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Does home insurance cover rat infestation?

I recently went into our basement and discovered we have a rat infestation. I want them gone ASAP. I have home insurance and want to submit a claim. Will home insurance cover rat infestation?

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Emily Maracle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Rodents and other wild animals like our warm homes, so you’re not alone in having to deal with this issue! Although you have home insurance, most policies exclude the removal of rodents, animals, or other vermin and any damage they may cause.
Home insurance
provides coverage for unexpected or accidental damage. In the eyes of an insurance company, infestations are preventable events caused by improper maintenance.
Since it takes time for an infestation to occur, insurance companies assume you haven’t been keeping up with your home and won’t pay for any resulting damages from the pests.
That said, it never hurts to call your insurance company. Discussing the situation with an agent can give you a better idea of your options. Additionally, you could review your policy’s terms and conditions to see what it excludes.
If you’re not happy with your coverage after this or want to take some time to explore your options, use the
Jerry
app. Jerry can provide you with competitive quotes in under a minute. Jerry can even assist you in canceling your old policy when you decide to make a switch.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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