Does Home Insurance Cover Damage From Squirrels, Rodents or Pests in Fall? 

Fall can be prime time for squirrels, mice and other pests to find their way into your home. When they cause damage, the repair bills that follow can be steep. Standard homeowners insurance policies may treat pest damage as a maintenance issue, not a covered peril, which means those costs typically land entirely on the homeowner.

Maintenance vs. Sudden Loss

Homeowners insurance policies may exclude damage caused by rodents, insects and other pests. Insurers may classify infestation and the deterioration it causes as a maintenance problem, one that the homeowner is expected to prevent through regular upkeep. If squirrels have been nesting in your attic for months and chewed through rafters, your policy may not respond to that claim.

Potential Exceptions and Collateral Damage

There are situations where pest-related losses may intersect with covered perils:

• A rodent chews through wiring and causes a fire; the fire damage itself may be covered.
• Pests damage a roof over time, and a subsequent rainstorm causes interior water damage; coverage may depend on how the claim is written and what your policy says.

These situations may require a careful read of your declarations page and policy exclusions with your broker.

How Can Our Team Help?

Our team can review your current homeowners coverage, walk you through what is and isn’t covered, and help you determine whether additional endorsements make sense for your home.

Contact Insurance 1 Agency to explore your options or request a personalized quote.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.