A rat army is on the move are running amok and your insurance premiums are paying on the rise. Aviva reports a 28% increase in car insurance claims related to rodent damage in 2024 compared to the previous year. The cold winter months December and January are peak rodent rampage season, when desperate vermin squeeze into engines and interiors, turning vehicles into chaotic nests.
The damage isn’t small change. The average claim soared to £2,494 in 2024, up 11% on 2023’s £2,253. One extreme case saw repairs exceed £24,000, forcing the car to be written off. Rodents don’t discriminate, they gnaw through wiring looms, battery cables, sensors, and even fuel and water pipes, causing costly faults and leaks. Seats, carpets, and seatbelts don’t escape intact either.
James Driscoll, Aviva’s Motor Claims Manager, warns: “Rats and mice seek warmth in winter and exploit the tiniest gaps a grille, vent, or even slightly open windows. Once inside, they cause chaos.” Denser urban areas make perfect breeding grounds aging drains, crowded streets, and plentiful food sources fuel the surge.
Whether you drive daily or leave your car idle, the risk is real. Aviva suggests removing food crumbs from your vehicle, avoiding parking near bins or long grass, and if possible, stashing your car in a garage. Protective mesh in engine bays can also block these crafty invaders.
Check your car regularly for gnaw marks or nests, especially before your insurance renews. And if you spot damage, contact your insurer immediately to avoid costly repairs spiraling out of control.
Rodents are hitting drivers where it hurts: the wallet.
