Marten damage to your car: does insurance cover it?

Quick answer: does your policy cover marten damage?

Stone martens are protected animals that cause damage to thousands of cars in the Netherlands each year by gnawing on cables, hoses and insulation under the bonnet. Whether your insurance pays for this damage depends almost entirely on the type of cover you have. As a general rule, only an all-risk (comprehensive) policy covers so-called 'marten damage'. Third-party liability (WA) and limited casco (WA+) typically exclude it. However, there are important exceptions and add-on modules, so it is wise to check your policy wording carefully.

• Third-party liability (WA): only covers damage you cause to others, not your own car. Marten damage is therefore excluded.
• Limited casco (WA+): covers damage such as storm, theft or glass breakage, but marten damage is often excluded or only covered with an additional module.
• All-risk (comprehensive): generally does cover marten damage, but there may be clauses like a higher deductible or a maximum payout per incident.

Which car insurance cover pays for marten damage?

*Note: exact cover varies per insurer and policy. Always consult your own policy conditions and schedule.

Although all-risk typically offers the best protection, not every all-risk policy automatically covers marten damage. In insurance terms, it is considered 'casco damage', and many policies include it, but not all. Insurers are free to set their own exclusions. That is why, when comparing car insurance without commission, it is essential to look not just at the premium but also at the conditions. A cheap all-risk policy may exclude rodent damage, while a slightly more expensive one may include it. Some insurers also apply a higher deductible, for instance €250 instead of the standard €150, specifically for marten claims. So always read the fine print.

For other vehicles too, such as boats and pleasure craft, comprehensive cover for damage caused by wild animals usually only applies under a full all-risk policy. Be sure to check your boat policy as well, as the right cover can save you costly repairs in the long run.

What to do when you discover marten damage

If you notice something wrong while starting or driving, or spot chewed hoses when you open the bonnet, act immediately — a marten can cause significant damage in one night. First, secure your car: switch off the engine and apply the handbrake before inspecting. Be careful: damaged cables can cause short circuits or even a fire risk, so only start the car if absolutely necessary.

• Take clear photos of the damage and any droppings or hairs — this is evidence for your insurer.
• Have the damage assessed as soon as possible by an approved garage. Ask for a quotation or estimate.
• Contact your insurer right away to report the damage; do not wait, as a 14‑day reporting deadline is common.
• Temporarily park in a closed garage or safe spot to prevent further damage while waiting for repair.

How to claim marten damage with your insurer

Preventing recurrence: keeping martens out of your engine bay

Stone martens are territorial: once they find a spot, they often return. Preventing repeat damage is therefore just as important as having proper insurance. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to make your engine bay unappealing or inaccessible. The cost of prevention usually far outweighs the average repair bill of €800 to €1,500 per incident, plus the hassle of claiming.

• Fit a marten-proof grille under the engine (average cost €100‑€200). Make sure it is correctly mounted, or it could come loose.
• Use a scent repellent based on citrus or predator odour. This needs reapplying every few weeks.
• Park in a well‑sealed garage whenever possible, especially at night — martens are mainly active after dark.
• Regularly check your engine bay for new traces and intervene immediately at the first signs of fresh gnaw marks.

Apart from prevention, it is worth knowing that a single marten claim does not always increase your premium, but changes in your risk profile or general cost rises can affect your annual premium. Find out more in our article on why your premium rises every year without claims.

When is advice about your car insurance worthwhile?

If you are unsure whether your current policy covers marten damage, or if you are considering switching to one that better fits your situation, it makes sense to have an independent review. Especially if you drive an older car, the all-risk downgrade guide can show you how much you could save by moving from all-risk to WA+ — provided you accept the marten risk and perhaps take out a separate module. Similarly, a periodic check of other non-life policies like contents and liability can be worthwhile.

• If your car is 8 years old and still on all-risk, you may be able to switch to WA+ with an extra marten damage module, potentially saving hundreds of euros a year.
• With the free non-life insurance check how it works, an independent adviser reviews your policies — including cover for marten damage — on a no‑obligation basis.
• It is best to switch at the end of your contract year to avoid paying double premiums. Check the cancellation terms via cancelling non-life insurance.