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A dog laying down amongst the destroyed lining of a sofa

ACCIDENTAL PET DAMAGE AND HOME INSURANCE

Insure your home against damage caused by your four-legged friend

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Make sure you’ve got the right level of home insurance to cover pet damage

We all love our pets – sometimes even more than we love humans! But no matter how well you’ve trained them, they can be a handful at times. All too often they get overexcited and wreak havoc on our homes – whether that’s a boisterous dog knocking over an expensive vase or a clawing cat shredding your sofa cushions to pieces.

Save yourself hundreds (if not thousands) of pounds of repairs to your home and possessions by making sure you’ve got the right level of home insurance to cover pet damage.

Is pet damage covered by home insurance?

It depends on your insurance policy. With Saga Plus home insurance, cover for pet damage is included as standard. That means if your furry friend damages your furniture, your valuables or even the house itself, you’ll be covered.

Most standard home insurance policies don’t include pet damage though. This is because animals can be a little unpredictable, so it’s difficult for insurers to know just how likely your pet is to cause damage. Make sure you check your policy documents to see where you stand.

Do you need to inform your insurance provider if you have pets?

If you aren’t sure whether your home insurance covers pets, get in touch with your provider to check. If you haven’t spoken to them about your pet, you may find you don’t have the correct cover in place when you go to make a claim.

Does accidental damage cover damage by pets?

Accidental damage cover is an optional add-on to your home contents insurance. It covers things like breakages and spills. But most accidental damage policies don’t cover pet damage. In fact, they tend to specifically exclude pet damage caused by chewing, scratching, tearing, or fouling – so you need to make sure you have pet damage cover elsewhere.

Will my home insurance cover damage by other animals?

It’s not just pets that can damage your home. All sorts of animals, from rats and mice to insects and birds, can let themselves into your home and cause problems.

Different insurance policies will cover you for different things. Our accidental damage policy will cover you for one-off events like a large bird getting in through a window and causing damage, and our home emergency cover can cover you for ongoing issues like a rodent or insect infestation.

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Tips for preventing pet damage

Here are a few tips to help you prevent your pet from causing any damage to your home, meaning you’ll be less likely to have to make a claim on your home insurance:

Take your puppy to training classes

A professional trainer can help your dog to learn good habits early on. And even if your dog is older, professional behaviourists can help to address any problems and get them back on track.

Use a repellent spray

Spray your furniture with anti-chew and anti-clawing repellent sprays to deter pets from damaging particular items or areas of your home.

Get a scratching post

Cats love a good scratch – it’s a natural instinct for them – so give them a dedicated scratching spot so that they don’t make a beeline for your wallpaper or sofas.

Leave the radio on when they’re home alone

Anxiety can turn pets destructive, so leave the radio on to help calm and reassure them. Opt for a classical music channel or one with quiet, soothing voices to keep them at ease while you’re out the house.

Make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise

If your pet is causing mayhem, chances are they have a lot of unspent energy. Make sure your dog is walked an appropriate amount for their breed and age. Give your pets plenty of toys to keep them busy.

Who are Saga's home insurance policies underwritten by?

Saga Home Insurance policies, exclusively for people over 50, are unique products designed specifically for our customers. They are underwritten by a number of carefully selected insurers that provide our high standards of quality and service.

Make sure you’re protected against accidental pet damage with Saga Plus home insurance

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