Does homeowners insurance cover squirrel removal?

Asked by: Jamaal Breitenberg  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.6/5 (40 votes)

Homeowners insurance generally only covers wildlife damage caused by animals like deer or bears. Damage from smaller pests like squirrels and other rodents generally isn't covered by your home insurance policy because the infestations are considered preventable.

Does homeowners cover squirrel damage?

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Damage By Small Animals? Damage to your home or other structures from insects, rodents (for example, rats, mice, squirrels and chipmunks) or birds is usually not covered by a standard homeowners policy (although a window broken by a bird may be an exception).

Does homeowners insurance cover pest damage?

Most homeowners insurance policies will not cover pest infestations or related damages. ... Unexpected damage can be covered in homeowners insurance policies, even if it was related to a pest infestation. Regular maintenance can help reduce the risk of a pest infestation in your home.

Does homeowners cover wildlife removal?

Protection for “Dwelling” and “Other Structures”

The good news is that many insurance companies do provide protection against wildlife damage in their “dwelling” and “other structures” clauses. These clauses protect homeowners in the event that a wild animal causes damage to a structure itself.

Does homeowners cover rodent infestation?

Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover rodent damage or removal. Infestations and the resulting damage are typically categorized as home maintenance issues, leaving the homeowner responsible for any expenses associated with removal or repair.

How does homeowners insurance respond to squirrel and other critter damage?

22 related questions found

Does homeowners insurance cover squirrel damage in attic?

Does homeowners insurance cover squirrel damage? Unfortunately, squirrel damage isn't covered by homeowners insurance because it's considered preventable. It's not unheard of for squirrels to take up residence in a home's attic, and they can chew through beams, insulation, and even electrical wires in the process.

Does insurance cover rodent damage?

Comprehensive insurance will cover the damage caused by rodents like rats or mice that get inside your car. However, if you do not have comprehensive insurance, you will be responsible for the expense of the damage.

Does homeowners insurance cover raccoon damage?

A standard homeowners insurance policy may help cover repairs if raccoons damage or destroy the roof, attic or other areas of the home's structure. However, homeowners are typically responsible for repairing or replacing personal items — such as clothing, electronics and furniture — that are damaged by raccoons.

Does insurance cover animal damage?

Even damage caused by your own pet is covered because, after all, animals will be animals. Along with collision insurance, comprehensive can be a valuable additional coverage for your car. ... Hitting a deer or other animal. Damage caused by animals.

Does homeowners insurance cover Groundhog damage?

Raccoons, bats, opossums, and groundhogs are the animals that are generally covered, whereas rodents such as squirrels, rats, and mice are typically excluded under a 'rodent and vermin' clause.

Is rodent damage covered by State Farm?

If your electrical wiring needs replacing due to rodents, your State Farm home insurance typically won't cover you. Most standard home insurance policies don't cover rodent damage. While it's not necessarily your fault, insurance companies consider this damage preventable.

Does homeowners insurance cover mold?

Mold coverage isn't guaranteed by your homeowners insurance policy. Typically, mold damage is only covered if it's related to a covered peril. Mold damage caused by flooding would need to be covered by a separate flood insurance policy.

What is covered by homeowners insurance?

Homeowners insurance policies generally cover destruction and damage to a residence's interior and exterior, the loss or theft of possessions, and personal liability for harm to others. Three basic levels of coverage exist: actual cash value, replacement cost, and extended replacement cost/value.

How much does it cost to get rid of a squirrel in the attic?

Squirrels in Attic Removal Cost

Removing squirrels from your attic costs anywhere from $200 to $600 though large infestations can run upwards of $1,500. This involves live trapping. The use of poisons are uncommon. Squirrels can destroy insulation, walls and siding while building nests.

Can you get sick from squirrels living in your attic?

They are a safety concern: When squirrels are in your attic, they gnaw on everything from boards and papers to live wires. ... Squirrel waste makes you sick too: A squirrel's feces is a source of disease. The most common diseases found in squirrel droppings are salmonella and leptospirosis.

Is hitting an animal an at fault accident?

Hitting a wild animal is generally a no-fault accident, but hitting a domesticated animal may be the owner's fault if he failed to restrain his animal. If you hit an animal while violating traffic laws, such as breaking the speed limit or running a red light, you may be partially at fault for the accident.

Does trailer insurance cover rodent damage?

Comprehensive. Comprehensive coverage protects you and your RV against other types of damage that may not be specifically stated in other plans. This often includes things like water damage, natural disasters, fallen tree branches, and yes, rodent damage!

Is squirrel a rodent or vermin?

Thus, squirrels are mammals because they breathe air and give birth to live babies rather than laying eggs. They are rodents and close cousins to other rodent species such as rats and mice.

Will an exterminator get rid of squirrels?

Squirrels. ... It's then that squirrels can become a destructive nuisance and may require contacting a squirrel exterminator. If you have a problem with squirrels in your home or business, contact your local Western Exterminator office to set up a property inspection and a method of squirrel removal and prevention.

Is damage caused by squirrels covered by insurance?

Typically, insurers are more likely to cover damage by larger animals. For example, a bear getting into your home and causing damage is likely to be covered by your insurance policy. ... Animals such as mice, rats, and squirrels are often excluded from insurance policies.

What to do if you have a squirrel in your attic?

Here's what to do if you've got squirrels in your attic:
  1. Find the point of entry. Thoroughly inspect the inside of the attic to find the opening(s). ...
  2. Find out if it's a mother squirrel with young. ...
  3. Get them out. ...
  4. Keep them out.

What is not covered in homeowners insurance?

What Standard Homeowner Insurance Policies Don't Cover. Standard homeowners insurance policies typically do not include coverage for valuable jewelry, artwork, other collectibles, identity theft protection, or damage caused by an earthquake or a flood.

What is not protected by most homeowners insurance?

Termites and insect damage, bird or rodent damage, rust, rot, mold, and general wear and tear are not covered. Damage caused by smog or smoke from industrial or agricultural operations is also not covered. If something is poorly made or has a hidden defect, this is generally excluded and won't be covered.