Does home insurance cover wild animal damage?
Homeowners insurance may only cover wildlife damage caused by animals such as deer or bears. Damage from smaller pests like squirrels and other rodents generally isn't covered by your homeowners insurance policy because the infestations are considered preventable. If the wild animal damage is covered, it usually only applies to your home's structure and other structures on your property, like a detached garage or toolshed. Personal property coverage usually excludes wild animal damage, so any personal belongings damaged by wild animals typically won't be covered by a homeowners policy.
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How does homeowners insurance cover animal damage?
Wildlife damage may be covered under your homeowners policy's dwelling coverage and other structures coverage (also known as Coverage B). Dwelling coverage protects your home's structure and anything attached to it, such as an attached garage. Other structures coverage protects the detached structures on your property, such as a fence or shed.
Example:If your fence is damaged by a deer, you would file a claim under your homeowners policy, and the carrier may pay to repair or replace your fence, minus your homeowners insurance deductible and up to the limit of your other structures coverage. As with some homeowners insurance claims, you may need to submit photos of the damage when filing a claim.
Does homeowners insurance cover squirrel damage?
Squirrel damage isn't usually covered by homeowners insurance because it's considered preventable. It's not unheard of for squirrels to take up residence in a home's attic, and they can chew through beams, insulation, and even electrical wires in the process.
Here are some tips to prevent squirrels from getting into your attic:
- Trim tree limbs away from your home's roofline
- Make sure to cover chimney caps, attic vents, and exhaust fan openings
- Remove potential sources of food and water from your yard, such as bird baths and feeders
Is rodent damage covered?
Damage caused by mice and rat infestations generally isn't covered by your homeowners policy. Like squirrels, these small critters tend to take up residence and gradually grow in numbers over a period of time. Be sure to take the necessary steps to eliminate infestations before they cause damage to your home.
Here are some ways to keep rodents out of your home:
- Keep both pet food and garbage in sealed containers
- Seal off any small openings in your home's foundation or crawl spaces
- Install door sweeps on all exterior doors to seal the gap at the bottom
Example:You notice a few mouse droppings in the corner of your basement and decide a single mouse isn't worth the expense of calling an exterminator. A few months later, you discover that the mice have multiplied and built a nest within the walls of your home, chewing through the foundation in the process. Since homeowners insurance doesn't cover mouse infestations, you're responsible for the removal, cleanup, and repairs out of pocket.
Is raccoon damage covered?
Raccoon damage to your home or belongings typically isn't covered by a homeowners insurance policy. Damaged caused by other vermin, such as skunks and opossums, also isn't covered.
Here are some ways to prevent damage from raccoons:
- Install chimney caps to deter raccoons looking for warmth and shelter
- Use lockable trash bins that can't be tipped over, or store your trash cans in a garage or shed
- Install a fence around your garden
- Remove food sources from your yard, including bird feeders, pet food, or compost piles
Is woodpecker damage covered by insurance?
Woodpecker damage is generally not covered by homeowners insurance, as it's considered preventable. If you find cone-shaped holes in your siding or near your roofline, the damage is likely from a woodpecker. Repairing the damage will help prevent more serious issues, but you also need to find a way to keep the woodpecker from coming back.
Here are a few steps you can take to keep woodpeckers away from your home:
- Install ultrasonic bird repellant devices around the outside of your home
- Wrap brightly colored Mylar tape around gutters and roof soffits
- Seal any existing holes in your attic or siding
- Address any insect infestations in home siding that may be attracting woodpeckers
- If the woodpecker keeps coming back, call a pest control specialist to remove it and its nest
Does home insurance cover bat removal?
If you discover bats in your attic, call a professional to remove them safely. Your insurance won't cover this expense, and cleanup will also be your responsibility.
Here are a few ways to prevent bats from damaging your home:
- Inspect and seal any entry points using caulk, steel wool, or metal mesh
- Turn off outdoor lights and remove standing water near your home. These strategies keep insects, a food source for bats, away from your home.
- Trim trees or any foliage near your home that can be potential nesting locations
- Install a bat house or other alternative roosting sites away from your home
Does insurance cover damage to landscaping from animals?
Your home insurance policy doesn't cover landscaping damage from small pests and rodents, such as squirrels or raccoons. Damage from those animals is considered preventable. Homeowners insurance generally covers landscaping damage if the loss results from fire, lightning, vandalism, theft, or explosion.
Does insurance cover animal damage to cars?
Homeowners insurance typically won't cover damage to your vehicle from an animal, but your auto insurance policy may pay for repairs if you carry comprehensive coverage, minus your deductible.
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