Does homeowners insurance cover rodent damage?
Do you have a problem with rodents like rats and mice in your home? See how home insurance deals with it.
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Unfortunately, home insurance doesn't typically cover rodent damage. Rodent damage, like termite damage, is commonly an exclusion in most Australian home insurance policies.
But here's how we can help.
This guide covers why insurers won't cover things like rodent damage, how to get rid of rats and some ways you can prevent an infestation.
Why doesn't home insurance cover rodent damage?
You might wonder why a home insurance policy won't usually cover rodent damage, given it covers so many other things. Here are some of the reasons a home insurance policy won't cover rodent damage:
- Insurers generally distinguish between damage that was preventable and foreseeable and damage that was unpreventable and unforeseeable.
- There are plenty of preventive measures a homeowner can take to keep rodents away.
- There are also lots of things a homeowner can do to deal with a rodent problem when it appears – and before it turns into a damaging infestation.
Insurers generally see rodents as a preventable problem that's related to the general upkeep of the home. In other words, it's the homeowner's responsibility, not theirs.
What do the home insurance companies say?
We looked at five major Australian home insurance providers. Here's what their product disclosure statements (PDS) say.
| Brand | PDS wording |
|---|---|
 | We will not cover loss or damage caused by termites and other insects, birds, lizards, rodents or vermin. |
 | Your policy does not cover any loss or damage that is caused by or arises from: • vermin, insects or pests, or • animals or birds biting, chewing or scratching. |
 | We will not pay for: … loss or damage, other than relating to fire, caused by household pets or any animal, bird, insect or vermin; |
 | You are not covered for any loss or damage caused by or resulting from, or the costs incurred from or of: … insects (including termites), birds, wildlife or vermin. |
 | We will not pay for any loss or damage which is caused directly or indirectly by: … vermin, birds or insects. |
What's the best way to get rid of rats?
Prevention is better than a cure where rodents are concerned, but if you do end up with a rat infestation, it is possible to bring it under control.
If you think you have a rat problem, you should act quickly because a small issue can quickly snowball into a big one.
You'll often need to take a trial-and-error approach to see what works best, but the two main ways to get rid of a rodent once and for all are trapping and baiting:
- Old-fashioned snap traps and seal and glue traps can catch mice and rats with the help of different types of attractant – some people swear by peanut butter, others by apple. Trapdoor-style models are an option for those who don't want to kill the animals.
- Baits are a last-resort option and use powerful rodenticides. They can be a hazard to pets and children and can also harm the environment (e.g. if the poison ends up affecting animals other than the ones you're targeting). You should never use baits inside the house, and if you're going to use them outside, make sure you read the directions carefully.
If the problem still won't go away, it's time to call in a licensed pest professional. Let them know about any animal welfare or environmental concerns you have, so they can factor those into the plan of attack.
How do I prevent a rodent infestation?
Rats and mice look for three things in our homes: food, water and shelter. If you do your best to take those away, you'll go a long way to stopping rodent problems before they happen.
Like with termites, it's better to be proactive than reactive. Here are some tips:
Seal any gaps and holes in the building that rodents could get through.
A mouse or rat can get through even a tiny opening. To seal up holes, you can use a combination of steel wool and caulking agent, cement, hardware cloth, metal sheeting or another method. In houses, holes often show up in the following areas:
- In attics
- Behind ovens, fridges, cupboards and cabinets
- In flooring corners
- Under sinks and dishwashers
On building exteriors, check the following:
- Around any holes made for gas, electrical and plumbing fittings
- Near siding and roofing joints
- Around vent and chimney openings
Keep a decent gap between vegetation and your house.
Rodents are good climbers and jumpers.
Practise good hygiene around the home and especially in the kitchen:
- Clean up spilt food quickly.
- Keep non-refrigerated food in sealable plastic or metal containers.
- Don't leave unwashed dishes lying around.
- Don't keep garbage bags in the house for long.
- Wipe down countertops and tables regularly.
- Keep rubbish bins sealed.
- Keep pet bowls clean and free of leftovers, and keep animal food (dog food, birdseed, chook feed, etc) in sealed containers.
Keep your compost bins or compost heap a good distance from the house.
Don't put meat in the compost, and when you add scraps to a heap, turn the pile so the new scraps are covered.
Don't leave piles of garden waste lying around in the garden, and keep woodpiles off the ground.
These are potential nesting sites for rodents. Also, if you have fruit trees in the garden, don't leave dropped fruit on the ground for long and prune at the end of the season. Putting steel sheeting around the trunk can be a good way to stop rodents from pinching the growing fruit.
Is it time to switch home insurance?
While home insurance can't usually help with rodent problems, it's always a good idea to check on your current policy now and then just to make sure you're still getting the best deal. Compare your options below and get a quote from some popular Australian home insurers.
Picture: GettyImages
More guides on Finder
-
Holiday home insurance
What to know about insurance before renting out your home, and what to look for in Airbnb insurance.
-
Occupational therapy and health insurance
Find out how both Medicare and private health insurance cover occupational therapy to get the assistance you need.
-
7 health insurance deals to save you money at tax time
Avoid the MLS tax and get a rebate by taking out health insurance. Here are 7 deals that’ll save you money on your tax returns.
-
Victoria floods: How much food spoilage will your home insurance cover?
There’s been over 25,000 power outages across Victoria. Home insurance can reimburse you for the food that’s gone to waste. Find out who here.
-
Mouse plague not covered by home insurance, with one or two exceptions
We found 3 policies that will cover you if mice cause fire or water damage.
-
Ex-Cyclone Seroja: What can home insurance cover?
Find out what your home insurance may cover you for if your property has been impacted by the severe weather of Ex-Cyclone Seroja. Plus, how to speed up your claim.
-
Home office insurance
We talk you through how to get home office insurance.
-
Does home insurance cover hearing aids?
Want hearing aid insurance? Home insurance is the answer.
-
What is insurance fraud, and how does it affect my home insurance?
Curious to know what happens if you commit insurance fraud on a home insurance claim? Here's what we know, and why you probably shouldn't do it.
-
Granny flat insurance
Find the right granny flat insurance, whether you're renting yours out or you've moved into one.
Ask an Expert
