No, homeowner insurance does not cover squirrel damage in most cases. This is because squirrel damage is considered preventable. Squirrels often find themselves in the attics of homes, gnawing and chewing on electrical wiring and cabling. The reason why squirrel damage is not covered is that squirrels can take up space in the residential properties knowingly. Some insurance companies will even have a separate clause that prevents paying homeowners out if the damage was found to be a rodent’s fault. The longer the squirrel stays, the harder it is to make a case for it.
If you have squirrels in the attic or anywhere inside the house, call Squirrel Control for fast and affordable squirrel removal services!
In some instances, the company will pay out if the squirrel damage is undetected and leads to a house fire. In this case, the argument can be made that this was not a preventable case at all. The homeowner insurance covers costs that you were not neglecting. If a squirrel comes in a destroys the door for whatever reason or a window, that cost might be covered by the policy since the window or door was not destroyed by negligence. In any case, the specifics should be discussed with the insurance company.
There are common damages associated with squirrels :
Insulation damage
Squirrels love the warmth and what better place could thereby than in an attic full of insulation to keep the squirrel warm and cozy? Apart from keeping the squirrel warm, the squirrel treats the whole attic as a latrine which causes urine and feces to seep in the material degrading it over time.
Fire hazards
Squirrels love gnawing on everything they can get their paws on and this included exposed wiring. Gnawing on wiring might not be such a smart idea for the squirrel as this is one of the most common causes of an unexplained house fire.
Health hazard
As the squirrel remains in the attic space for months, the attic will turn into a true cesspool teeming of harmful bacteria. Feces, urine, outside materials that are brought inside can all contribute to a more dangerous environment. The danger associated with squirrel break-ins is so severe that deep cleaning and decontamination are required.
Soffit and roof damage
Squirrels often find themselves in attics and that is just not simply by letting themselves in peacefully, but by using brute force. Big holes and busted open soffits are usually the entry points of these squirrels which can cost homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs and restoration.
Squirrel damage can greatly put financial stress on the homeowner and professional squirrel services such as Squirrel Control should be immediately consulted to remove the squirrel from the premises. Additional consultation with the insurance company is recommended as coverage is heavily dependent on the circumstances.