Wild Animal Damage: Is It Covered by Your Homeowners Insurance?

Wild animals can be unpredictable and destructive, causing significant damage to your home and property. Whether it's a raccoon tearing up your attic insulation or a deer smashing through a window, wild animal encounters can lead to costly repairs. But when this happens, is your homeowners insurance policy there to help cover the damage? Let's explore how homeowners insurance addresses animal damage and what you need to know to ensure your home is adequately protected.

How Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wild Animal Damage?

Homeowners insurance policies vary in how they address damage caused by animals, but there are some general guidelines regarding what may or may not be covered. In most cases, the damage caused by wild animals is treated differently than the damage caused by domesticated animals or pests.

• Wild Animal Damage: If your home sustains damage due to wild animals such as deer, bears, or raccoons, your homeowners insurance may cover repairs depending on the nature of the damage. For example, if a bear breaks through a door or a window while trying to enter your home, the resulting damage may be covered under the dwelling protection portion of your policy. However, not all wild animal-related damage is automatically covered, so it's important to check the specifics of your policy.
• Rodent and Pest Damage: Most homeowners insurance policies exclude damage caused by rodents, insects, or pests. This means that if rats, mice, squirrels, or termites chew through wiring or create structural damage, you will likely be responsible for the repair costs. Insurers typically consider damage from these animals to be preventable through proper home maintenance, which is why they are often excluded from coverage.
• Gradual vs. Sudden Damage: Insurance companies often distinguish between gradual damage (such as long-term wear from pests) and sudden, accidental damage (such as a raccoon breaking through a roof). Sudden damage is more likely to be covered, while gradual damage is often excluded as it can be attributed to neglect.

Does Insurance Cover Animal Damage to Cars?

While homeowners insurance may provide coverage for certain types of animal damage to your home, damage to your car from wild animals falls under a different type of insurance. If a wild animal such as a deer causes damage to your vehicle, it would be covered under your comprehensive auto insurance policy, not your homeowners insurance.

Comprehensive coverage typically includes damage caused by accidents with animals, whether it's a deer collision or a raccoon scratching up your car's paint job. However, it's important to note that comprehensive coverage is an optional part of an auto insurance policy, so not all drivers may have it. Be sure to review your auto policy to ensure you're covered for wildlife-related incidents on the road.

Protect Your Home from the Unexpected with John E. Peakes Insurance Agency

Wild animals can cause significant, unexpected damage to your home and property, but with the right homeowners insurance policy, you can be prepared for these situations. At John E. Peakes Insurance Agency, we're here to help you understand your coverage options and ensure your home is protected from wild animal damage and other risks. Contact us today to review your policy and explore ways to strengthen your coverage. Call us at 1-800-800-5199 to ensure your home is protected against all types of damage.