If you are interested in purchasing a house, you may need to purchase home insurance to protect it, and it is usually required by mortgage lenders. However, what happens when rats damage your home and destroy your property? Does home insurance cover rat damage? Interesting question.
If you would like to find out, keep reading this article to the end. We all know that the road to homeownership is not easy, and these unwelcome guests make matters even worse. For instance, rats and rodents cause electrical hazards and even structural damage. Let us find out if your homeowners policy can give you the coverage you need.
Common Damages Caused by Rats and Other Rodents
Here are a few damages that rats and other rodents can cause in a living residence:
- Health hazards.
- Electrical damage.
- Plumbing issues.
- Structural damage.
Does Home Insurance Cover Rat Damage?
Sadly, home insurance generally does not cover rat damage. This is because getting rid of rats and damage is considered a maintenance issue. Besides, the purpose of this insurance policy is to cover unforeseen or sudden damage. Therefore, rodent or rat infestations are due to neglect and can be preventable.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Rat Damages?
Insurance might cover the events of rat damage in certain scenarios, which may include:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Some insurance quotes provide more comprehensive options that may offer pest damage coverage. However, they are not common and are more expensive to get.
- Secondary Damage: If rat damage results in an insured or covered risk, like a fire from chewed electrical wiring, the resultant damage might be covered.
When You Will Not Receive Coverage
You will not be covered for rat or rodent damage if any of the following happens:
- Long-Term Damage: Any form of damage that happened a long time ago spells neglect, so it is not covered by your insurance policy.
- Preventable Infestations: Infestation damages are considered preventable and avoidable by conducting routine maintenance and pest control.
How to Avoid Rat Damage to Your Home
Here are some preventive measures that you can follow to avoid rat damage in your home:
- Regular Inspections: By conducting or carrying out routine inspections, you will be able to discover signs of rats and take immediate action if they are discovered.
- Store Food Securely: Keeping your food in sealed and closed containers will help you avoid the attraction of rats and other rodents.
- Professional Pest Control: You can hire a professional pest control service for preventative measures.
- Close Entry Points: Seal off any cracks or holes in the exterior part of your home.
By doing this, you can avoid future expensive eradication costs of these pests in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add coverage for rat damage to my policy?
Specific endorsements for pest damage are rare, but you can discuss extra coverage options with your insurance company.
What if a rat damages a visitor’s property in my home?
If a visitor’s property is damaged by rats in your home, your liability coverage may offer some protection, depending on your policy.
Are businesses covered for rat damage under commercial insurance?
Commercial insurance policies might have different terms regarding rat damage. Business owners should review their policies and consult their insurance providers for specifics.
Why is rat damage considered a maintenance issue by insurance companies?
Insurance companies view rat damage as preventable through regular maintenance and pest control measures. Since homeowners quotes offer protection against sudden and unforeseen events, ongoing issues like rat infestations fall outside of coverage parameters.
Are there any insurance policies that cover rat damage?
Standard homeowners policies do not usually cover rat damage. However, some insurance providers may provide special endorsements or more comprehensive plans that could include coverage for pest-related damages.
Can I get reimbursed for extermination or pest control costs?
Generally, home insurance does not cover the cost of extermination or pest control because these are considered part of regular home maintenance.
If rat damage leads to another problem that is covered, such as a fire, will my insurance cover the secondary damage?
Yes, if rat damage causes another issue that is a covered peril, like a fire caused by chewed electrical wires, homeowners insurance typically covers the resulting damage. It is important to keep a record of the chain of events when filing your claim.
What should I do if I find rat damage in my home?
If you find out that rats have caused damage to your home and property, take a record of the damage with photos, take instant steps to control the infestation, and get in touch with professional pest control services. Even though your insurance company does not offer coverage, you can still prevent further damage.
Does homeowners insurance cover damage to personal property caused by rats?
Similar to structural damage, damage to personal property caused by rats is generally not covered because the infestation is considered preventable through proper home maintenance.
