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Discovering wildlife damage is stressful. Discovering the repair bill can be even worse. A common question we get at HWCS is: *"Will my insurance cover this?"*

While every policy is different, and we are not insurance adjusters, here is the general rule of thumb regarding wildlife claims.

## The "Vermin" Exclusion
Most standard homeowners policies have a specific exclusion for damage caused by "vermin," "rodents," or "insects."
*   **Mice/Rats/Squirrels:** Damage caused by these animals is almost **never** covered. Insurance companies view this as a maintenance issue—the idea being that you should have sealed your home to prevent them entering.
*   **Bats:** Guano cleanup is rarely covered, as it is considered a pollutant.

## The Exceptions: Raccoons and Larger Mammals
Many policies *do* differentiate between "rodents" and other wild animals.
*   **Raccoons/Opossums/Bears:** Because raccoons are not technically rodents, damage caused by them *may* be covered. If a raccoon tears a hole in your roof and destroys your drywall, the structural repairs might be eligible for a claim.
*   **Sudden vs. Gradual:** Insurance covers "sudden and accidental" damage. A raccoon crashing through your ceiling tonight is sudden. A bat colony that has been building up guano for 5 years is gradual (and likely denied).

## What About the Removal Cost?
Insurance generally covers the **repair** of the damage, but not the **removal** of the animal.
*   **Example:** If a raccoon destroys your attic insulation. Insurance might pay to replace the insulation and fix the drywall. They usually *won't* pay the fee to trap the raccoon or install a chimney cap. That is considered "prevention."

## Our Advice
1.  **Check Your Policy:** Look for the specific definition of "vermin."
2.  **Call Your Agent:** Ask hypothetical questions before filing a claim to see if it's worth the deductible.
3.  **Documentation:** HWCS provides detailed inspection reports and photos. If you do file a claim, our professional documentation is your best asset in proving the extent and cause of the damage.

*Disclaimer: HWCS cannot guarantee insurance coverage. Always consult your insurance provider.*

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