Car written off by rat causing £24k damage as rodent car insurance claims soar by quarter
The cost of repairing rodent damage continues to climb alongside general motor inflation in 2026.
According to the latest analysis from Aviva, the average claim for rodent-related damage rose to £2,494 in 2025, an 11% increase from the previous year.
The complexity of modern EV wiring and ADAS sensors means these claims can be devastating; in one recent extreme case, an infestation caused over £24,000 in damage, leading the insurer to write off the vehicle entirely.
Rat infestations in the UK have reached record levels in 2026, driven by a combination of aging infrastructure and increasingly mild winters. A comprehensive Freedom of Information (FOI) request by drainage experts Drain Detectives revealed that over 518,000 rat infestations were reported to UK councils between 2023 and the end of 2025.
London remains the nation’s primary hotspot, accounting for nearly one-quarter of all reported incidents, followed closely by the North West and Scotland.
And that means more critters looking for warm sheltered spaces, with a vehicle's grilles, vents and engine bay inviting hideouts.
Common damage includes:
- Nests in engine compartments or behind airbags
- Chewed wiring and cabling (dashboard sensors, batteries, gear mechanisms)
- Gnawed seats, carpets, footwells
- Leaks caused by rodent-bite holes in fuel tanks or piping systems
Urban areas are said to be particularly at risk due to higher rodent populations, ageing infrastructure and dense drainage networks.
James Driscoll, Motor Claims Manager at Aviva, said: “Many people are aware of the damage that rodents can cause to properties, but may not realise they also like to explore our cars. In the winter months, mice and rats look for warmer places to nest and they can squeeze into the tiniest of gaps, including the grilles, vents or open windows of vehicles.
"Once inside a car, rodents can cause significant damage, from chewing wires and gnawing at interiors, to nesting in engines. The issue tends to be more prevalent in larger cities, where higher population density, extensive drainage networks, and ageing infrastructure create ideal conditions for vermin to thrive."
Rodent damage and car insurance
Non-collision damage like rodent damage is a layer of risk many motorists may never have considered. Coverage for vermin damage varies across insurers so you may wish to check your policy wording if you're worried about rats and mice setting up camp in your vehicle.
Is my car at risk?
Vehicles that are driven less frequently (garage cars, company cars at weekends, second vehicles) are more vulnerable because rodents see them as warm dormant spots. Occasional drivers may need to monitor their vehicles differently.
The RAC highlighted that vehicles left unused for a week or more are at increased risk.
How to minimise rodent risk to your car:
- Remove food and wrappers from vehicles
- Avoid parking near bins/overgrowth
- Use a garage if possible
- Inspect engine bays regularly - eg. when you open the bonnet to top up wiper fluid
- Consider mesh covers or wraps if you park outside
- Check for unusual smells in the vehicle
- Be aware of dashboard warning lights that don’t disappear after a minute or two.
- Don't make where you park your car attractive to rodents - keep food left in garaged (including pet food) in airtight containers or locked in metal bins.
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