Paul Sanchez
Squirrels can cause extensive damage to a home, both inside and out, by gnawing through wood, aluminum, shingles, vinyl, plastic, electrical wires, and PVC pipes. However, most insurance companies consider squirrel damage preventable, so it is unlikely that homeowners insurance will cover repairs. While most animal damage is not covered by homeowners insurance, some perils may be covered if they are sudden and accidental. For example, if a squirrel chews through wires in your attic and a house fire ensues, home insurance will likely cover the damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Squirrel damage covered by homeowners insurance? | In most cases, no. |
| Reason | Considered preventable. |
| Exceptions | Some insurers may cover damage caused by a "single, identifiable event" that results in considerable damage all at once, such as a house fire caused by squirrels chewing through wires. |
| Other types of animal damage covered by homeowners insurance | Damage caused by larger wildlife, such as a deer damaging a fence or a bear breaking through a door, may be covered under "dwelling coverage" or "other structures coverage". Damage caused during professional wildlife removal may also be covered if sudden and accidental. |
| Exclusions | Damage caused by rodents, insects, and other pests like raccoons, skunks, and opossums is typically excluded as it is considered preventable with regular pest control and maintenance. |
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What You'll Learn
Squirrel damage is considered preventable
Squirrels can cause significant damage to both the interior and exterior of a home. They can gnaw through wood, aluminium, shingles, vinyl, plastic, electrical wires, and PVC pipes. They can also chew through beams, insulation, and electrical wires in attics, as squirrels often take up residence in these spaces. Despite the extent of damage squirrels can cause, insurance companies consider squirrel damage preventable. This is because squirrels are small rodents, and their damage can be avoided with regular pest control treatments and preventative measures.
Homeowners insurance typically covers landscaping damage if the loss results from fire, lightning, vandalism, theft, or explosion. It does not cover damage from small pests and rodents, such as squirrels or raccoons. It is important to note that some insurers may help cover repairs if squirrels damage the roof, attic, or other structural areas of the home. These instances usually involve a "single, identifiable event" that results in considerable damage all at once, such as a house fire caused by a squirrel chewing through wires.
To prevent squirrel damage, homeowners can take proactive measures such as installing barriers, sealing entry points, and regularly inspecting and maintaining their property. These prevention costs typically fall under regular home maintenance and are not covered by insurance. However, addressing potential entry points and taking preventive measures can help reduce the risk of squirrel damage and the need for costly repairs.
While squirrel damage is generally not covered, it is important to understand your specific homeowners insurance policy and coverage. Some policies may provide protection against wildlife damage, and it is worth discussing the situation with your insurance representative to determine if your policy covers squirrel damage or if there are additional protection options available.
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Home insurance may cover damage from a single, identifiable event
Most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage caused by squirrels because it is considered preventable. Squirrels are considered rodents, and rodent damage is typically excluded from coverage. However, there are some instances where insurance companies may cover squirrel damage. These cases usually involve a "single, identifiable event" that results in significant damage all at once. For example, if a squirrel chews through wires in your attic and a house fire ensues, home insurance will likely cover the damage. This is because the fire caused by the squirrel would be considered a covered peril, such as fire damage.
It is important to note that each insurance policy is different, and some policies may cover damage caused by wild animals like squirrels. Wild animal damage is typically covered under "dwelling coverage" or "other structures protection." Dwelling coverage relates to the main structure of your home and any attached structures, such as decks and garages. Other structures protection pertains to structures that are not attached to your home, like a detached garage, fence, or shed.
To understand your coverage better, it is recommended to review your policy or contact your insurance provider. Additionally, documenting any damage with photos and videos and taking preventive measures to secure your property can help improve your chances of claim approval.
While homeowners insurance may cover damage from a single, identifiable event, it is important to note that this coverage may vary depending on the insurance provider and the specific policy. Homeowners should carefully review their policies to understand their coverage limits and exclusions.
In summary, while squirrel damage is typically not covered by homeowners insurance, there may be instances where damage from a single, identifiable event is covered. Homeowners should review their policies, document any damage, and contact their insurance providers for specific guidance on their coverage.
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Wild animal damage is covered under dwelling protection
Homeowners insurance policies vary, but generally, wild animal damage is covered under dwelling protection. However, it is important to note that damage caused by rodents, insects, and pests is often excluded from coverage as it is considered preventable with proper home maintenance. For example, squirrel damage is typically not covered because squirrels are considered pests, and their presence in attics and subsequent damage to beams, insulation, and electrical wires is deemed preventable. Raccoon damage to attics and stored belongings is also usually not covered.
On the other hand, sudden and accidental damage caused by wild animals is more likely to be covered. For instance, if a bear breaks through a door or a deer damages a fence, these incidents are considered covered events, similar to natural disasters. Additionally, if a bird breaks a window or a fallen tree caused by wildlife damages your home, these sudden occurrences are typically covered.
To ensure you are protected from wild animal damage, it is crucial to understand your specific homeowners insurance policy. Some policies may provide coverage for certain types of animal damage, while others may not. It is also important to note that damage to your vehicle from a wild animal is typically not covered by homeowners insurance, but your auto insurance policy may offer coverage.
In the event of wildlife damage, safety should be the top priority. Avoid approaching or attempting to remove the wild animal, and instead, secure the area and contact a licensed wildlife removal expert. Document the damage with photos and videos, and keep a record of all expenses incurred. Contact your insurance provider promptly and review your policy to understand your coverage and explore options for strengthening your protection against wild animal damage.
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Home insurance doesn't cover squirrel damage to vehicles
Home insurance typically does not cover squirrel damage to vehicles. Squirrel damage to homes is also generally not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies, as it is considered preventable. Squirrels are considered rodents, and damage caused by rodents is usually excluded from coverage.
Standard homeowners insurance policies often exclude damage caused by birds, rodents, or insects. This includes nesting or infestation, as well as the discharge or release of waste products or secretions. Insurance providers typically classify small rodents, insects, and similar pests as vermin, excluding them from coverage.
However, there may be some instances where insurance companies will cover squirrel damage. If the damage is caused by a "single, identifiable event" that results in significant damage all at once, such as a house fire caused by squirrels chewing through wires, insurance companies may pay for the repairs. Additionally, if the damage occurs during professional removal, it may be covered if it is sudden and accidental.
It is important to note that each insurance policy is different, and some policies may provide coverage for dwelling damage or other structures protection. Homeowners should carefully review their policies and understand their coverage to determine if squirrel damage is included.
While homeowners insurance may not cover squirrel damage to vehicles, auto insurance policies may provide coverage for such incidents. Comprehensive coverage under an auto insurance policy may help pay for repairs to a vehicle damaged by an animal, minus the deductible.
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Home insurance may cover damage caused during wildlife removal
Most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage caused by wildlife, including squirrels, as it is considered preventable. Squirrels can cause significant damage by gnawing through wood, aluminium, shingles, vinyl, plastic, electrical wires, PVC pipes, and even beams and insulation. However, there are some instances where insurance companies may cover squirrel damage.
It is important to note that insurance providers typically classify small rodents, insects, and similar pests as vermin, excluding them from coverage. Larger wildlife damage may be covered, depending on how the damage occurs. Each insurance company and policy is different, so it is essential to review your specific policy and contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage and protection against wildlife damage.
To improve your chances of claim approval, it is recommended to maintain regular inspection records, document any preventive measures taken, keep receipts for home maintenance, photograph your property annually, address potential entry points, and report damage as soon as it is discovered. Additionally, consider making upgrades to your property, such as exterior lighting and sealing small openings, to prevent wildlife from entering and causing damage.
While home insurance may cover damage caused during wildlife removal in certain circumstances, it is always best to take proactive measures to protect your home from animal damage and prevent costly repairs.
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Frequently asked questions
Squirrel damage is generally not covered by homeowners insurance because it is considered preventable. Squirrels are considered rodents, and rodent damage is typically excluded from coverage.
Animal and insect infestations are often considered preventable with regular pest control treatments. Prevention costs, such as installing barriers or sealing entry points, are also usually seen as regular home maintenance and are not covered.
Homeowners insurance typically covers damage to the structure of your home under "open perils". This means that if the cause of loss is not specifically excluded in the policy, you may be covered. Personal property coverage, on the other hand, uses a list of named perils to determine coverage.
Open perils refer to causes of loss that are not specifically excluded in the policy. Named perils, on the other hand, are specific causes of loss covered by your insurance policy, such as windstorm, fire, or theft.
In rare cases, insurers may cover squirrel damage if it results from a ""single, identifiable event" that causes significant damage all at once. For example, if a squirrel chews through wires in your attic and causes a fire, home insurance may cover the damage.
