Jeffrey Wade
Homeowners insurance policies vary, but most exclude damage from animals. This is because infestations and damage from pests, insects, and rodents are often considered preventable with regular pest control treatments. However, some policies may cover damage caused by wild animals, such as a deer damaging a fence or a bird breaking a window. It's important to understand your specific coverage and take proactive measures to protect your home from animal damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of damage covered | Damage caused by wild animals, damage to the home and personal possessions, sudden and accidental damage |
| Types of damage not covered | Damage from pests, squirrels, rodents, insects, birds, preventable damage, damage from neglect, damage to vehicles, damage to landscaping, damage caused by pets |
| Other | Coverage may depend on the insurance provider, location, type of damage, and species of animal |
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What You'll Learn
Raccoon damage
Raccoons can cause extensive damage to a home, and unfortunately for homeowners, raccoon damage is typically not covered by insurance policies. Raccoon damage is considered preventable, and insurance policies usually exclude damage from neglect. Raccoons can enter homes through chimneys and attics, tearing up air ducts and chewing through paper insulation, wood, and electrical wires. They also leave behind feces and urine, which requires careful cleaning to prevent the spread of disease.
To prevent raccoon damage, it is recommended to install chimney caps, use lockable trash bins, and seal small openings. These measures can deter raccoons looking for warmth and shelter. Regularly checking crawl spaces and investigating strange noises in walls, ceilings, or chimneys can also help prevent raccoon damage.
While raccoon damage is typically not covered, some types of wildlife damage may be covered under a homeowner's insurance policy. For example, damage caused by larger animals such as deer or bears may be covered under dwelling coverage or other structures coverage. Dwelling coverage protects the structure of the home and anything attached to it, such as a garage, while other structures coverage protects detached structures like fences or sheds.
It is important to note that personal property coverage usually excludes wild animal damage, so any belongings damaged by raccoons or other wild animals would not be covered. Homeowners should carefully review their insurance policies and understand their coverage limits and exclusions to know what is and isn't covered regarding animal damage. Taking proactive measures to prevent raccoon damage is always advisable to avoid costly repairs and potential health risks associated with their waste.
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Squirrel damage
Most homeowners insurance does not cover squirrel damage because it is considered preventable. Squirrels can take up residence in attics and chew through beams, insulation, and electrical wires. Homeowners insurance generally covers landscaping damage if the loss results from fire, lightning, vandalism, theft, or explosion. However, it does not cover damage from small pests and rodents, such as squirrels.
While most animal damage is not covered by homeowners insurance, some perils may be covered if they are sudden and accidental, like a deer damaging a fence or a bird breaking a window. It is important to understand your coverage and be proactive about protecting your home from animal damage.
To prevent squirrel damage, it is recommended to check your home regularly and investigate any strange noises, especially if you see squirrels around your property frequently. Keeping both pet food and garbage in sealed containers, sealing off any small openings in your home's foundation or crawl spaces, and installing door sweeps on all exterior doors to seal the gap at the bottom can also help keep squirrels out.
Additionally, understanding the local wildlife can help tailor your coverage and better protect your home from damage. For example, if you live in an area with a high squirrel population, you may want to take extra precautions to keep them out of your home and consider insurance that covers squirrel damage.
In summary, squirrel damage is typically not covered by homeowners insurance because it is considered preventable. However, it is important to understand your specific policy and take proactive measures to protect your home from squirrel damage.
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Pest damage
However, some collateral damage caused by pests may be covered by homeowners insurance in certain circumstances. For example, if carpenter ants cause a tree to fall on your home, your dwelling coverage may help repair the damage. If hidden insect or vermin damage causes your home to collapse, this may also be covered by your homeowners insurance. Additionally, subsequent damage, such as a fire or flood caused by pests chewing through a pipe or wire, may be covered.
It is important to note that pest damage can be costly, and prevention is key. Regular inspections by a pest control professional can help identify and address infestations early on. Contacting your insurance company directly is the best way to determine if your specific policy covers pest damage.
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Wild animal damage
Most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage caused by wild animals. However, some policies may provide coverage in certain situations. The coverage depends on the individual policy, the wildlife species, the type of damage, and the location of the damage.
It is important to note that damage caused by pests, such as squirrels, raccoons, rats, mice, skunks, opossums, and insects, is generally not covered by homeowners insurance. This is because pest infestations are considered preventable with regular pest control treatments and proper maintenance. Additionally, damage caused by birds is typically excluded from coverage under the standard homeowners policy.
To ensure that you have adequate coverage for potential wild animal damage, it is recommended to review your insurance policy carefully and understand the specific exclusions and inclusions. Some insurance providers offer policies with broader coverage, which may provide protection for your home and personal possessions in the event of wild animal damage.
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Preventable vs sudden damage
Most homeowners insurance does not cover animal damage, but there are exceptions for sudden and accidental incidents, such as a deer damaging a fence or a bird breaking a window. Damage caused by pests, rodents, and insects is typically excluded from coverage as it is considered preventable and often the result of neglect. This includes damage from squirrels, mice, rats, carpenter ants, termites, and raccoons. These animals can chew through wires, insulation, wood, and even cause structural damage, but insurance companies consider this preventable with proper pest control and home maintenance.
On the other hand, damage caused by wild animals that is not considered preventable may be covered under dwelling or other structure protection. This includes damage to the main structure of your home and any attached or detached structures, such as decks, garages, fences, or sheds. For example, if a bear breaks into your house and damages the interior, swelling coverage would likely apply. Raccoon damage to the roof, attic, or other structural areas may also be covered by some insurers.
It's important to note that each insurance policy is unique, and coverage may vary depending on the wildlife species, the type of damage, and its location. Some policies may also cover injuries caused by pets to others, but damage caused by owned pets is typically excluded. To understand your specific coverage, it's recommended to contact your insurance provider and review your policy's guidelines for structure and personal property coverage.
Additionally, taking proactive measures to protect your home from animal damage is crucial. This includes regular pest control treatments, maintaining good drainage, sealing openings, using lockable trash bins, and being vigilant about strange noises or signs of infestation. By preventing animal damage, you can avoid the potential financial burden of repairs and clean-up, which may not be covered by your homeowners insurance policy.
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Frequently asked questions
Most homeowners insurance does not cover animal damage, but there are exceptions for accidents such as a deer damaging a fence or a bird breaking a window.
Damage caused by squirrels, mice, rats, skunks, opossums, raccoons, woodpeckers, and insects is considered preventable and is not covered by homeowners insurance.
Dwelling coverage protects the structure of your home and anything attached to it, such as a garage or deck. It covers damage caused by wild animals that are not considered preventable.
Homeowners insurance typically does not cover damage to your vehicle from an animal. However, your auto insurance policy may pay for repairs if you have comprehensive coverage.
