Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Raccoon Damage?

Homeowners insurance policies can be complex, and understanding coverage for damage caused by wild animals, such as raccoons, is not always straightforward. Coverage often depends on the specific language within a policy, differentiating between types of animals and the nature of the damage. Homeowners typically find that what they expect to be covered may be subject to exclusions or limitations based on policy structure.

Understanding Homeowners Insurance Policy Types

Homeowners insurance policies generally fall into two primary categories that dictate coverage: “named perils” and “open perils.” A “named perils” policy, sometimes referred to as a basic or broad form, provides coverage only for events specifically listed in the policy document. If a peril is not explicitly named, then the damage it causes is not covered. These policies typically list around 16 common perils, such as fire, lightning, windstorm, hail, and theft.

An “open perils” policy, also known as a special form, offers broader protection. This type of policy covers all causes of loss unless a specific peril is explicitly excluded. While offering more comprehensive coverage, open perils policies usually come with a higher premium. It is common for homeowners policies, such as the HO-3 form, to provide open perils coverage for the dwelling structure, while personal property may still be covered on a named perils basis.

How Policies Address Animal Damage

When it comes to damage caused by animals like raccoons, the type of policy and its specific exclusions become particularly relevant. Many standard homeowners insurance policies typically exclude damage caused by “vermin,” “rodents,” “insects,” or “birds.” Raccoons are often classified under these exclusions, particularly as vermin, meaning damage they cause is generally not covered. Some policies have explicitly amended their “vermin exclusion” to include raccoons.

Despite these exclusions, nuances exist. Damage from gradual issues like chewing wires, nesting, or long-term contamination is almost always excluded as a maintenance issue. However, sudden and accidental damage might be treated differently. For instance, if a raccoon causes sudden structural damage, such as tearing through a roof or an attic vent to gain entry, the damage to the structure might be covered if not explicitly excluded and considered a direct physical loss.

Damage to personal belongings within the home due to raccoons is typically not covered, even if structural damage is. The distinction often lies between large, unexpected animal incidents (like a deer breaking a window) which may be covered, versus smaller animals like raccoons, mice, or squirrels, where damage is often considered preventable.

Reporting Damage to Your Insurer

After discovering potential raccoon damage, taking immediate and precise steps is important. The first action should be to document the damage with photos and videos, capturing wide shots and close-ups from multiple angles. Including timestamps on these visual records can provide valuable context. It is advisable to create a detailed written log, noting the date, time, and specific descriptions of the damage.

Homeowners have a responsibility to prevent further damage to their property, known as the “duty to mitigate.” This might involve temporarily patching a hole in the roof or covering a broken window to protect against weather or additional animal entry. It is important to keep all receipts for materials purchased for temporary repairs, as these costs may be reimbursable by the insurer.

Contacting the insurance company promptly is a crucial step. Policyholders should provide their name, policy information, and a clear description of the incident. An adjuster will typically be assigned to assess the damage and review policy coverage. The claims process involves the deductible application, potential adjuster visits, and obtaining repair estimates, with processing times varying from a few days to several weeks, depending on complexity.