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HOME : Just the FAQs Ma'amDamage By Varmints Is Not CoveredA racoon chewed its way into my attic and caused all kinds of damage. As if that wasn't bad enough, now my insurance company is telling me that my homeowners policy doesn't cover it. And yet my neighbour's dog chewed the legs on her furniture a few years ago, and her insurance paid for the damage. What's the difference? Unfortunately for you, there's a world of difference between a racoon and a dog in the eyes of the insurance company. Your homeowners policy states that damage caused by racoons, as well as birds, insects, vermin, and rodents - rats, mice, woodchucks, squirrels and the like - is "excluded," meaning it is not covered. If your damage was definitely caused by a racoon, and your insurer refuses to pay for it, ask your insurance provider to show you where racoons are mentioned in the policy. Most insurance companies have taken to naming them specifically as an exclusion in the policy, so there will be no confusion. The reason this kind of damage is not covered is that these critters are well known for their destructive tendencies. Therefore, it is up to the homeowner to take the necessary precautions to prevent them from getting into the house and going on a tear. Dogs, on the other hand, are not known for this kind of behaviour, and that is why the damage caused by your neighbour's dog was covered. Remember, insurance is designed to protect against the unforeseen and unpredictable, and damage from racoons - as you know all too well - is anything but! Note: Remember, policies vary, so when in doubt, Contact Us.
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