Falling temperatures are encouraging rodents to seek out warmer nests for the winter months ahead. Cars and trucks are an ideal residence for them but these uninvited guests bring with them high costs and potential dangers for the unknowing landlords.
Automotive insurance specialist Manitoba Public Insurance said the problem with rodent infestations is growing increasingly serious. In 2012 1,546 rodent claims were opened, with 679 vehicles written off, at a cost of C$6.5 million. In 2014 that number had shot up to 2,600 rodent claims opened, with 973 vehicles written off, at a cost of C$10.6 million.
Already in 2015, there have been 2,400 rodent claims opened, with 1,067 vehicles written off, at a cost of C$9.5 million.
Mice, rats and squirrels can quickly render a vehicle unsafe to drive by chewing through cables, fuel lines and seatbelts. But in housing developments, ever-expanding rodent infestations introduce potential health risks, such as the Hantavirus-carrying deer mouse. The cleanup from such an infestation can easily run into thousands of dollars.
“A valid, Autopac policy covers rodent infestation, subject to deductible. Restoration services for rodent claims is a specialized service,” said Manitoba Public Insurance, warning that restoration outlets are now reporting waiting times running into several weeks as the scale of the problem grows.
The cricetine chaos continues.
