Rodent Damage Update
I have a brand new Hyundai Ioniq 5 that wouldn’t start in -9 degree weather back in early January. As a former mechanic, I took a quick look to rule out any blown fuses since it was stuck in the driveway for five minutes before having it towed to the dealer.
The dealership then spent two full months trying to figure out what was wrong. Eventually, they opened the back of the fuse box and found a mouse nest and some moderately-chewed wires—definitely not covered under warranty.
Now, I’m staring at a customer-pay estimate of nearly $11,000. This includes $2,500 for diagnostic labor (which I plan to contest because I would have checked this issue as one of the first steps if it weren’t freezing outside), $2,500 for repair labor, and $6,000 for a new wiring harness and fuse box assembly.
I got a firsthand look at the damage, and to be honest, it seems like a couple of hours of careful work could fix it. The dealer won’t do that because they stick to factory warranty standards, which dictate a full replacement of the harness.
They’ve suggested I submit a comprehensive claim, which would cost me a $500 deductible and likely lead to higher rates in the long run. Alternatively, I could pay for the diagnostic, tell them to take a hike, and bring the car home to make the repairs myself for just a few bucks in an afternoon.
However, I’m not entirely confident that there isn’t damage to other systems in the car, some of which could be quite costly to address. While the dealership believes everything else is fine, I’m hesitant to risk my own money on that assumption. I’m about 95% sure there won’t be additional issues.
So, if I go ahead and fix the harness damage, and later discover hidden damage, can I still file a claim?
Honestly, the thought of a rate increase doesn’t concern me as much as the ridiculousness of anyone—insurance companies included—having to shell out $11,000 for what should just be simple wire splices.
It sounds like you’re dealing with a frustrating situation, and I can empathize with the stress of unexpected costs—especially with a brand new vehicle. From what you’ve described, it seems like you have a couple of reasonable options, but there are definitely pros and cons to each.
Going through insurance: Submitting a claim for the damage can help cover the substantial costs, especially since you’re already looking at a significant amount for the repairs. That said, you are correct to consider the implications of a higher premium after a claim, plus the risk of a deductible. If there is any hidden damage that surfaces later, your insurance could be crucial in covering those unexpected expenses.
DIY repairs: If you feel confident about your ability to fix the wiring and inspect for any further damage, this could save you a massive amount of money. Just make sure to document everything you do, including taking photos of the damage and repairs. If additional issues do arise later, having a detailed record could support your case when discussing with the insurer.
Future claim on additional damage: Generally, if you repair the visible damage and then discover more issues later, you should be able to file another claim if those issues are related to the original mouse damage. However, your insurer might have specific rules, so it’s a good idea to contact them before performing any repairs to confirm how they would handle such a situation.
Given your ex-mechanic background, you certainly have an excellent grasp of what’s manageable and what’s risky. Trust your instincts on the repairs and do a thorough assessment. If you decide to tackle it yourself, ensure you check all related systems to cover your bases. If not, it might be worth doing a deep dive into the warranty and insurance policies thoroughly before making a decision. Good luck!