Does Home Insurance Cover Squirrel Damage in the USA? (Answered)

As a homeowner, you never expect small critters like squirrels to cause costly damage to your house. But these resourceful rodents have a surprising ability to chew through attics, walls, and electrical wiring, leaving behind expensive repairs. Does homeowners insurance protect against destruction caused by squirrels? Let’s find out

In short answer, homeowners insurance does not cover squirrel damage in the USA. This is because squirrel damage is considered to be a maintenance issue, and homeowners insurance is typically only intended to cover unexpected events, like storm, earthquake, fire etc.

Still, there are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, if a squirrel damages your home as a result of a covered event, such as a storm or fire, your homeowners insurance may cover the cost of repairs. Additionally, some homeowners insurance policies may offer optional coverage for squirrel damage.

Typical Squirrel Damages:

Squirrels are known to cause two main types of important damages to homes:

1. Attics and roofs

Squirrels chew through shingles or fascia boards to enter and build nests in attics. They may gnaw on rafters and insulation or leave droppings behind.

2. Wiring

Squirrels like to chew on electrical wires either inside the home’s walls or outside near the utility lines. This can lead to power outages or fires.

It may also damage:

• Gutters: Squirrels can clog your gutters and downspouts, which can lead to water damage to your home.
• Trees and shrubs: Squirrels can eat the leaves and bark of trees and shrubs, which can damage or kill them.

Coverage for interior damage

The good news is standard home insurance will pay for interior squirrel damage such as:

• Drywall and flooring repairs if squirrels chew through interior walls.
• Electrical rewiring if squirrels damage wires within walls.
• Furniture repair or replacement if gnawed by a squirrel.
• Attic cleaning and disinfecting after nest removal.

Exclusions to be aware of

Home insurance policies do not cover every aspect of squirrel damage repairs:

• Preventative squirrel removal or exclusion work is not covered before damage occurs.
• Damage to exterior areas like soffits, vents, and landscaping are excluded.
• Ongoing leaks or rot due to lack of maintenance after initial repairs are your responsibility.

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• Does Insurance Cover Birds or Animals Damage?
• Does Insurance Cover Carpenter Ant Damage?

Tips to prevent squirrel damage in future

To minimize run-ins with squirrels:

• Seal all openings in roofs, eaves, and attic vents using wire mesh, caulk, or concrete.
• Trim back trees and branches touching the house.
• Remove any outdoor food sources.
• Consider professional extermination if squirrels become an ongoing nuisance.

Conclusion:

Home insurance provides valuable protection against the considerable damage nuisance squirrels can cause inside your home’s walls and attic. But preventing squirrel invasion in the first place is the best approach for avoiding large claims and potential policy cancellation. Be vigilant in pest-proofing your home.