Invasion of the Squirrels

My neighborhood has an overabundance of squirrels; black squirrels to be precise.  The story goes that years ago, one of our neighbors visited the great state of Michigan.  He and his wife were so "taken" with the black beauties, that they brought some home to our Northern Kentucky frontier.  Today, they are everywhere.

Several neighbors have warned me not to start feeding the critters because, once you stop, they take matters into their own "hands".  They will invade your house, much like an uninvited inlaw, and cause thousands of dollars of damage as they scavenge for food!  But how can I resist? They are so cute!

Being the insurance nerd, I decided to see what type of coverage may be available when the invasion occurs.

Most home insurance policies have an exclusion for damage caused by "Birds, vermin, rodents, or insects".  Oh-oh!  Could my beautiful black squirrels be termed "vermin"?

According to our friends at Merriam-Webster, vermin are:  a : small common harmful or objectionable animals (as lice or fleas) that are difficult to control.   Hmmmm...The squirrels are not harmful per se, nor are they objectionable.

This definition leads me to believe that any resulting damage from the squirrels does not fall under this exclusion.  So yes, I do have coverage.

Insurance companies must agree because many new policies are broadening this exclusion by removing the word "vermin".  In addition, they are adding strong wording excluding damage from “nesting, infestation, or discharge or release of waste products or secretions” from "any animals".

Sounds to me like insurance companies have paid one too many claims under home insurance for damage caused by squirrels and the like.  Hence, the new exclusion.

So, if you have questions about coverage for squirrel invasion, talk to your Trusted Choice Agent.  Some policies specifically add coverage for "the sudden intrusion of birds, squirrels, beavers, or groundhogs."  At least there is still coverage for the sudden intrusion of the in-laws....or is there?