Tom's Blog
Owning a home means insects, animals, rodents, or vermin may take up residence in your home rent free, causing damages that could be extensive. Ants, bees, raccoons, mice and many other “uninvited” creatures are always looking for entry into a place that is warm and protected and this place may be YOUR home, but does your homeowners insurance cover damage caused from animals and pests?
Pesky Problems
Imagine lying in bed one night and hearing scratching and squeaking noises in the wall next to your bed. Eyes wide open, you are terrified to discover there are mice living in your wall. You start investigating to find some electrical wires that appear to be gnawed upon and you realize you have a problem. Here lies a situation where you most likely have an entire family of mice living in your home, exposing your home and family to many situations that could arise.
Your Precious Pets
Having a pet or pets in your home provides comfort in many ways, but they can also do a lot of damage to your home and property. Your N.C. homeowners policy provides some coverage when it comes to your pets, but you must know the policy conditions and provisions regarding damages to your home caused by pets. If your pet causes damages to your home, your homeowners policy typically will not provide coverage for that; however, if your pet injures a guest or employee on your property then most likely coverage would be afforded under your standard N.C. homeowners insurance policy.
Invasion of Insects
Regardless of where you live, insects are everywhere and can take up residence in your home whenever they decide to do so, but are you aware of the damages that they can do to your home? If your home becomes infested with insects, they can do incredible amounts of damage quickly or even gradually, but will your homeowners policy provide coverage for the damages they cause?
Most likely, insect damages are excluded under your homeowners insurance policy, but certain circumstances may allow for coverage. For example, if termites, unknowingly to you, invade your home and your home suffers extensive damage/collapse, coverage may be afforded if the damage was hidden and you had no idea your home had been exposed to the infiltration of these insects. Keep in mind, however, that as a homeowner, it is your responsibility to routinely inspect your home for insects and/or infestation.
Rodents and Vermin (Critters)
The most common type of rodents and vermin that can damage your home include squirrels, chipmunks, mice/rats, pigeons, and even bedbugs. These are pesky small critters that can cause large amounts of damage to your home, especially over time.
Typically damages caused by rodents and vermin are excluded under your homeowners insurance policy because most likely you will KNOW their presence and be aware of their pending damages; however, if it is a situation that is completely hidden and unbeknownst to you, then coverage may apply. It is recommended that you always contact your local N.C. independent insurance agent to discuss your situation if it arises. Typically the types of damages that vermin cause to your home is slow and steady and of which you should be aware if you are monitoring and routinely inspecting your home and property.
Lions, Tigers, and Bears…
Larger, wild animals can wreck havoc to your home and property, such as deer and bears. Typically, the damages caused by these animals will be covered since these types of damages are usually a one-time situation versus something that is a gradual build up of damages. Keep in mind that if this type of animal damages your car, it would be covered under your N.C. auto insurance policy under Comprehensive Coverage and not under your homeowners policy.
Discuss With Us
Each situation is different and some losses may get complicated depending on the situation. Review your homeowners insurance policy and be aware of the conditions, provisions and exclusions and always contact your N.C. independent insurance agent to discuss. Paramount Insurance Agency is here to answer any insurance related questions you may have and assist you with all of your insurance needs.
