Does Home Insurance Cover Wildlife Damage?

Homeowners insurance policies provide financial protection against various risks, but understanding wildlife damage coverage varies. Whether damage from animals is covered depends on the specific policy terms, the type of animal involved, and the nature of the damage itself. Policies often differentiate between sudden, accidental damage and issues considered preventable or related to ongoing maintenance.

Standard Homeowners Policy Coverage

Standard homeowners insurance policies, such as HO-3 and HO-5, define coverage based on “named perils” or “open perils.” An HO-3 policy provides “open perils” coverage for the dwelling and other structures, covering all causes of loss unless specifically excluded. For personal property, however, an HO-3 policy covers only “named perils”—a specific list of events like fire, theft, or windstorm. In contrast, an HO-5 policy offers “open perils” coverage for both the dwelling and personal property, offering broader protection against any cause of loss not explicitly excluded.

Direct damage from wildlife is often not a named peril and is frequently excluded. However, if wildlife causes damage leading to a covered peril, the resulting damage might be covered. For instance, if rodents chew through electrical wires, causing a fire, the fire damage is likely covered under the policy.

Similarly, if a large animal, like a deer or bear, causes sudden and accidental structural damage, like breaking through a window or door, the policy may cover dwelling repairs.

Common Damage Exclusions

Most standard homeowners insurance policies contain specific exclusions for damage caused by certain types of animals, categorized as vermin, rodents, insects, or birds. Damage from mice, rats, squirrels, termites, carpenter ants, bats, or pigeons is not covered. These exclusions extend to damage resulting from nesting, infestations, or the accumulation of waste products.

Insurance companies consider damage from these smaller animals as preventable through regular home maintenance and pest control measures. Such damage is viewed as a gradual issue, not a sudden, unforeseen event. Therefore, even extensive damage, such as chewed electrical wiring or compromised insulation from a long-standing rodent problem, falls under these exclusions. Homeowners manage these issues as part of their property upkeep responsibilities.

Additional Protection Options

Homeowners seeking broader wildlife damage protection can explore additional coverage through endorsements or riders. An endorsement is an amendment to an insurance policy that modifies its terms, often for an extra premium. Endorsements can tailor coverage to specific needs, potentially including otherwise excluded animal damage.

For example, a “Special Personal Property Coverage” endorsement can broaden the coverage for personal belongings from “named perils” to an “open perils” basis, which may cover some animal damage not attributed to vermin. While specific animal damage endorsements are not always available, some policies offer options that extend coverage to certain incidents, or provide broader “vandalism” coverage that may apply in specific animal-related circumstances. Consult an insurance provider to understand available endorsements and how they address potential wildlife damage concerns.

Filing a Home Insurance Claim

If covered wildlife damage occurs, the claims process begins with documentation. Take detailed photos and videos of all affected areas, including structural damage, damaged belongings, or signs of animal entry. Create a comprehensive list of damaged items, with descriptions and estimated values.

Promptly contact the insurance provider, as policies have specific timeframes for reporting incidents. Provide your policy number, the date and time damage was discovered, and a clear description. Understand the policy’s deductible, the out-of-pocket amount (typically $500 to $2,000) that the insured must pay before the insurer covers remaining costs. If repair costs are less than the deductible, filing a claim may not be prudent.

An insurance adjuster will inspect the damage and determine the covered loss. Be available to guide the adjuster and provide all documentation. After the claim is approved, the insurer will determine the amount to cover the loss, subtracting the deductible.

Reimbursement may occur in stages, with an initial payment followed by a final payment once repairs are completed. Save receipts for temporary repairs to prevent further damage, and avoid permanent repairs until insurer approval.