Fido and Fluffy may be cute, but the messes they can make and the damage they do in our homes certainly are not. From ripped carpet and claw marks on doors to torn-up furniture and soil on cushions, our mischievous furry family members can do a lot of damage.
Is pet damage covered by my home insurance?
Unfortunately, homeowners and renters insurance policies typically don’t cover damage caused by your pets. However, if your pet destroys someone else’s property, you may be covered if you have liability protection. You may also be able to seek compensation from someone if their pet damages something of yours.
How to prevent pets from damaging your home
Aside from choosing a pet with the right energy level for you, the amount of time you spend at home with it should also be a consideration. When a pet is left alone often, they tend to act out.
To avoid your pet from tearing the carpet or chewing up the couch, there are many things you can do to prevent them from damaging your home.
Proper training and ensuring your pet is housebroken can help you avoid many messes and damage. If you can do the training yourself, it might be worth it to get some outside help like obedience classes.
Exercise
Exercising your pet regularly keeps them from getting bored or anxious while helping them to release their energy.
Use a crate
When you’re not home, consider crating your dog to minimize damage and messes, while keeping them secure.
Install gates
One way to keep your pets confined to certain areas of your home is to install gates. This will give the pet some freedom to roam around but limit their damage path.
Cover trash
Ensure your trash is always covered so your pets can’t rummage through it. Not only will they make a mess and damage things, but many foods that humans can eat aren’t necessarily suitable for pets.
Toys
When your pet has plenty of toys for stimulation, they aren’t bored and tend to be less destructive.
Protect furniture
Keeping your pet’s nails trimmed is a good way to protect your furniture from scratches and holes. Sofa protectors are also helpful as they can keep your pet from scratching furniture and soiling the fabric.
Pet-proof
Parts of your home should be pet-proofed, the same way you would for a small child. Fragile items should be removed from your pet’s reach so they can’t be pulled down and broken. Removing loose wires and cables is also a good idea so that they don’t chew on them.
Keep litter boxes clean
Litter boxes should be kept clean and filled with litter so that your cat doesn’t feel the need to use other places to do its business.
Provide regular check-ups
A healthy pet is a happy pet. When a pet is acting out, it may be an indication that it has a problem or illness, so regular check-ups at the veterinarian are advised.
To better protect your pet, MAPFRE’s Pet Injury coverage may be added to your auto policy, with up to $500 towards veterinary fees related to injuries sustained in a covered automobile loss. Your independent agent can provide you with more information about this coverage option.
And if you’re still not sure what type of property coverage you should have, your independent agent can discuss options with you. And if you’re not insured with MAPFRE in Massachusetts, get a fast, free online quote today and see how much you could save!
