Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Pigeon Damage?

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There is some animal damage that is often excluded from homeowners insurance, but when it comes to dealing with pigeons it is very important to check before you assume that you aren't covered. The type of damage that is caused by the birds can vary, and in some policies there will even be exclusions for different types of damage caused by birds. The most important thing to do if there is any lack of clarity in the policy is to make sure that you get it checked with the insurance company, and if you have a genuine grievance to take it up with the relevant arbiter.



What Is Automatically Excluded In The Insurance Policy?

The most common homeowners policies that deal with animal damage will automatically rule out any damage that is caused within the domestic household caused by rodents. Other companies will use a broader term such as 'vermin'. The difference here is that some policies will automatically exclude pigeon damage, as they are considered to be a form of vermin, while those policies specifying rodents may cover pigeon damage.

Where To Find More Information About Your Policy

You should be provided with a policy document whenever you take out or renew your homeowners insurance, and the paper copy of this is something you should keep in case you need to refer to it. You will be looking for a section under the heading of animal damage, or depending on how your policy is formatted there may also be an exclusions section of the policy.

Contacting And Negotiating With Your Insurance Company

When you have identified that there is pigeon damage in your home, and you have dealt with excluding the pigeons, you will then need to speak to the insurance to deal with the repairs. Make sure when you are discussing and negotiating the repairs that any soiled insulation is also removed, as this can be a hazard for the future if it isn't removed and replaced.

What To Do If You Are Not Covered

There are some situations where the homeowners insurance policy will simply not cover the damage, and in this case you will either have the option of repairing any damage yourself or hiring a professional. If you do intend to carry out the work yourself, make sure that you take the right precautions, as there are several diseases that can be transmitted through the feces of the pigeon.

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