How to Handle Bat, Raccoon, and Skunk Cleanup with Insurance
Your Complete Guide to Getting Wildlife Damage Covered Through Your Homeowners Policy
If your home has been affected by bats, raccoons, or skunks, navigating the insurance process can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through exactly how to get the cleanup and damage restoration covered by your homeowners insurance. We'll start by reviewing the most common reasons insurance companies deny these claims—and how to counter them. Then, we'll walk you step-by-step through how to build and submit a strong claim. Finally, we'll show you how insurance companies view wildlife damage, and why you may be more entitled to coverage than they want to admit. With the right strategy and support, you can protect your health, your home, and your wallet.
Common Reasons Insurance Companies Will Deny Your Claim
When dealing with a bat, raccoon, or skunk infestation, it can be frustrating to discover your insurance provider is hesitant or unwilling to pay. These are the most common excuses—and how to counter them:
"It’s a pest control problem."
Insurance companies may lump bats, raccoons, and skunks in with rodents and insects. This is incorrect. These animals are wildlife protected under federal and state law—they cannot be exterminated and must be humanely excluded.
"It’s a maintenance issue."
Many insurers will claim that holes in the roof or unsealed vents are signs of neglect. In reality, even brand-new homes are vulnerable to infestations. Tiny gaps can let in animals, and your duty is to act promptly once discovered—not to predict the intrusion.
"We don’t cover removal."
You’re not asking for removal. You’re claiming the damage caused—guano-stained insulation, urine-soaked drywall, contaminated HVAC, and severe odor.
Stay calm, professional, and informed. Know your rights and focus your claim on damage, not pest removal.
Step-by-Step Guide for Bat, Raccoon, and Skunk Insurance Claims
Though all the situations are not the same. Depending on the complexity the cleanup process may vary. Yet, The basic process we follow:
Notice any signs like scratching noises, droppings, stains, or odors? Don’t ignore them. These could be the early warning signs of a serious wildlife intrusion.
Inform your insurer about the wildlife-related damage. Ask directly if your policy covers damage caused by wild animals such as bats, raccoons, or skunks.
Our experts will inspect the situation, assess the damage, take photos, and start building a solid claim for your insurance adjuster.
Have your policy number, claim number (if opened), and adjuster contact info ready. Share these with PDQ so we can communicate directly with your insurance provider.
Avoid saying things like:
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“We’ve had this issue for a while..."
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“I know it’s covered…”
Stick to factual, recent discoveries. You want to avoid any hint of neglect.
Use clear, informed rebuttals:
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"These are federally protected wild animals, not pests."
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"We're claiming cleanup and restoration, not just removal."
We’ll manage the paperwork, coordinate inspections, and handle adjuster calls. Our goal is to get your home restored to its pre-damage condition using your existing coverage.
Once approved, our team gets to work. We remove contamination, repair damage, eliminate odors, and ensure your home is safe, clean, and resale-ready.
How Insurance Companies See Bat, Raccoon, and Skunk Damage
Insurers Focus on Cost Control
They will initially deny coverage unless damage is undeniable. That’s why documenting everything (photos, odors, sightings) is crucial.
The HO-3 Policy Trap
Most policies say they don’t cover damage from "birds, vermin, rodents, or insects." Insurers may try to squeeze bats, skunks, or raccoons into these categories. But legally, these species are ambiguous or excluded from those terms. Courts have ruled that protected wildlife does not fall under the “vermin” umbrella.
Why They Should Pay
Insurers save money in the long run by covering early cleanup. The longer guano or urine sits, the more damage spreads. Cleaning and sealing now is far cheaper than mold remediation, hospital bills, or lawsuits later.
Real Risks Include:
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Rabies exposure (especially from raccoons and bats)
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Histoplasmosis (from bat droppings)
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Roundworm (from raccoon feces)
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Major property damage (rotted wood, collapsed insulation, stained drywall)
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Decreased home value (infestations must be disclosed upon sale)
Don’t Wait—Call the Experts
PDQ Restoration works directly with insurance carriers across Northern New Jersey, from Summit to Boonton, Randolph to Montville. Our team documents, negotiates, and remediates wildlife-related property damage quickly and effectively.
Don't hesitate—call us now at 973-447-3363 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
