Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Pet Damage?

When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Pet Damage?

If your adorable bundle of fur uses your furniture or carpet as their favorite chew toy, your insurance company won't pay to fix it. However, your homeowners insurance may cover the following situations to help repair the damage your pet has caused.

• Your pet damages someone else's property. Accidents happen. If your pet ruins someone else's furniture, knocks over an expensive antique at your best friend's house or puts a giant scratch in the paint of your neighbor's car, your policy may cover the damage.
• Your pet injures someone who isn't part of your household. Whether your pet bites someone, accidentally knocks them over, trips them or hurts them in some other way, your insurance policy may cover the other person's injuries. This typically applies to injuries that occur inside and outside of your house.
• You have an animal liability endorsement. Some standard homeowners insurance policies exclude coverage for pets. If your plan doesn't cover pet-related claims, you can purchase coverage separately so you're protected.

Tip: If your homeowners insurance kicks in, it will only cover damages up to your policy's liability limit. For added protection, consider purchasing umbrella insurance.

When Does Homeowners Insurance Not Cover Pet Damage?

If you're counting on your policy to cover you in the following scenarios, you're probably out of luck.

• Your pet damages your home or possessions. If your pet gnaws on the legs of your dining room table or chews your baseboards and windowsills, you're on the hook for repairs.
• Your pet bites someone who lives in your house. If your pet injures a person who is part of your household, you'll have to rely on health insurance to cover the medical bills or pay for treatment out of pocket. Your homeowners insurance won't cover it.
• Your pet's breed is on the restricted list. Many insurance companies won't provide coverage for certain breeds of dogs they consider dangerous. If you own one of these breeds, the insurer won't cover injuries and damage your pet causes—even if they happen to someone who doesn't live with you.
• Your policy excludes animal liability. Some insurance plans don't cover pet-related claims. Check the exclusions section of your policy for more information.
• Your pet has a history of aggression. If your pet has previously injured someone, your insurer probably won't cover future claims.
• You have an exotic animal. If you have a snake, iguana or other exotic animal, your policy probably won't cover it.
• Your insurer doesn't know about your pet. If you don't tell the insurance company that you have a pet, the insurer may reject claims related to injuries or damage your pet causes.

How to Avoid Pet-Related Claims

No pet parent wants to be on the hook for harm their pet causes. These tips may help reduce the chance that you'll need to file a pet-related claim.

• Train your pet. No pet is born knowing what behavior is and isn't acceptable. Taking time to train them can help avoid problems down the road.
• Use secure fencing. Having a fenced-in yard allows your pet to stay safe and prevents them from roaming free, where they can get into mischief.
• Supervise your pet around others. Dog bite claims are on the rise, increasing almost 19% from 2023 to 2024, according to claims data from the Insurance Information Institute. To help prevent injuries of any kind, no matter what type of pet you have, keep a close eye on them when they're around other people.
• Keep your dog on a leash. When you take your pup for a walk, make sure they're on a leash so they don't dart off when they see another person or animal.
• Give your pet plenty of exercise. Ensuring your pet gets enough exercise can help reduce their anxiety and energy, and help avoid mischief.
• Use crates and gates. Putting your pet in a crate or an animal-proofed gated area keeps them from getting into trouble.
• Socialize your pet. Exposing your pet to other people and animals can help them become comfortable with people and pets that don't live in your household.

Learn more: How to Buy Home Insurance

The Bottom Line

Homeowners insurance may cover pet damage in certain scenarios, but not all policies do. To find out whether your plan includes coverage for pets, review your policy carefully—especially the exclusions section. If you're unsure what it does and doesn't cover, don't assume. Ask your agent or insurer so you aren't surprised if you need to file a claim.

Even if your policy includes animal liability coverage, it won't help protect your home, belongings and the people in it from injuries or damage your fur baby causes. If you have a pet or are thinking about getting one, taking steps to prevent mishaps before they occur can help keep everyone safe.