Homeowners insurance rarely covers raccoon removal itself, but it may cover sudden damage caused by raccoons—always check the fine print of your policy.
Finding raccoons in your attic or walls is stressful enough without worrying about how much it will cost to get rid of them. Since professional removal and repairs can add up quickly, many homeowners naturally wonder if their insurance will step in to help. The answer isn’t always straightforward, because coverage depends on how the damage happened and how your policy is written.
How Homeowners Insurance Typically Works
Homeowners insurance is designed to cover sudden and accidental damage, not routine maintenance or preventable issues. Policies usually list “covered perils” such as fire, storms, or vandalism that trigger payouts.
When it comes to animals, coverage often depends on how the insurer classifies the situation. If the damage is considered unexpected and unavoidable, it may fall under your policy. If it’s viewed as a maintenance issue, the costs are usually left to the homeowner.
When Raccoon Removal May Be Covered
In certain cases, your insurance may step in to help. If raccoons cause sudden, accidental damage—like tearing through your roof during a storm or breaking into your attic unexpectedly—your policy might cover the resulting repairs. This can include things like replacing shingles, fixing torn insulation, or addressing water damage caused by the entry point.
Some policies also cover secondary damage caused by raccoons, such as chewed electrical wiring or destroyed ductwork. In these situations, the focus is less on the animals themselves and more on the sudden harm they caused to your property. Coverage is more likely if you can show the damage was recent and not due to long-term neglect.
When Raccoon Removal Is Not Covered
In most cases, homeowners insurance won’t pay for the actual cost of raccoon removal. Insurers often classify raccoons as pests or vermin, which typically fall outside of covered risks. That means hiring a wildlife control professional usually comes out of your own pocket.
Policies also exclude gradual or preventable damage. If raccoons have been nesting in your attic for months, chewing through wires, and leaving droppings, your insurer is likely to argue the issue should have been addressed earlier. Long-term infestations, routine pest control, and preventive measures almost never qualify for coverage.
Gray Areas and Policy Differences
Not all insurance policies treat wildlife the same way. Some may cover the damage caused by raccoons but exclude the cost of hiring a removal service. Others may deny claims entirely if their policy language lumps raccoons under “vermin,” a category often excluded from coverage.
This is why reading the fine print matters. Even within the same insurance company, coverage can vary depending on your specific plan and endorsements. When in doubt, it’s best to contact your insurance agent directly to clarify how your policy handles raccoon damage.
Steps to Take if You Discover Raccoons in Your Home
Start by documenting everything. Take clear photos of the damage, make notes about when you first noticed the problem, and keep records of any noises or sightings. This information will help if you decide to file a claim.
Next, review your policy and call your insurance agent to ask about coverage for wildlife damage. Be specific in describing what happened and when. At the same time, contact a professional wildlife removal company for an inspection and estimate so you know the scope of the issue.
Finally, weigh the cost of removal against your deductible. In many cases, the expense of professional raccoon removal may not exceed your deductible, making an insurance claim unnecessary. Acting quickly can save you from more costly repairs down the road.
Conclusion
Raccoon problems can be expensive, and homeowners insurance doesn’t always make things easier. While some policies cover sudden damage caused by raccoons, they rarely cover the actual cost of professional removal.
The best approach is to read your policy carefully, ask your agent for clarification, and act quickly if you notice signs of raccoons in your home. Even if insurance won’t cover removal, dealing with the problem early prevents bigger repairs and higher costs later on.
Need Help With Raccoon Removal?
Insurance coverage can be tricky, and waiting too long often makes the problem worse. At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we handle raccoon problems safely, humanely, and efficiently—so you can protect your home without added stress.
