British drivers are being warned to conduct weekly checks under their car bonnets this winter as a rodent epidemic sweeps across England.
Rising Insurance Claims for Animal Damage
The RAC has revealed a significant increase in car insurance claims for vehicle damage caused by mice and rats. According to the breakdown service, claim costs have climbed steadily with a worrying year-on-year increase of 11%.
In 2023, the average claim for rodent-related damage reached £2,253, highlighting the substantial financial impact on unsuspecting motorists.
Winter Shelter Seeking Leads to Car Damage
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson explained that these incidents occur more frequently than drivers might expect. "Many of us are used to seeing the occasional rat or mouse on the street, but finding one in your car is not only a nasty shock but often the cause of very unwelcome and expensive damage," she stated.
The problem becomes particularly acute during winter months when animals seek shelter from cold conditions, often finding warmth and potential food sources within stationary vehicles.
Essential Prevention and Repair Advice
To reduce the risk of animal damage, drivers should check their car if it hasn't been driven for a week or more. Key recommendations include:
- Ensure no food - for pets or humans - is left inside the vehicle
- Check for unusual smells in the vehicle
- Be mindful of dashboard warning lights that don't disappear after startup
- Store any foodstuff in garages in airtight containers or locked metal bins
Alice Simpson added: "If you suspect your vehicle has sustained animal damage, whether that's chewed cables, clogged air filters or a nibbled diesel priming bulb, you should contact a reputable mobile mechanic or use the RAC's Approved Garage Network."
While car insurance does cover animal damage, the RAC advises drivers to check whether the damage justifies the expense before making a claim.
