St. Louis Rat Removal Tip: Claiming Rat Damage on Your Homeowner's Insurance

Whether you see a single mouse scurry across the floor or you find a major infestation, it must be dealt with. Rats are just creepy little rodents that can do a ton of damage to your home.

Aside from that, they carry multiple diseases that can be transmitted to pets and to humans. Rats are dirty little creatures that will eat anything. They will also cause thousands of dollars-worth of damage in a home.

Rats reproduce like crazy. Even if you only see one, chance are there are many more in your home. Even though you are completely grossed out, you must gather your composure and figure out how to address the issue.

Calling Your Agent

Homeowner's insurance covers many perils. Damage from wind, hail and fire can all be covered. Even a plane crash can be written into the policy. Unfortunately, damage from rats and other rodents are not something you can have covered by your homeowner's insurance.

These matters are typically considered homeowner maintenance issues and left completely to the homeowner. You can call your agent, but he will probably laugh at you.

You will be left to deal with the infestation yourself. You can do some research and formulate a plan to try to remove the rat population yourself. However, a better bet is to call a professional.

Don't just call any exterminator. They typically use poison which is inhumane and leaves the dead carcasses for you to deal with. Its repulsive. If you must call a professional, then call someone who is experienced at rat removal.

When Homeowner's Insurance is Helpful

There are some instances where your homeowner's insurance may be of value when it comes to a rat infestation. For instance, if rats chew through a wire causing a house fire, you can make a claim on your homeowner's insurance. They will cover the fire damage.

Homeowner's insurance will cover some of the perils caused by a rat infestation. However, your best option is to deal with the pesky little rodents before they do that much damage. If the insurance company decides you knew about the infestation and didn't act accordingly, they can drop your policy altogether.

Insurance companies are in the business of making money. When it comes to a rat population or infestation, they do not want any part of it. Rats are considered a nuisance rodent that are part of the homeowner's responsibility. Calling your insurance company about it will likely leave you disappointed and aggravated.