Does my home insurance policy offer coverage for damage caused by pets?

You just arrived home to find out your furbaby has chewed through your carpet… AND the drywall in your hallway! Now you’re left wondering if this damage is covered by your home insurance policy. While home insurance may offer protection for your home and its contents, coverage for pet damage is often slim to none. Make sure to go over your policy to learn what kind of coverage it may provide for pet damage and contact your broker with any questions.

  • Personal property coverage

Protection for your personal property found in your home policy may help cover your belongings in the event of loss, but there generally isn’t coverage for personal items like furniture if they’re damaged by your pet. So you likely wouldn’t be able to make a claim in this case. Make sure to discuss your coverages with your broker for a full description of what may be covered.

  • Dwelling and other structures coverage

Coverage for structures on your property, like your house or fence, often have similar limitations when it comes to pet-related damage. Should your dog chew through your wall, or damage another structure, your home insurance policy is not likely to cover the cost of repairs.

  • Liability coverage

Your liability protection may offer coverage if your pet damages someone else’s property. If your dog causes damage at your friend’s house, the liability coverage in your policy may help cover the cost of repairs. But again, there likely wouldn’t be coverage for pet damage to your own belongings.

I have a tenant insurance policy. What about that?

Many tenant insurance policies offer some form of liability coverage. For pet owners, this liability coverage may help in case your pet ever causes injuries or property damage to other people. Whether inside or outside your residence, you will generally be protected under the liability coverage of your tenant policy.  Liability offers protection against any costs associated with the incident, up to your policy’s limits.

If your unsure about your liability coverage, and what’s included in your tenant policy, make sure to discuss this with your broker. Don’t forget about pet insurance! Items can be replaced, but your pet can’t.