6 things pet owners need to know about home insurance

Owners celebrating National Pet Day on 11 April should check they're covered for damage in the home caused by a furry friend, as Which? analysis has found only around a third of standard home insurance policies pay out for this type of claim.

A recent survey by Saga found pets can cause thousands of pounds' worth of damage in the home, but if your insurance provider doesn't cover these costs, you will need to purchase additional cover. Even then you might find you're not covered for every mishap.

Here, Which? explains what you need to know about owning a pet and the impact it can have on home insurance.

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1. Pet damage can cost thousands

Pets bring joy and companionship to many people, but they can also cause a fair amount of chaos in the home. 

Saga's survey of British pet owners in February 2024 found two in three pets caused property damage. One in four respondents said the cost of repairs were between £500 and £1,000, but almost one in 10 experienced damage up to £2,000. 

The main culprits appear to be dogs and cats. According to Aviva, these four-legged friends were responsible for almost 6,000 claims between 2019 and 2023. The insurer says windows, carpets, sofas, and electrical gadgets such as laptops, tablets and phones are the most commonly damaged items.

More unusual claims included a dog who headbutted and smashed a window after seeing another dog walk past, a pair of cats with the 'zoomies' knocking over and smashing a TV while their owner slept, and a diamond pulled out of a customer's engagement ring while brushing a dog’s fur.

2. Most policies don't include pet damage

While not impossible, pet owners are likely to struggle to find a home insurance policy that will cover pet-related damage. The latest Which? research, published in March 2023, found only 37% of standard home insurance policies cover domestic damage caused by pets. 

If you do find an insurer that includes it as standard, it will most likely only be for customers that purchase a more comprehensive and expensive policy.

For example, Saga's more extensive Saga Plus home insurance covers pet-related damage to furniture, valuables or even the house itself. While LV's Home Plus policy covers damage to furniture, fixtures or fittings ruined by your pet scratching, digging or chewing.

• Find out more: best home insurance

3. Accidental damage add-ons won't cover everything

If you're looking for extra protection against pet mayhem in the home, you may be able to take out accidental damage cover. This is usually sold as an optional extra that you can purchase on top of your standard buildings and contents insurance.

Policies that state they will cover damage by pets are often limited to certain claims. So read the terms and conditions carefully before you buy.

For example, you may be fine to claim when your excited pooch accidentally knocks over and breaks an expensive vase, but you may not be covered for other unfortunate events such as vomiting, chewing and scratching.

Some insurers offer more expensive 'extended accidental damage cover' or extra 'pet damage cover' that will pay out for claims related to animals. But again, read the small print. There might still be exclusions. 

Claims for damage as a result of leaving your pet alone at home, for instance, may not be included. While some providers won't cover damage caused by kittens under eight weeks old or some breeds of dog. You may not be able to claim for accidents that happen in your garden either.

• Find out more: home insurance add-ons, fees and charges explained

4. Home insurance won't cover damage outside the home

Even if you do find a home insurance policy with comprehensive cover for pet damage, it will only protect you from accidents that happen in your own home.

If you decide to bring your dog with you on a visit to a friend's place and the animal wreaks havoc in the house, you won't be able to claim a penny. However, you might be fine if you have pet insurance that includes third-party liability cover. 

This usually comes as standard with more expensive lifetime and maximum benefit policies and can cover you for damage to someone else’s property or belongings, vet bills if your dog attacks another animal, and legal fees if your dog attacks another person.

Third-party liability only applies to dogs. Cats are considered 'free spirits'.

• Find out more: best pet insurance companies 2024

5. Consider 'self-insuring'

If you have a particularly clumsy or accident-prone pet, you may want to consider 'self-insuring' by putting money away every month into a dedicated savings account. That way if your home insurance cover falls short, you should still have enough funds to meet the costs of repairs or replacement yourself.

Take a look at our guide to finding the best savings account for helpful tips and advice.

6. Prevention is always best

The best way to avoid making a claim for pet damage is to take steps to stop it happening in the first place. Here are a few helpful tips:

• Training Start toilet training your puppy or kitten as soon as possible. If you think your pet has a behavioural issue, talk to your vet about therapy. It's also worth checking your pet insurance policy as many providers will cover the costs of treatment.
• Exercise Animals, like humans, get bored when at home all day long. If you have a dog, it's important to take it out for regular walks so it can blow off steam. 
• Avoid leaving dogs alone Dogs that are left at home alone for long periods may become destructive if they're bored or stressed.
• Toys Give your dog an alternative to chewing on your furniture in the form of a chew toy. Cats also need stimulation, so provide plenty of toys to keep them busy and a scratching post to stop them clawing the sofa.
• The power of sniffing Dogs have powerful noses, so you could keep them entertained by hiding special treats around the house for them to find. Cats also go crazy for toys stuffed with calming catnip, while special repellent sprays can also help ward them away from furniture you want to keep safe.

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