Does homeowners insurance cover roof damage from animals?

The usual culprits in Georgia

• Squirrels chew through plastic roof vents, ridge vent ends and the corners where fascia meets soffit.
• Roof rats enter through gaps at the eaves and nest in attic insulation.
• Raccoons tear back shingles, vent covers and soffit panels to reach the attic.
• Woodpeckers drill holes in wood trim, siding and fascia.
• Bats and birds nest in gable vents and leave droppings that ruin insulation.

How the exclusion works

Most policies exclude loss caused by birds, rodents and insects, plus nesting or infestation by any animal. Squirrels and rats are rodents and woodpeckers are birds, so their damage is out. Raccoons are not rodents, and a few policies treat a sudden raccoon break-in differently, which is why it is worth reading the exclusion list and asking your agent. Damage from your own pets is excluded.

Water that follows an animal opening

If rain gets in through a hole an animal made, some policies exclude the resulting water damage along with the hole, while others may cover the sudden water damage. Report it and let the adjuster apply the wording, but do not expect the hole itself to be paid.

Fix it in the right order

1. Have a wildlife professional remove the animals and close entry points.
2. Replace chewed vents and trim with metal or guarded products.
3. Trim limbs back from the roof so squirrels cannot jump on.

See wear and tear exclusions and interior water damage rules. Robust Roofing explains the soffit side in its soffit and fascia guide.