I avoid a disastrous bill here?

Sep 7, 2018 Cortlandt Manor, NY

Answer
Author profile picture

Ava Lynch

Insurance Analyst

Ava joined The Zebra as a writer and licensed insurance agent in 2016. She now works as a senior insurance contributor, providing insights and data a…

Credentials
  • 7+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

When there is an animal-involved incident, your comprehensive coverage would pay for the damages to your car. The insurance company will have to pay to repair the damage that was done to the car. This doesn't mean that they have to pay for the removal of the rodent. That is something that the insurance adjuster would determine. If you feel that the insurance company should pay for the removal, then you will have to dispute the claim with your insurance company. Technically the smell of a car is not a reason that will make the car undrivable. On a side note, there is a spray you can buy that will prevent animals from crawling into your car and chewing wires causing even more damage. Good luck and if you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Icon Fill Form

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Icon Agent

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

How can I put my policy on hold when my car is out of commission?

We are sorry to hear that your vehicle is currently out of commission. You will need to contact your insurance company and see if putting your auto insurance policy on hold is something they can do. Each carrier is different and have different guidelines so contacting them is where you would need t…
Apr 18, 2022 Jacksonville, FL

My address on my license doesn't match my insurance card. Is that ok?

Thank you for reaching out to The Zebra!First of all, your insurance policy and your driver's license (as well as your vehicle registration) should use the same address. Depending on which insurance company you have, that will determine how quickly you should get this taken care of, but genera…
Jan 10, 2018 Utica, NY

If I hit a tire in the road, is that considered a comprehensive claim?

This accident would actually be paid out under your collision coverage because you collided with the tire. Because you only damaged your vehicle in this single-vehicle collision, it would also be considered an at-fault collision claim. What you should think about is the rate increase you will proba…
Aug 18, 2018 Columbus, OH

Will comprehensive insurance cover damages caused by road debris?

Sorry to hear about your accident. If you have comprehensive coverage, it should cover any damages caused by debris. However, just like collision coverage, it will usually have a deductible. I would suggest using our claims calculator to see if it's worth filing a claim or simply paying for th…
Jan 14, 2020 St. Marys, GA