Rat Infestation Epidemic Sweeps Through Vehicles on English Driveways
An alarming epidemic described as 'out of control' is currently spreading through cars parked on driveways across England, with rats causing extensive damage and leaving drivers facing repair bills as high as £7,000. Major insurance provider Aviva has reported a dramatic 28% increase in rodent-related car damage incidents between 2023 and 2024, highlighting the growing severity of this nationwide problem.
Soaring Insurance Claims and Repair Costs
During the same period, the average cost of rodent-related claims handled by Aviva also rose significantly. The overall value of claims increased by 11% to an average of £2,494, reflecting the expensive nature of the repairs required. James Driscoll, manager of motor claims at Aviva, explained that during winter months, mice and rats seek warmer places to nest and can infiltrate vehicles through the smallest openings.
'They can squeeze into the tiniest of gaps, including grilles, vents, or open windows of vehicles,' Driscoll stated. 'Once inside a car, rodents can cause significant damage, from chewing wires and gnawing at interiors to nesting in engines.'
Pest Control Experts Describe 'Out of Control' Situation
Tony Smith of All Aspects Pest Control in Reading has characterized the UK's rat population as 'out of control' and revealed that he receives up to four calls weekly from motorists dealing with pest-related vehicle damage. Smith shared a particularly costly example: 'Earlier this year, I was called out to a customer whose Porsche Cayenne had been damaged by rats. It needed a new wiring loom and, including diagnosis, cost him £7,000 to repair.'
Multiple Cases of Extensive Vehicle Damage
Mechanics across England are reporting similar incidents. Lewis Devin of Ravenscroft Motors in Fleet, Hampshire, described repairing a Ford Ranger whose gearbox wiring loom was partially chewed by rodents, costing £200 to fix. 'The following week, the customer brought it back after it happened again,' Devin noted. 'We have also repaired cars with their foam engine covers chewed through, while one car had an interior fan blocked with nuts that had been stored between the blades by a squirrel.'
Legal Limitations on Pest Control Methods
Complicating the situation are legal restrictions on pest control methods. Smith explained: 'We're not allowed by law to put down poisoned bait permanently. Among other things, we risk killing field mice, which are endangered. In any case, rats are clever and very cautious around unfamiliar substances.' This limitation makes controlling the rodent population particularly challenging for both pest controllers and vehicle owners.
The combination of increasing rodent populations, their ability to infiltrate vehicles through minute openings, and the substantial damage they cause to electrical systems and interiors has created a perfect storm for English motorists. With repair costs ranging from hundreds to thousands of pounds, this epidemic shows no signs of abating as rodents continue to seek shelter and nesting materials within parked vehicles.
