Martens cause 40 million francs in damage

Every year, around 17’000 marten damage claims are reported to insurers.

The total damage amounts to 8 million francs per year for the insurer concerned, with an estimated 40 million francs across Switzerland as a whole. The risk of marten damage is particularly high in the cantons of Jura, Glarus, Thurgau, and Schaffhausen.

Cars parked outdoors overnight are a popular target for martens, especially during the months of May and June, when the animals’ territorial behaviour is at its most pronounced. Much to the frustration of vehicle owners, gnawing on cables and hoses is simply in the nature of these animals — and the engine compartment of a car provides martens with an ideal hiding place. At AXA Switzerland, the average marten damage claim amounts to around 460 francs. While this sum is manageable, it is nonetheless frustrating when a car won’t start or when a chewed brake hose puts drivers at risk of an accident. A total of 17’000 marten damage claims are reported to AXA Switzerland each year, resulting in a total damage sum of 8 million francs.

Martens love motorhomes

Martens are particularly fond of targeting motorhomes. «Our figures show that motorhomes suffer marten damage twice as often as passenger cars. This is related to the fact that they tend to remain parked in the same spot for longer periods, making it easier for the animals to settle in. Motorhomes are also more frequently parked in areas that are accessible to martens», says Fredy Egg, Head of Claims at the insurer. While 378 motorhomes damaged by martens were reported in 2017, the figure had already risen to 532 cases last year. The increase is likely due to the boom in motorhome travel, which was further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lower-lying regions more severely affected

In the cantons of Jura, Glarus, Thurgau, and Schaffhausen, the probability of marten damage is up to 80% higher than the Swiss average. «Stone martens, the most common marten species in Central Europe, are found in Switzerland only up to moderate elevations. A mountainous canton therefore has significantly fewer animals than lower-lying regions», explains Fredy Egg.

Underground garages offer the best protection

Drivers should avoid parking in the open air whenever possible. «Closed garages still offer the best protection against marten damage», says Fredy Egg. Blocking access to the engine compartment or securing particularly vulnerable car parts can also help. Should marten damage occur nonetheless, it is covered by comprehensive or partial comprehensive insurance. This includes, in particular, bite damage and consequential damage.

Protection against marten damage

• Some vehicle manufacturers offer marten traps as optional extras. So-called «marten deterrents» drive the animals away using an ultrasonic tone without harming them.
• Special tubes made of flexible hard plastic can protect cables and hoses.
• The car should be parked in a sheltered space whenever possible. If you don't have a garage, it's worth always parking in the same spot. This minimises the risk of rival animals biting and damaging cables during territorial disputes in the engine compartment.
• Wire mesh on the ground beneath the engine compartment offers good protection, as martens dislike unstable surfaces.
• It's worth having the engine washed regularly to remove the scent markings left by intruding animals, thereby avoiding territorial conflicts.