Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Rat Infestation?

Homeowners insurance policies provide financial protection against unexpected events that can damage a dwelling and its contents. This coverage typically extends to sudden and accidental losses, helping homeowners recover from unforeseen circumstances.

Understanding General Coverage

Standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage caused by pest infestations, including rats. Insurers view pest problems and associated costs as preventable issues falling under routine home maintenance. Policies address sudden, unforeseen events, not gradual deterioration or problems avoidable through regular upkeep. If rats chew through walls or insulation, direct damage from their activity is unlikely to be covered.

Infestations are a gradual issue, placing prevention and remediation responsibility on the homeowner. The cost of removing pests, which can range from approximately $175 to $600, is typically an out-of-pocket expense. Repairs for direct damage like chewed wood or nesting materials are also excluded from standard coverage.

Damage from Infestations

While direct damage from a rat infestation is not covered, homeowners insurance might cover consequential damage. This distinction is important because the policy covers the result of pest activity if that result is a covered peril. For instance, if rats chew through electrical wiring, leading to a sudden fire, the fire damage to the home and its contents would likely be covered.

Similarly, if rats gnaw through water pipes, causing a sudden water leak or flood, the resulting water damage could be covered. In these situations, insurance would pay for repairs related to fire or water damage, as these are typically covered perils. However, the policy would not cover the cost of exterminating rats or repairing initial damage directly caused by their chewing.

Typical Policy Exclusions

Homeowners insurance policies contain specific exclusions that lead to denial of claims for pest infestations. Many policies include a “vermin exclusion” clause, stating that damage caused by pests like rats, mice, or insects is not covered. This exclusion is based on the premise that pest infestations are preventable through diligent home maintenance and are not unexpected perils.

Policies also exclude damage from “neglect” or “gradual deterioration.” Insurers expect homeowners to perform regular maintenance to prevent issues from escalating. If a pest problem developed over time due to lack of upkeep, any resulting damage would likely be excluded. This includes hidden damage resulting from a slow-forming issue rather than a sudden event.

Steps to Take After Discovery

Upon discovering a rat infestation, homeowners should promptly take specific actions regardless of insurance coverage. Documenting the extent of the damage is a first step, involving clear photographs and videos from multiple angles. A detailed inventory of damaged items, including descriptions and estimated values, should also be compiled.

Contacting the insurance provider is important immediately to initiate a claim. Provide your policy number and a brief, factual description of what occurred, avoiding speculation about the cause.

Homeowners have a “duty to mitigate” further damage, meaning reasonable steps should be taken to prevent the problem from worsening if safe. This might involve temporarily covering a damaged area or turning off a water supply. Keep detailed records of all communications with the insurer and any expenses incurred during mitigation.