If not caught quickly, property damage from rodents, animals, or insects can cause serious injury to your home. Many homeowners wonder if their homeowners insurance policy covers animal damage. Depending on the loss, there may be exceptions that cover animal damage.
What does animal damage have to do with your home insurance policies?
Homeowners insurance covers you, your home and personal property against certain perils. Liability protection, your home’s structure and personal belongings are all covered. Usually, additional living expenses are also covered. You can use the additional living expenses to pay for housing and meals until your home is habitable again after a covered loss.
Although an infestation of rodents, animals, or insects is not generally covered by homeowners insurance because it is considered a maintenance problem, certain perils may be covered, if they are unexpected and accidental. These are some examples of standard coverages that may or might not apply:
- Living:A few deer suddenly ran through your yard and broke a few windows, causing damage to some siding.
- Other structuresThe drywall is damaged when a raccoon enters your shed.
- Personal propertyIn general, personal property is not protected from animal damage, even if it was caused by an accident like the ones mentioned above.
What wild animals could do to your home
There are many wild animals that can inflict damage on your property. Although damage to your personal belongings may be limited, damage can still be done to structures and other buildings. Other appliances, wiring and plumbing may also be affected. The damage can be severe if an animal is left alone in your home for too long.
Raccoon damage
Raccoons can get into attics and chimneys, causing severe damage if they are not removed. Raccoons can chew through insulation paper, wood, and wires. You should also clean up rat feces and urine carefully as they can transmit roundworm to humans.
Is homeowners insurance able to cover damage from raccoons? These are some other questions:The company and homeowner insurance policies may cover damage to your home, but not personal property. Some policies may exclude animal damage. This could lead to exclusions.Tens of thousands of dollars of damageRaccoons are responsible.
Squirrel damage
Although squirrels are small in size, their strong jaws and teeth make it easy to chew through your home materials. To gain entry to your home, they can cause damage to your insulation, wood, wiring, and shingles.
Is homeowner’s insurance available to cover squirrel damage? This is:Because squirrel damage is considered vermin, homeowners insurance do not usually cover it.It is generally considered a maintenance problem..
Rodent coverage
Rodents like rats and mice are considered vermin. Regular home maintenance should include removing them.
Does homeowners insurance cover rodent damage? This is what it looks like:The rodent damage covered by homeowner’s insurance is generally not covered, with the exception of fires caused by chewed electric wires. While fire insurance covers most damage, it does not cover rodent damage.
Bird damage
Despite the fact that some birds might not appear to be a threat to your home or cause any damage, you might be surprised at what they can do. For example, woodpeckers could cut holes in your siding or through the wood of your home. Water can get in the home if the wood is exposed. The presence of urine and feces from birds can cause health problems and damage insulation.
Is homeowner’s insurance available to cover bird damage? This is:Although bird damage is not covered by insurance, water can get inside. Some companiesContact can cause accidental lossWith a bird or an animal.
How insects can damage your home
Although they are small, insects can do serious damage to your home. For example, some homeowners may ask, “Is carpenter ant damage covered by homeowners insurance?” Structural damage is a big concern with certain insects, and depending on the scenario and insurance company, it may or may not be covered by your homeowners insurance.
Bed bug infestation
Although bedbug infestations are unlikely to cause significant damage to your home, personal property can be damaged. Homeowners insurance usually has an exclusion on coverages for bedbug infestations. Infestation of bedbugs can be considered maintenance or upkeep. With heat treatment being one of the few ways to get rid of bedbugs, removing heat-sensitive items can reduce the risk of personal property damage that is usually not covered by homeowners insurance, since it would not qualify as an accidental loss.
Carpenter ant damage
Carpenter ants are most common in the Northeastern states and the damage they cause can be mistaken for termite damage. Carpenter ants will eat soggy wood to build their nests. If you see them, it is likely that there is a water leak. Homeowners insurance usually doesn’t cover animal damage caused by carpenter ants, particularly if it is not visible. There may be coverage if a tree is damaged by carpenter ants.
Termite damage
Homeowners insurance does not usually cover termite damage. If termites cause damage that isn’t visible inside the home or you only notice structural collapses, homeowners insurance may cover the structure and personal property.
Are homeowners’ insurance policies able to cover pet damage?
The most common pets are cats and dogs. They can cause major damage to your home, especially if they are young. Your homeowners insurance does not cover damage from pets, regardless of whether it is chewed up furniture, carpet, or clothes, as well as damage to the home structure like cracked walls and doors.
However, there is one coverage that will cover damage caused by your pet: personal liability. If your pet bites someone who is not a household member and causes injuries, your liability may cover their medical bills. You may also be covered for legal fees and representation if they sue you. You should carefully read your homeowners insurance policy as it may contain restrictions or exclusions that apply to certain breeds or pets. If you own a pet, consider purchasing extra liability protection with a personal umbrella policy.
Is homeowners insurance able to cover fences?
Fences are usually covered by homeowner’s insurance under the other structures coverage. Your fence might be covered depending on the reason for loss. This could include, for example, the accidental loss of your fence by a moose.
