Does my home insurance cover pet damage?

Homeowners insurance generally covers structural damage from sudden, large wild animals, but it excludes damage from pests, insects, and your own pets.

What is Covered

• Large Wildlife: Sudden and accidental structural damage caused by large wild animals—like a deer crashing through a glass door or a bear tearing up a deck—is usually covered under your dwelling protection.
• Certain Mammals: Some policies may cover structural repairs if non-rodent mammals like raccoons damage your roof or attic while trying to break in.
• Other People's Property (Liability): If your pet damages someone else's property or injures a guest, the liability portion of your policy may pay for the costs.

What is Not Covered

• Pests and Rodents: Damage from mice, rats, squirrels, bats, birds, and insects (like termites) is considered a maintenance issue and is excluded.
• Personal Belongings: Standard policies rarely cover personal items (like furniture, clothing, or electronics) ruined by wild animals or pests.
• Removal and Cleanup: The cost to remove live pests, clean up animal waste, or eliminate odors and guano is typically your responsibility.
• Your Own Pets: Damage that your household pets cause to your own home (like chewed walls or scratched floors) is not covered. On Reddit, users note a general consensus that pest-related damage claims are routinely denied because upkeep is up to the owner.

Homeowners insurance generally does not cover damage from small pests, insects, or your own pets, but it may cover sudden and accidental damage caused by large wild animals.

What is Not Covered

• Pests and Rodents: Standard policies exclude damage from mice, rats, squirrels, birds, and insects (like termites) because these issues are considered preventable maintenance problems.
• Infestations and Waste: The cost of removing an animal, cleaning up animal waste, or repairing the ongoing mess they leave behind is typically your responsibility.
• Personal Pets: Damage to your own home, furniture, or belongings caused by your dog, cat, or other domestic pets is almost never covered.

What Might Be Covered

• Large Wild Animals: Sudden, accidental structural damage caused by large animals—such as a bear breaking a deck railing or a deer crashing through a window—is often covered under dwelling protection.
• Non-Rodent Mammals: Some policies may cover structural damage caused by larger mammals like raccoons (if not classified as rodents or vermin in your specific contract), though personal property inside is still usually excluded.
• Pet Liability: While your insurance won't pay if your dog ruins your couch, the liability portion of your home insurance policy via Progressive can cover property damage or injuries your pet causes to other people.

Standard homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover Floods, earthquakes, and general wear and tear.

Common Exclusions

• Floods: Water rising from the outside (like heavy rain or overflowing rivers) requires a separate flood policy.
• Earthquakes: Ground shaking and cracks from earthquakes require a separate policy or endorsement.
• Wear and Tear: Gradual damage, aging roofs, and regular maintenance issues are the responsibility of the homeowner.

Yes, you should tell your Progressive homeowners insurance provider that you have a dog.

Why You Must Disclose Your Dog

• Liability protection: Homeowners insurance covers third-party bodily injury and property damage if your dog bites or hurts someone.
• Risk of claim denial: Failing to disclose a pet can be viewed as withholding a material fact. If an incident occurs, your insurer might deny the claim, cancel your policy, or refuse to renew it.
• Breed restrictions: Some insurance companies have restrictions or exclusions for specific breeds deemed high risk (such as Pit Bulls or Rottweilers). Checking ahead ensures you are actually covered.

Yes, a homeowners insurance company can drop you or refuse to renew your policy if your dog bites someone.

Why Insurers Drop You After a Bite

• High Risk: A dog bite creates a liability claim, and average claim costs exceed $65,000.
• Repeat Incidents: If your dog has a history of biting or if you file multiple claims, insurers view your home as high-risk.
• Restricted Breeds: Some companies maintain strict lists of banned or restricted breeds (such as Pit Bulls or Rottweilers). If they discover your dog is on that list after an incident, they may cancel coverage.
• Undisclosed Pets: Failing to inform your insurer about your dog when you buy the policy can lead to immediate cancellation or a denied claim.

What Happens Next

• Rate Increases: Even if you are not dropped, your Policygenius rates will likely increase after a dog bite claim.
• Policy Exclusion: Some insurers might offer to keep your policy active only if you sign an exclusion rider stating they will not cover any future incidents involving your dog.