Rat-Proofing Your Car: Outlandish Yet Effective Solution From Bengaluru [Video]

Rats are a common problem in many parts of the country. You might spot them in your home, garden, garage, or premises. But when rats sneak into your vehicle, the damage they cause can be serious—and expensive. Rodent bites can damage critical wiring and electricals. Owners devise various ways to avoid rat bites. These usually include anti-rodent sprays and similar repellents. Hanuman Automotive, a garage in Bangalore, recently came up with an innovative solution for rat bites- a metallic rat guard.

This consists of a flexible metallic sheet. One end of this has a small rope attached to it, which can be used to tie it to the alloy wheels of your car. Then wrap the sheet around the car, making it stand vertically on the floor, around the car. Finally, lock the other end to the sheet surface.

Now this metallic sheet would form a protective wall, preventing any rodent from coming near it. The manufacturer claims this to be an effective solution, especially when the car is left unused for a long span of time. This isn't, however, fail-safe.

There are cases in which the protection offered by it can be compromised – for example, if the ground/parking lot is not level, rodents will be able to creep in through the compromised areas. Another is the metal sheet rubbing against the car's paint and damaging it.

The garage's official Instagram handle has detailed videos showing how to use this product, and looks like not all users are happy about it. Having said that, you can definitely give it a try if you are someone who is fed up with rodent damage. Message the page on Instagram or dial the on-screen number to order and get the guard delivered.

Rodent Damage (Rat Bites): How Do They Affect Your Car?

Rats love to chew. And unfortunately, they often chew on things they shouldn’t—like the wires and parts inside your car. Once inside your car’s engine bay, rats can bite through critical electrical wiring. This can cause your car to stop working properly. You might face issues like the engine not starting, lights flickering, AC malfunction, troubles with brakes and sensor damage.

Repairs in most cases could cost a lot. Plus, these can be tedious for the mechanic to identify and fix. Interestingly, rodent damage is more common in German cars like BMW, VW and Mercedes.

Other than the wiring, rats can cause damage to the car's upholstery, air vents, and seats as well. They can even damage the engine compartment in some cases.

Does a Car Insurance Policy Cover Rat Damage?

Now the question arises, "Does car insurance cover damage caused by a rat infestation?"

Yes, a comprehensive car insurance policy covers rat attacks that cause an electrical malfunction due to biting on the electrical wiring of the car.

The own damage part of comprehensive insurance is designed to cover damages to your vehicle caused due to rat attacks Since electrical damage due to a rat bite is an unforeseen accident, your policy will offer compensation under such a scenario.

However, if you have third-party car insurance only, any such attack on your car will not be covered by the insurer.

Ways to Prevent Rat Damage to Your Car

Nobody wants to imagine their car falling victim to a rat attack, but unfortunately, it's a reality that some vehicle owners have faced. Here are some ways that you can adopt to prevent rat infestations in your car:

Park Car in Well-Lit Areas: Rats prefer dark and secluded spaces, so parking in well-lit areas can keep them from nesting in or around your vehicle.

Use Rat Deterrents: Consider using natural rat deterrents, such as peppermint oil or mothballs, to discourage rodents from approaching your car.

Regular Maintenance: Keep your car clean and perform regular maintenance checks, paying attention to any signs of rodent activity.