Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Pet Damage?
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Homeowners and renters insurance policies rarely cover pet damage caused by your own pets. However, liability protection provided by those policies may cover you if your pet destroys someone else's property. You can also seek compensation from another person's insurance if their pet damages your things.
The likelihood of insurance covering pet damage depends on the specifics of your policy, the type of damage that occurred and other factors. If someone else's pet destroys your property but the repairs cost less than your insurance deductible, for example, it won't make sense to file a claim.
When does insurance cover pet damage?
You cannot file a successful insurance claim on damage your own pet caused, but your policy may cover damage caused by another person's pet.
If your dog tears through a section of your drywall or your cat rips up your designer sofa, your homeowners or renters insurance won't pay for the repairs. That's because pets that live with you are considered under your control for insurance purposes.
In other words: Your pet's fault is the same as your fault.
While your insurance policy won't cover damage your pets cause to your property, you can use your insurance to make a claim if someone else's pet damages your property. Since you'll have to pay a deductible before receiving payment, consider paying out of pocket for cheaper repairs if you can afford it.
What if my pet damages another person's property?
If your pet damages another person's property, that person could file a claim against the liability portion of your homeowners policy to get compensation for repairs.
Imagine your dog bites someone while you're taking it for a walk. If the other person has medical bills and sues you, your liability coverage would cover the costs associated with this legal action. The coverage is available regardless of whether you win the case or not.
Most homeowners policies come with at least $100,000 in liability coverage for bodily and property damages. You may want higher limits based on your assets and personal risks, such as owning a pet. Pets are a source of potential liability, so pet owners are more likely to file claims than people without pets — and may benefit from more protection.
Are fish tanks covered by homeowners insurance?
Water damage is typically covered by homeowners insurance policies, as long as it wasn't the result of your own negligence.
Most standard policies list water damage as a covered peril. That means there's a good chance your insurer would reimburse you for damage caused by a broken fish tank.
Under a standard policy, the tank itself is covered if it was destroyed by one of the covered perils listed in a homeowners policy, such as fire.
Chris Moon
Insurance Analyst
Chris Moon is a former Product Manager for ValuePenguin with years of experience in addressing critical questions about mortgages and homeowners insurance. He spends his time evaluating insurance providers and policy features to understand where consumers might find the most cost-effective coverage. Chris has contributed insights to the New York Times and many other publications.
Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author's opinions and recommendations alone. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.
