We tend to think of car insurance as a catch-all safety net. Hit a deer? Covered. Fender bender? Covered. Meteorite strikes while you’re parked at Costco? Oddly, also sometimes covered.

Below are real cases where drivers were left holding the bill after bizarre incidents. All of them shine a light on what your policy probably doesn’t include.

1. Rodent wreckage under the hood

Rodents love warm engine bays. Unfortunately, they also love chewing through expensive wiring. One woman in the U.S. found out the hard way after a squirrel nested under her hood and caused about $1,000 in damage. Her car insurance policy didn’t cover rodent-related destruction.

Some insurers offer comprehensive coverage that includes animal damage, but many don’t mention small critters. It pays to check the fine print.

2. DUI-induced plunge

In Florida, a man drove his Dodge Challenger into a canal while intoxicated. He was rescued, but the car? A complete loss. His insurance provider refused to pay for the damage due to a common exclusion in most policies: intentional or criminal acts, including DUIs.

Even if you have full coverage, most insurers will deny claims tied to criminal behavior.

3. Paint job ruined by wildfire ash

In California, a car parked outside during a wildfire didn’t catch fire, but its paint didn’t make it out unscathed. Falling ash and airborne chemicals permanently etched the vehicle’s finish. The owner assumed comprehensive coverage would handle it. It didn’t.

Many policies exclude damage from “airborne pollutants” unless there’s direct contact from fire or flame. A smoky sky? That’s your problem.

4. The BMW that a car insurance company sent to pasture too soon

A U.K. driver’s 1997 BMW 740 was damaged in a minor crash. The insurer declared it a total loss and, while he was still negotiating, sent the car to be scrapped. The owner had no say…and little recourse.

This shows that if you own a rare or sentimental vehicle, you may want to consider agreed-value coverage. Standard insurance often won’t recognize collector value.

5. Christmas tree toss throws a wrench in a car insurance injury claim

A woman in Ireland filed an $820,000 claim after a car crash, citing serious back injuries. Then a video surfaced of her cheerfully winning a Christmas tree throwing contest. Her claim was dismissed.

If you file a claim, expect your insurer to verify. Surveillance, social media, even community events are fair game.

6. When your mechanic wrecks your ride

A VW Golf owner brought their car in for a warranty repair. While in the shop, the car was involved in an accident. The insurance company initially agreed to pay, then reversed course, arguing the shop was at fault.

Lesson? If your car is in someone else’s hands, their coverage, not yours, should take responsibility. But it can get messy fast.

Car insurance doesn’t cover everything. And when it comes to weird events (critters, chemical ash, or shady scrappage), you’ll want to know exactly where your coverage begins and ends. Read your policy carefully, ask questions, and maybe take more photos than you think you need.