Orlando Harmon
Animal infestations can be distressing for homeowners, and the costs of removal and repairs can be significant. While homeowners insurance can provide some financial protection, it's important to understand that coverage varies depending on the type of animal, the extent of damage, and the underlying cause. In general, damage caused by small animals, such as rodents, insects, and birds, is often excluded from coverage as it is considered preventable with regular maintenance and pest control treatments. On the other hand, damage caused by larger wild animals, such as deer or bears, may be covered by homeowners insurance, especially if it is sudden and accidental. It is essential to carefully review your policy and consult with your insurance provider to determine the specific coverage for animal infestations and damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Animal damage covered by insurance | Large wild animals like deer, bears, cows, etc. |
| Animal damage not covered by insurance | Birds, squirrels, rodents (mice, rats), raccoons, skunks, opossums, groundhogs, insects, termites, carpenter ants, bees, bed bugs, cockroaches |
| Preventable damage | Considered preventable if it could have been avoided with regular pest control treatments, maintenance, and prevention |
| Coverage for preventable damage | Preventable damage is typically not covered by insurance, but if the damage is sudden and accidental, it may be covered |
| Coverage for structures | Damage to detached structures like sheds, garages, or fences is typically covered under "other structures" protection |
| Coverage for hidden infestations | If a hidden infestation causes damage, such as a floor collapse or electrical fire, insurance may cover the cost of repairs, but proof of no prior knowledge is required |
| Coverage for pet damage | Damage caused by pets is typically not covered, but liability coverage may apply if a pet injures someone |
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What You'll Learn
Homeowners insurance may cover damage caused by larger wild animals
Homeowners insurance policies typically exclude damage caused by backyard animals or any damage they may cause to your property. However, there are some cases where homeowners insurance may cover damage caused by larger wild animals.
Insurance providers generally classify small rodents, insects, and similar pests as vermin, excluding them from coverage. On the other hand, larger wildlife damage may be covered, depending on how the damage occurs. For example, if a bear breaks through a door or a deer shatters a glass door, your insurance may cover the damage. This is because the damage caused by larger animals is typically more noticeable and less gradual than that caused by smaller pests.
Additionally, if the proximate cause of an infestation is a covered hazard, such as a storm causing a tree to fall on your roof, which then allows a wild animal to enter your home, your insurance may cover the resulting damage. It's important to note that this coverage depends on you being able to prove that you had no prior knowledge of the infestation.
While damage caused by larger wild animals may be covered, it's important to remember that each insurance policy is different, and coverage for animal damage can vary. It's always a good idea to review your specific policy and contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage options and ensure your home is properly protected against wildlife damage.
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Preventing animal damage
Identify the Intruders
The first step in preventing animal damage is to identify the specific animals causing the problem. Common culprits include squirrels, raccoons, deer, rabbits, gophers, voles, woodchucks, chipmunks, and various rodents and insects. Knowing the type of animal you're dealing with will help you implement targeted prevention measures.
Secure Your Garbage
Animals are attracted to garbage, which can provide an easy food source. Keep your garbage in sealed containers and use lockable trash bins that cannot be tipped over. If possible, store your trash cans in a secure location, such as a garage or shed.
Seal Entry Points
Inspect your home for small openings, gaps, or holes that animals can use to gain entry. Seal off any potential entry points, especially in your home's foundation, crawl spaces, and exterior doors. Install door sweeps to seal gaps at the bottom of doors.
Exclude Animals from Your Garden
If you have a garden, take steps to exclude unwanted visitors. Fence off vulnerable plants or use raised beds and pots to make them less accessible to burrowing animals. Adding a small barrier, such as chicken wire, on top of fences can provide extra protection. Choose plants with natural defenses, such as prickly thorns, poisonous traits, or strong smells that pests find unappealing.
Prevent Rodent Infestations
Rodents, such as mice and rats, can cause significant damage by chewing through wires, insulation, and structural components. Keep pet food and garbage securely stored. Seal any openings that could provide entry points, and consider installing chimney caps to prevent access through chimneys.
Deter Wildlife from Nesting
Animals seeking warmth and shelter may invade attics, chimneys, or other enclosed spaces. Install chimney caps and seal off potential entry points to deter wildlife from nesting in these areas.
Exercise and Stimulate Pets
For pet owners, providing daily exercise and mental stimulation for your pets is crucial. Boredom and lack of stimulation can lead to destructive behaviours such as digging, scratching, and chewing. Ensure your pets have appropriate toys, scratching posts, and play areas to channel their energy positively.
By following these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of animal damage to your home and garden, creating a safer and more harmonious living environment for both you and the wildlife around you.
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Pest control treatments
Homeowners insurance typically does not cover animal or insect infestations as they are considered preventable with regular pest control treatments. However, dwelling coverage under your homeowners insurance policy may cover wildlife damage to your home's structure and anything attached to it, such as an attached garage. On the other hand, other structures coverage may protect detached structures, such as fences or sheds.
When dealing with pest issues, it is crucial to prioritize pet safety if you have any pets. Before applying pest treatments, always remove pets from the treatment area to prevent their direct exposure to chemicals or traps. Ensure the area is well-ventilated during and after the application of products to dissipate fumes and airborne particles. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, which focus on long-term prevention through habitat manipulation and pest-resistant techniques, are often safer for pets.
If you decide to hire a professional pest control company, choose one that prioritizes the safety of your pets and is adept at handling environments with animals. Before the pest control technicians arrive, secure your pets in a kennel or a room away from the treatment area, cover and relocate fish tanks, and inform the technicians about the presence of pets and any specific safety concerns. Additionally, tidy up the area by removing pet food and toys that could get contaminated.
Professional pest control companies, such as Critter Control, specialize in humane wildlife removal services for various animals, including raccoons, bats, rats, mice, squirrels, birds, and more. They have extensive knowledge, training, and expertise in understanding the behaviors of local wildlife and safely removing them. Critter Control also offers protection from future invasions by making exclusions to ensure wildlife cannot re-enter your home. They handle repairs and cleanups to fix any damage caused by pests or wildlife.
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Coverage for structures
Homeowners insurance rarely covers property damage caused by animals, including pest infestations. This is because pest infestations are considered preventable through regular pest control treatments and property maintenance. However, there are some exceptions where damage to structures may be covered.
Firstly, it is important to understand the difference between dwelling coverage and other structures coverage. Dwelling coverage protects the structure of your home and anything attached to it, such as an attached garage. On the other hand, other structures coverage protects detached structures on your property, such as fences, sheds, or barns.
Your homeowners insurance policy may cover damage to structures caused by larger wild animals, especially if it is a one-off occurrence. For example, if a deer runs through your yard and breaks your fence, your other structures coverage may apply. Similarly, if a large bird flies into your window and cracks it, your dwelling coverage may cover the damage.
In some cases, if the proximate cause of an infestation is a covered peril in your policy, you may be covered for any resulting damage. For instance, if a storm causes a tree to fall on your roof, and a wild animal uses it as an entry point to your home, your insurance may cover the damage. Additionally, if an insect infestation is hidden and causes a section of your home to collapse, your standard policy may cover repairs.
It is important to note that insurance providers typically classify small rodents, insects, and similar pests as vermin, excluding them from coverage. Regular inspections, documentation of preventive measures, and annual photographs of your property can improve your chances of claim approval in case of unexpected damage.
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Damage caused by pets
Pets can cause a lot of damage to a home, and this can be costly to repair. In the UK, homeowners pay over £600 million to repair pet-related damages, with 75% of pet owners admitting that their pets have caused chaos at home. Soiled carpets and flooring are the most common ways pets wreak havoc, with 50% of homeowners reporting issues with their carpets or floors being spoiled.
One of the most common issues is scratching. Cats and dogs have claws, and they like to run, jump, and play. This can lead to damage to hardwood or laminate flooring, especially if the floor is made of a softer wood like pine or hemlock. Pet scratches can also affect leather furniture and wooden tables, chairs, and desks. Keeping pets' nails trimmed can help to reduce this type of damage.
Another issue is chewing. Dogs, in particular, may chew on furniture or belongings, and this can be very costly if they chew electrical wires. Providing dogs with chew toys and using anti-chew spray can help to prevent this type of damage.
Pet urine and faeces can also cause problems. Aside from the smell, urine can stain carpets and flooring, and if left too long, it can become permanent. Vomit also needs to be cleaned up quickly to prevent stains and odours from setting in.
Shedding can also damage household fabrics if left unchecked. Fur can become trapped in the fibres of couches, cushions, pillows, and rugs, and it can be impossible to remove completely. Regular vacuuming with a vacuum designed for pet fur removal, as well as the use of a handheld roller, can help to prevent this type of damage.
Finally, pet hair can clog furnace filters, which can negatively impact their function and efficiency. This can be a problem for anyone in the house with allergies, as the allergens will circulate throughout the home. Regular cleaning of furnace filters can help to prevent this issue.
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Frequently asked questions
Animal-related property damage is covered in many cases, depending on the type of animal and how the damage occurs.
Insurance providers typically classify small rodents, insects, and similar pests as vermin, excluding them from coverage.
Squirrel damage isn't usually covered by homeowners insurance because it's considered preventable.
Damage by birds is not covered by homeowners insurance.
Termite damage falls under maintenance issues and isn't covered by standard policies. However, some policies may cover it if the infestation was hidden from view and caused a structure to collapse.
