Introduction
Have you ever come home to find that your furry friend has caused some damage to your property? If so, you're not alone. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 33% of all homeowners insurance claims are for damage caused by pets.
While most pet-related damage is covered under a standard homeowners/renters insurance policy, there are some instances where it's not. For example, if your pet causes damage to your neighbor's property, it's likely not covered.
In this post, we'll go over what's covered under a standard policy and what's not, as well as what you can do to protect yourself from pet-related damages.
Home Insurance and Pet Damage: What's Covered, What's Not
You might be surprised to know that many home insurance policies don't cover damage caused by pets. Yep, that means if your little Fido decides to go on a rampage and chew up your brand new sofa, you're out of luck.
The good news is that many policies do offer coverage for pet damage, but you'll need to add it as an endorsement or rider to your policy. This will typically cost an extra $10 to $30 per year, and it's definitely worth it to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're covered in case of an accident.
So what does pet damage coverage include? Typically, it will help pay for damages caused by your pet, up to a certain limit. This could include things like veterinary bills, property repairs, and even legal fees if you end up taking your neighbor to court.
Make sure to read over your policy carefully to see what's covered and what's not. And if you're not sure, give your insurance company a call and they'll be more than happy to help you out.
How to File a Claim for Pet Damage
Let's say your furry friend is a little too playful and ends up tearing apart your furniture. What are you supposed to do? The first thing you need to do is contact your insurance company and report the damage.
Make sure you have all of the information handy, including: the name of your insurance company, the policy number, your contact information, a description of the damage, and photos of the damage. You'll also need to provide proof of ownership for the pet that caused the damage.
Your insurance company may ask you to submit a claim form, so be prepared for that as well. The process can be a little bit daunting, but with the right information, it shouldn't be too difficult.
Tips for Preventing Pet Damage in the First Place
So, you have a beloved pet that you just can't imagine living without. We get it. But before you break out the pet carrier, there are a few things you should know about insurance and pet damage.
- First of all, depending on the type of policy you have, damage caused by your pet may not be covered. So it's important to read your policy carefully and to know what is and isn't covered.
- Second, even if your policy does cover pet damage, there may be limitations as to what is reimbursed. For example, if your dog decides to chew up your couch, the insurance company may only reimburse you for the cost of repairs, not for the value of the couch itself.
- Finally, there are some things you can do to help prevent pet damage in the first place. For example, you can train your pet not to chew on furniture, or put gates in place so your cat can't get into the kitchen cabinets. By taking some simple precautions, you can help reduce the chances of your pet causing any damage.
Home Insurance Riders for Pet Damage
Here's the thing: if your pet is the one causing the damage, it's not automatically covered by your homeowners insurance policy. You need to add a special insurance rider to your policy, and that's going to cost you extra.
Now, you may be thinking that this is a waste of money, but consider the alternative. What if your pet causes serious damage and it's not covered by your policy? You could be on the hook for tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages.
That's why it's important to check with your insurance company and see if they offer a rider for pet damage. It may not be cheap, but it's definitely worth it in the long run.
Finding the Right Home Insurance Policy for You and Your Pet
- You may not know this, but if your pet damages someone else's property, you could be held liable. Even if your pet is just running around and causes some damage, you could be on the hook.
- That's why it's important to have the right homeowners or renters insurance policy in place. Your policy should cover damage caused by your pet, whether it's to your home or to neighboring property.
So how do you find the right policy? Start by talking to your insurance agent. They can help you find a policy that fits your needs and will protect you in the event of an accident.
Conclusion
What happens when your pet gets loose and causes some damage? Depending on the damage to your vehicle, it may not be covered by your renter's or landlord's insurance policy.
That’s why it’s important to know what your policy covers before an incident happens. In this home insurance guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of coverage and what you need to know in order to be prepared.