No, homeowner insurance does not cover raccoon damage in most cases. This is because raccoon damage is considered preventable. Raccoon often finds themselves in the attics of homes and making a mess out of the attic. The reason why raccoon damage is not covered is that raccoons can take up space in residential properties knowingly. Some insurance companies will even have a separate clause that prevents paying homeowners out if the damage was found to be an animal’s fault. The longer the raccoon stays, the harder it is to make a case for it.
If you have raccoons on your property, call the professionals from Raccoon Control to get them out quickly!
In some instances, the company will pay out if the raccoon damage is undetected and leads to a house fire. In this case, the argument can be made that this was not a preventable case at all. The homeowner insurance covers costs that you were not neglecting. If a raccoon comes and destroys the deck for whatever reason the insurance might cover the cost partially because negligence was not at play here if enough proof is given. This will depend on what the insurance policy stipulates and therefore must be discussed with the insurance company.
There are common damages associated with raccoons:
Insulation damage
Raccoons love the warmth and what better place could thereby than in an attic full of insulation to keep the raccoon warm and cozy? Apart from keeping the raccoon warm, the raccoon treats the whole attic as a latrine which causes urine and feces to seep in the material degrading it over time.
Deck Damage
Apart from breaking into the attic, raccoons will also break underneath decks. This can also let other wildlife animals in such as skunks, but also rodents such as mice, rats, and squirrels. Deck damage can be a costly expense because of the amount of work that needs to be done.
Health hazard
As the raccoon remains in the attic space for months, the attic will turn into a true cesspool teeming of harmful bacteria. Feces, urine, outside materials that are brought inside can all contribute to a more dangerous environment. The danger associated with raccoon break-ins is so severe that deep cleaning and decontamination are required.
Soffit and roof damage
Raccoons often find themselves in attics and that is just not simply by letting themselves in peacefully, but by using brute force. Big holes and busted open soffits are usually the entry points of these raccoons which can cost homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs and restoration.
Raccoon damage can greatly put financial stress on the homeowner and professional raccoon services such as Raccoon Control should be immediately consulted to remove the raccoon from the premises. Additional consultation with the insurance company is recommended as coverage is heavily dependant on the circumstances