Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Animal Damage?
Wildlife and pests can create expensive problems for homeowners. From squirrels chewing electrical wires to bears damaging doors or raccoons tearing through roofing, animal-related damage is more common than many people realize. The big question is whether homeowners insurance will help pay for repairs.
In many cases, home insurance only covers sudden and accidental damage caused by large wild animals. Damage caused by rodents, pests, infestations, nesting, or domestic pets is usually excluded because insurers consider it preventable through regular maintenance.
This guide explains what homeowners insurance may cover, what is commonly excluded, how claims work, and practical steps homeowners can take to prevent costly animal damage.
Table of Contents
- How Home Insurance Handles Animal Damage
- What Wildlife Damage Is Usually Covered
- What Pest Damage Is Not Covered
- Coverage for Squirrels, Rodents, and Raccoons
- Woodpecker and Bird Damage
- Bat Removal and Cleanup Costs
- Landscaping and Vehicle Damage
- Tips to Prevent Animal Damage
- Frequently Asked Questions
How Home Insurance Handles Animal Damage
Homeowners insurance policies generally separate animal damage into two categories:
- Sudden accidental wildlife damage — sometimes covered
- Preventable pest or infestation damage — usually excluded
| Type of Damage | Usually Covered? | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Large wildlife damage | Sometimes | Bear breaks door, deer crashes through fence |
| Rodent infestations | No | Mice chewing wires, rats nesting in attic |
| Insect damage | No | Termites, carpenter ants |
| Pet damage | No | Dog chewing walls or flooring |
| Animal removal costs | Rarely | Bat removal, raccoon cleanup |
Coverage depends heavily on whether the damage is considered sudden and accidental or gradual and preventable.
Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover My Pets?
What Wildlife Damage Is Usually Covered
Some homeowners insurance policies may cover damage caused by large wild animals if the incident happens suddenly.
Examples of Covered Wildlife Damage
- A bear breaking through a garage door
- A deer crashing through a window
- A large animal damaging fencing or siding
- A wild animal destroying part of the home's structure
Coverage typically falls under:
- Dwelling Coverage — protects the home's structure
- Other Structures Coverage — protects detached garages, sheds, and fences
Personal belongings damaged by wild animals are often excluded even when structural damage is covered.
Learn more from Progressive’s animal damage insurance guide.
What Pest Damage Is Not Covered
Home insurance companies usually exclude pest-related damage because it develops slowly over time and is considered a maintenance issue.
Common Exclusions
- Rodents
- Termites
- Insects
- Bird infestations
- Nesting damage
- Waste contamination
If an insurer believes the homeowner failed to maintain the property or prevent infestations, the claim will likely be denied.
Why Insurers Deny Pest Claims
Insurance is designed for unexpected events, not long-term maintenance problems. If damage happens gradually over weeks or months, it usually falls outside standard policy coverage.
Coverage for Squirrels, Rodents, and Raccoons
Does Home Insurance Cover Squirrel Damage?
Squirrel damage is generally not covered. Squirrels often enter attics and chew:
- Electrical wiring
- Wood beams
- Insulation
- Vent openings
- Trim tree branches near the roof
- Install chimney caps
- Seal attic vents and openings
- Remove food and water sources
Is Rodent Damage Covered?
Damage caused by mice and rats is almost always excluded. Rodents can create serious hazards by chewing wiring and damaging insulation.
- Seal cracks and entry points
- Store pet food in airtight containers
- Install door sweeps
- Keep crawl spaces clean and dry
Is Raccoon Damage Covered?
Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover raccoon damage. Similar exclusions often apply to skunks and opossums.
Best Prevention Methods
- Use lockable trash bins
- Install fencing around gardens
- Seal attic openings
- Store pet food indoors
Common Problems
- Roof damage
- Attic nesting
- Insulation destruction
- Contamination from waste
Woodpecker and Bird Damage
Woodpecker damage is generally considered preventable and is usually excluded from coverage.
Signs of Woodpecker Damage
- Cone-shaped holes in siding
- Roofline damage
- Exterior insulation damage
- Repeated pecking sounds
- Install bird deterrent devices
- Use reflective tape around gutters
- Seal existing holes immediately
- Treat insect infestations attracting birds
Bat Removal and Cleanup Costs
If bats enter an attic or crawl space, homeowners are usually responsible for:
- Professional removal
- Sanitizing contaminated areas
- Repairing entry points
- Insulation replacement
Bat droppings can create serious health risks. Professional removal is strongly recommended.
How to Prevent Bat Problems
- Seal small openings with mesh or caulk
- Trim nearby tree branches
- Reduce standing water around the property
- Install alternative bat houses away from the home
Landscaping and Vehicle Damage
Does Insurance Cover Landscaping Damage?
Damage to landscaping caused by squirrels, raccoons, or rodents is generally excluded.
However, landscaping damage may be covered if caused by:
- Fire
- Lightning
- Explosion
- Vandalism
- Theft
Does Insurance Cover Animal Damage to Cars?
Home insurance does not cover vehicle damage from animals. Instead, drivers typically need comprehensive auto insurance coverage.
Comprehensive car insurance may help pay for repairs if animals damage your vehicle, subject to your deductible.
Tips to Prevent Animal Damage
- Inspect your roof and attic regularly
- Seal gaps around vents and foundations
- Store garbage in secure containers
- Keep trees trimmed away from the home
- Repair exterior damage quickly
- Schedule annual pest inspections
- Install chimney caps and vent covers
Preventive maintenance is the best defense against expensive animal-related home repairs and denied insurance claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does home insurance cover animal damage?
Home insurance may cover sudden accidental damage caused by large wild animals, but it usually excludes rodent infestations, pests, insects, and pet damage.
Does homeowners insurance cover squirrel damage?
No. Squirrel damage is generally considered preventable maintenance and is usually excluded from coverage.
Are raccoon damages covered by insurance?
Most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover raccoon damage or cleanup costs.
Does insurance pay for bat removal?
Typically no. Homeowners are usually responsible for bat removal and cleanup expenses.
Is rodent damage covered by homeowners insurance?
Rodent damage from mice or rats is usually excluded because insurers consider infestations preventable.
Does insurance cover bird damage?
Bird damage is generally excluded unless it results from a sudden accidental event like a bird breaking a window.
Can homeowners insurance cover landscaping damage from animals?
Most policies exclude landscaping damage caused by pests or wildlife unless the damage results from a covered peril like vandalism or fire.
What type of insurance covers animal damage to vehicles?
Comprehensive auto insurance coverage may help pay for vehicle damage caused by animals.
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