Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wildlife Damage?

HWCS Expert Team

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.