Marten damage: How you can protect your vehicle from it!

Thomas Wachsmuth 4 November 2022 Tips, products, information & Co.

Reading time 4 Min.

Recently updated on November 7, 2022 at 12:46 am

Last year, 208.000 marten damages were reported to the insurance companies. The average damage caused by a marten bite attack caused damage of around €2021 in 450. Overall, the damage caused by the animals to comprehensively insured cars was around 93,6 million euros, according to figures from the German Insurance Association (GDV). Although the number of cars with comprehensive insurance has increased slightly and the total number of reported marten bites has decreased, the amount of damage has increased slightly. The number of marten damages in 2020 referred to 217.000 and in 2019 to 233.000 vehicles.

Which insurance covers marten damage?

The motor vehicle liability insurance is not sufficient for the marten bite. Rather, partial or fully comprehensive insurance is required. According to the GDV, some tariffs only cover direct damage, i.e. only replace directly damaged parts. There are also tariffs that include expensive consequential damage. If, for example, bitten ignition cables caused further damage and also affected the catalytic converter or a leaking cooling hose caused the engine to overheat, this consequential damage is also covered. A comparison of the services of the different tariffs is therefore worthwhile.

How can drivers prevent marten damage?

There are a number of ways to prevent marten damage. For example the ignition cables Protective hoses made of hard plastic to sheathe. The animals prefer to nibble on components that contain rubber, such as insulation material, power lines, cooling hoses or ignition cables. It is important to lay the hoses securely to prevent contact with hot or moving parts. The ignition cables can be protected in this way, but not hoses or axle boots, which are also often the target of marten attacks. Another option is Ultrasound devices. They are a simple solution because they can be installed quickly and with few tools.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaNzxXiW5SU

The ultrasonic tones, which are barely audible to humans, constantly change frequency and are intended to drive the animals away. Another proven method is stun guns. Similar to pasture fences, they give off a slight electric shock to intruders. However, the installation should be well thought out and not done by yourself. Here it is advisable to hire a specialist company, since the devices have a voltage of several hundred volts. It is best to prevent martens from accessing hoses and cables. In some vehicle models, for example, an engine sump can be retrofitted. Some already have an engine compartment seal available as an option. Drivers with a garage should park their vehicle in it.

How do you recognize marten damage?

Marten damage is usually quickly recognized. If the engine no longer starts or a warning lamp lights up, this is an indication of possible marten damage. Also an exit from coolant is possible. In this case you would see a wet patch under the car before driving off and hopefully notice it before the engine overheats while driving. What should you watch out for after a marten bite? In a professional way engine cleansing, so that the animals do not bite again. Otherwise, a marten could react particularly badly to the smell of a conspecific.

Why do martens bite cars at all?

Martens react aggressively to the scents of their conspecifics. Martens like to hide in warm engine compartments and then bite into car cables. When the animals are looking for their resting places in autumn, this happens particularly often. But spring, the animals' mating season, also tempts them to fight rivalries. But why the declining numbers? The GDV suspects that due to the corona pandemic and the resulting increase in home office work, there would have been fewer cars in different places and therefore there were fewer intruders in the wild animals' territory - thus fewer reasons to bite.

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