Ah, pets. They’re cute, cuddly, and occasionally… Complete couch annihilators. So, what happens when your furry friend decides your brand-new corner lounge suite is their next chew toy? Can you file an insurance claim for pet damage? Let’s dig into it.
The short answer
Sadly, in most cases: No, you can’t claim for damage caused by your pets under your standard home contents insurance.
Most policies (including ours at King Price) exclude damage caused by pets. Whether your dog chewed the armrest, your parrot pecked holes in your curtains, or your cat used your new couch as a scratching post… It’s generally not covered.
Why pet damage isn’t covered
Insurance is there for sudden and unforeseen events, like burglary, fire, or water damage. It doesn’t typically cover gradual, preventable, or intentional damage. And when your dog goes on a furniture-shredding spree? That’s classed as avoidable damage.
In the same way insurers won’t pay for wear and tear, or for your toddler’s artistic crayon masterpiece on the wall, they won’t pay for pet-related mishaps. Even if your dog has the eyes of an angel and the heart of a lion.
But what’s covered by comprehensive home contents insurance
While your dog’s DIY upholstery project isn’t covered, you’re covered for:
- Theft or burglary.
- Fire and smoke damage.
- Weather-related damage (like hail or floods).
- Power surges and lightning.
Basically, things that are sudden, unplanned, and not caused by you, your pets, or any other member of your household.
How to protect your home (and your sanity)
Until insurance for ‘fluffy fury’ becomes a thing, here are a few royal tips to help you:
- Training: Obedience school is worth its weight in chew-proof couches.
- Pet-proofing: Use slipcovers to protect your furniture.
- Block access: Keep rooms with expensive furniture fenced off or close the door. With proper training your dog will know he can’t go in there.
When to call the king
Even if we can’t replace your nibbled loveseat, our home contents insurance still reigns supreme. Because when your furniture taps out, your insurance shouldn’t. Want cover that keeps it real? Get a commitment-free quote for home contents insurance from King Price today.
FAQs
- Can I claim for damage my pet caused to my furniture?
Nope, most insurance policies exclude pet damage. It’s considered preventable and not sudden or accidental.
- Does home contents insurance cover pet accidents?
If it’s a true accident not caused by the pet (like you tripped over their toy and smashed your TV), you might be covered. But if Fluffy clawed the curtains… Sorry.
- What if someone else’s pet destroyed my stuff?
You could claim against their insurance’s liability cover if they have any. But you’d have to prove the damage and value.
- Can I add pet damage cover to my policy?
At King Price, not currently. But we’re always evolving. Keep an eye on our royal offerings.
- What about pet messes, stains or odours?
These fall under wear and tear or lack of maintenance, so they’re not covered.