It depends on your policy, and the answer isn't always what homeowners expect.
- Most standard policies exclude pest and rodent damage as a maintenance issue — mice and rats are typically not covered
- Raccoons and squirrels may fall into a gray area. Some policies cover the structural damage caused by wildlife but not the cleanup or removal
- Sudden and accidental damage is more likely to be covered than gradual damage that developed over time — which is one more reason early detection matters
- Mold resulting from wildlife waste may or may not be covered depending on how the claim is categorized
- Document everything before any cleanup begins — photos, dates, and professional assessments strengthen a claim significantly
The safest approach is to call your insurance provider directly and ask specifically about wildlife damage coverage before assuming it's included. Whatever your coverage, the damage itself still needs to be addressed — delays only increase the scope of repair.