Does Home Warranty Cover Rodent Damage?

A home warranty offers a contract to help homeowners manage the costs of repairing or replacing major home systems and appliances when they break down due to normal wear and tear. Many homeowners consider these plans to provide financial predictability for unexpected household repairs. Understanding the typical inclusions and exclusions of these agreements is important for property owners.

Understanding Home Warranty Coverage

Home warranties are service contracts designed to cover the repair or replacement of covered household systems and appliances that fail due to normal operational use. This typically includes items such as heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing, electrical wiring, water heaters, and major kitchen appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens.

However, home warranty policies generally have specific limitations and exclusions. They typically do not cover pre-existing conditions, which are issues that existed before the policy’s effective date. Furthermore, structural components of the home, cosmetic damage, and problems resulting from improper maintenance or installation are commonly excluded from coverage.

Many policies also explicitly exclude damage caused by acts of nature, such as floods or earthquakes. Preventative maintenance is usually the homeowner’s responsibility and is not covered. Home warranties focus on the mechanical failure of systems and appliances, rather than issues arising from external factors or neglect.

Rodent Damage and Home Warranties

Most home warranty contracts explicitly classify rodents, insects, and other vermin as pests, and any damage resulting from their activity is generally excluded from coverage. This exclusion stems from the fundamental nature of home warranties, which are designed to address mechanical failures of systems and appliances.

The presence of rodents and subsequent damage is often considered a maintenance issue, requiring pest control measures and preventative actions by the homeowner. Policies commonly state that they do not cover infestations or the destruction caused by them, such as chewed wires, insulation, or structural elements. For instance, if a rodent chews through an electrical wire, the home warranty would not cover the repair of that wire or any resulting damage to an appliance connected to it.

This common exclusion applies because home warranties are not designed to be pest control services or to cover the consequences of a lack of pest prevention. The focus remains on breakdowns due to normal wear and tear of covered items. Therefore, homeowners should not expect their home warranty to provide financial assistance for rodent-related issues, regardless of the extent of the damage.

Addressing Rodent Damage Beyond Your Warranty

Since home warranties generally do not cover rodent damage, homeowners must seek alternative solutions to address these issues. A primary step involves engaging professional pest control services to eradicate the rodent infestation. These services can identify entry points, eliminate existing populations, and recommend strategies to prevent future incursions.

Preventative measures are essential in mitigating the risk of rodent damage. Sealing cracks and holes in foundations, walls, and around utility penetrations can block entry points into the home. Proper food storage in sealed containers and maintaining a clean environment, both indoors and outdoors, can deter rodents from seeking harborage.

Homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover damage caused by pests, including rodents. While homeowners insurance protects against sudden and accidental perils like fire or theft, it generally excludes damage resulting from infestations or neglect. In rare instances, if rodent activity directly leads to a covered peril, such as a fire from chewed electrical wiring, the fire damage might be covered, depending on the specific policy and cause of loss investigation.