Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Damage from Birds or Animals in USA? (Guide 2023)

If you’ve ever had an unwanted critter invade your home or damage your property, you may have wondered – will my homeowners insurance cover this? Damage from birds and animals is a common home insurance claim, but coverage varies between policies. Read on to learn what standard homeowners insurance does and doesn’t cover for animal-related damage.

Homeowners insurance typically does not cover bird or animal damage in the USA. This is because bird and animal damage is considered to be a maintenance issue, and homeowners insurance is typically only intended to cover unexpected events, such as fire, theft, and vandalism.

However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, if a bird or animal 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.

Possible Damages to the Home’s Exterior

Standard homeowners insurance provides coverage if birds or animals damage the exterior of your home. This includes damage to:

Roof

Birds and squirrels often nest in roof rafters, leading to damaged shingles or holes. Insurance will pay for roof repairs.

Siding

Rodents or woodpeckers may gnaw on or peck holes in siding. Insurers will cover siding repairs or replacement.

Screens

Many creatures like raccoons can tear through screens on windows or doors. Insurance will cover new screens if they are damaged by animals.

Possible Damages to the Home’s Interior

Inside your home, basic homeowners insurance will cover:

Carpet/flooring

If raccoons, squirrels, or other rodents get inside and stain or tear up carpet or hardwood, insurance will pay to repair or replace flooring.

Drywall

If animals chew through drywall or insulation, insurers will cover holes and damage.

Furniture

Gnaw marks from squirrels or mice are covered to repair or replace damaged furniture.

What homeowners insurance does NOT cover?

While homeowners policies provide broad protection for animal damage, there are a few exclusions to be aware of:

1. General pest removal

The cost of trapping, removing, or exterminating nuisance animals is not covered. You must pay for pest control yourself.

2. Lawns or landscaping

Damage to lawns, trees, shrubs, or gardens from deer, rabbits, or other culprits is not covered by standard policies.

3. Rot or decay

While the initial hole or damage is covered, insurance does not pay for repairs due to mold or structural damage that occurs over time after the animal intrusion. This is considered maintenance that is the homeowner’s responsibility.

Also Read: Does homeowners insurance cover termite or carpenter ant damage

5 Tips for Preventing Animal Damage in the Future:

To limit damage and claims, it’s important to proactively pest-proof your home:

1. Close holes in the roof, walls, or foundation to block entry routes.
2. Install chimney caps and vent covers to keep out birds and rodents.
3. Trim back tree branches overhanging the roof.
4. Keep trash cans sealed tightly and clean up fallen fruit or debris from the yard.
5. Consider professional pest control if an infestation is severe.

Bottom Line:

Homeowners insurance provides valuable protection if animals or birds invade your home. But it’s always better to prevent damage proactively if you can. With some diligence, you can avoid most unwanted critters and keep your insurance premiums down. If you do suffer damage, be sure to contact your insurance agent right away to file a claim.