Does initio insurance provide cover for damage caused by pets?
Yes, your policy provides cover for sudden and accidental damage caused by pets.
Key takeaways
- Damage caused by pets is generally not covered if it results from normal pet behaviour, scratching, chewing, clawing, staining or ongoing damage.
- Insurance is designed to cover sudden and unexpected events, not damage that happens gradually over time.
- Pet damage may be covered in limited circumstances if it results from an insured event covered by your policy.
- Damage caused by pets that occurs over time, such as carpet staining, odours or repeated scratching, is generally not covered.
- If you’re unsure whether pet-related damage may be covered, check your policy wording or contact our Claims team.
Key considerations for pet damage claims:
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Sudden and accidental event:
The damage must result from a specific, unexpected incident.
- For example, if your tenant’s dog was accidentally locked inside the property for a short period and caused significant damage to doors, walls, or carpet during a stress event, this could be considered a sudden and accidental occurrence.
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Policy excess:
- Your policy excess applies per incident. If the damage involves multiple unrelated incidents, separate excesses would apply.
What’s not covered:
- Gradual damage: For instance, ongoing urine damage that damages a floor is not considered sudden or accidental.
- Cumulative general wear and tear: Scratches on wooden flooring caused over time.
- Incidents over a period of time: Any damage that occurs gradually or as a result of ongoing circumstances.
Conclusion
When assessing pet damage, ask yourself: “Is this wear and tear, or a one-off, sudden event?”
Frequently asked questions
Are pet stains or smells covered by insurance?
No. Carpet stains, odours or damage caused by pets over time are generally not covered.
Why isn’t pet damage covered?
Insurance is designed to cover unexpected events rather than maintenance, wear and tear or damage that happens gradually over time.
MORE INFORMATION:
More information about if the cause of damage is covered
How to claim for accidental damage
Can more than one excess apply to a claim?