Discovering that a family of raccoons has turned your attic insulation into a latrine or that squirrels have chewed through your electrical wiring is a nightmare for any Louisville homeowner. Once the initial shock wears off, the financial reality sets in. Wildlife damage can easily run into the thousands of dollars.

The burning question is: Will my homeowners insurance pay for this?

As a wildlife removal company operating in Jefferson, Oldham, and Bullitt counties, we work with insurance adjusters every week. While every policy is different (and you should always check yours specifically), here is the general reality of wildlife claims in Kentucky.

The General Rule: Damage vs. Removal

To understand your policy, you have to separate the animal from the damage.

1. The Removal (Not Covered): Insurance companies generally view the presence of animals as a maintenance issue. The cost to set traps, check them, and relocate the animal is almost never covered. You will likely pay the $300-$600 trapping fee out of pocket.

2. The Damage (Usually Covered): The destruction caused by the animal is typically covered under “dwelling” coverage. If a raccoon tears a hole in your roof, shreds your ductwork, or ruins your insulation with urine, that is physical damage to the home.

Specific Scenarios: What’s Covered?

Raccoons and Opossums

Verdict: Usually Covered.

Raccoons are large, destructive mammals. Insurance carriers typically classify them as “wild animals” (not vermin). If a raccoon tears through your shingles and destroys your attic, it is usually treated as a “sudden and accidental” loss, similar to a tree limb falling on your roof.

• Covered: Roof repair, drywall repair, insulation replacement, decontamination.

• Not Covered: The trap setup fee.

Bats

Verdict: It’s Complicated.

Bat claims often hinge on the definition of “vermin” and “pollution.”

• The Vermin Exclusion: Some policies list bats as vermin, excluding them from coverage. Others do not.

• The Pollution Exclusion: Bat guano (droppings) is hazardous waste. Some policies have a “pollution exclusion” that denies coverage for cleanup of biological waste. However, many carriers will cover the removal of guano if it resulted from a covered physical loss (like a storm damaging a vent that let them in).

Rodents (Mice, Rats, Squirrels)

Verdict: Rarely Covered.

This is the hardest pill for homeowners to swallow. Most insurance policies have a specific exclusion for “rodents” or “vermin.”

• Mice/Rats: Damage from mice and rats is almost universally excluded. Insurance companies argue that rodent infestations are preventable maintenance issues.

• Squirrels: Squirrels are rodents, so they are often excluded. However, some premium policies differentiate between “ground vermin” (rats) and squirrels, potentially offering coverage. It is always worth asking.

• Exception - Fire: If a squirrel chews a wire and causes a house fire, the fire damage is almost always covered, even if the squirrel damage itself wasn’t.

The “Sudden and Accidental” Requirement

Insurance is designed for accidents, not long-term neglect.

• Scenario A: A storm blows off a piece of fascia, and a raccoon moves in that night, destroying the attic over the weekend. Likely Covered.

• Scenario B: You’ve heard scratching for three years and ignored it. The urine has slowly rotted the ceiling joists. Likely Denied. The adjuster will cite “long-term damage” or “negligence.”

How We Help With Claims

Critter Removal of Louisville is not an insurance adjuster, but we are experts in documenting wildlife damage. When you file a claim, the burden of proof is on you. We help by:

1. Detailed Photography: We take high-resolution photos of entry points, paw prints, chewed wires, and soiled insulation.

2. Written Reports: We provide a breakdown distinguishing between the animal removal costs (your expense) and the structural repair/restoration costs (potential claim).

3. Meeting the Adjuster: We can meet your adjuster on-site to point out damage they might miss, such as urine-soaked insulation under the top layer or hidden wire damage.

Pro Tip: Before filing a claim, get a repair estimate from us. If the damage is $800 and your deductible is $1,000, it’s not worth filing a claim. If the damage is $6,000 for a full attic restoration, filing a claim is usually the right move.