Many home and business owners know all too well the damage an animal can do to their property. However, coverage for these damages is rare, and in some cases, may even depend on the type of animal that caused the destruction. Unless a property insurance policy explicitly includes all animal damages, which is relatively unusual, insurers will often refuse claims that involve destruction caused by animals. Claims may be permitted, however, if the animal-related destruction leads to another problem, which in turn causes damage to the property.
Direct damage to a piece of property by an animal won’t be covered under most property policies if that animal is a rodent, insect, or pet. However, the following situations may warrant coverage for a property owner’s losses:
In some cases, damages from smaller wild animals such as bats and raccoons may be covered, depending on the specifics of the policy and the type of damages caused. Otherwise, these common pests may be grouped in with rodents, insects, and pets as excluded animals.
If your property has been damaged by an animal that isn’t excluded from coverage, you’re entitled to receive accurate and prompt coverage according to your policy with your insurer. If your insurance company doesn’t provide this coverage, you may be eligible to pursue a bad faith claim. To learn more about your legal options, contact a Dallas animal damage claims lawyer from Grisham & Kendall, PLLC, today at (713) 999-5085.