Standard renters insurance does not cover damage your pet causes
Most renters insurance policies exclude pet damage from their standard coverage. If your dog scratches the hardwood floors, your cat tears the carpet, or your bird damages the walls, your base policy will not pay for repairs. The landlord can bill you directly for those costs, and you would be responsible for the full amount.
This is different from liability coverage, which protects you if your pet injures someone else. A standard renters policy may cover medical bills if your dog bites a guest, but it will not cover damage to the rental unit itself caused by your pet's behavior or accidents.
Key Takeaways
- Standard renters insurance policies specifically exclude damage caused by pets, including scratches, stains, and destruction to floors, walls, and furniture.
- Pet damage riders or endorsements are add-ons you can purchase from your insurance company to cover certain types of pet-related damage.
- Pet damage coverage typically costs between $10 and $25 per month, depending on your insurer and the type of pet you own.
- You should disclose all pets to your insurance company when you get a quote, because some insurers charge higher premiums or decline coverage based on breed or number of animals.
- Damage caused by your pet is your financial responsibility to the landlord even without insurance, so a rider protects you from unexpected repair bills.
How pet damage riders work
A pet damage rider (also called a pet damage endorsement) is an optional add-on to your renters policy that covers specific types of damage your pet causes. You purchase it separately from your base policy and pay an extra monthly or annual premium for it.
Coverage under a rider typically includes damage to floors, walls, carpets, and doors caused by scratching, chewing, or urine and feces stains. The exact items covered depend on your policy and insurer. Some riders have a per-incident limit (for example, $500 per claim) or an annual maximum (for example, $1,000 per year). You will still pay your deductible when you file a claim, just as you would for other covered losses.
Not all renters insurance companies offer pet damage riders, and those that do may have different terms. You need to ask your insurer directly whether they offer this add-on and what it covers in your state.
What pet damage coverage typically includes and excludes
Pet damage riders usually cover accidental damage from normal pet behavior — scratches on door frames, stains from accidents, chewing damage to baseboards or carpet. Some policies also cover damage to landlord-owned furniture if your pet damages it while you are renting.
Most riders do not cover damage from aggressive behavior, such as a dog that has bitten someone before or a pet with a known history of destructive behavior. Some insurers will not cover certain dog breeds they consider high-risk. Damage from neglect (for example, leaving a pet in a hot car or failing to housetrain) is typically excluded as well.
The policy will also not cover damage that was already present when you moved in, or damage caused by a pet you did not disclose to your insurer. You must list all pets on your policy for coverage to explore.
Cost and how to add a pet damage rider
Pet damage riders usually cost between $10 and $25 per month, though the price varies by insurer, your location, and the type and number of pets you own. A single cat may cost less than a large dog, and some companies charge more if you have multiple pets. A few insurers include basic pet damage coverage in their standard policy at no extra cost, but this is uncommon.
To add a rider, contact your renters insurance company directly and ask whether they offer pet damage coverage. You will need to provide information about your pet, including its type, breed, age, and any history of behavioral issues. Some insurers may ask whether your pet has ever bitten someone or caused damage in the past. Be honest in your answers, because misrepresenting your pet can lead to a claim denial later.
Once you and your insurer agree on the coverage and price, the rider is added to your policy. The effective date is usually the date you request it or a few days later, depending on the company. You can cancel the rider at any time if you no longer need it.
Alternatives if your insurer does not offer pet damage coverage
If your current renters insurance company does not offer a pet damage rider, you have a few options. You can shop around — other insurers in your area may offer pet damage coverage at a reasonable price. Getting quotes from three or four companies takes about 15 minutes and can show you what is available in your market.
Another option is to set aside money in a savings account specifically for pet-related repairs. If your pet causes damage, you can pay for repairs out of that fund rather than asking your landlord to wait for insurance. This is not insurance, but it does protect you from a large unexpected bill.
You can also ask your landlord whether they have landlord insurance that covers pet damage. Some landlord policies do cover tenant pets, though this is rare. If yours does, the landlord may be willing to file a claim rather than billing you directly — but you should not count on this and should not assume your landlord's insurance covers your pet.
What happens if you do not have pet damage coverage and your pet causes damage
If your pet damages the rental unit and you do not have a pet damage rider, your landlord can deduct repair costs from your security deposit. If the damage costs more than your deposit, the landlord can bill you for the remainder. You are legally responsible for damage your pet causes, regardless of whether you have insurance.
The landlord must document the damage with photos and provide you with an itemized list of repairs and costs. In most states, they must do this within 30 days of you moving out, though the timeline varies by location. If you disagree with the charges, you can dispute them in small claims court, but you will need to prove the damage was not your responsibility — which is difficult if the damage is clearly pet-related.
Having a pet damage rider protects you from this situation by paying for repairs up to your coverage limit, so the cost does not come out of your pocket or your deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does renters insurance cover damage from a pet I just got?
You must disclose your pet to your insurance company before damage occurs for coverage to explore. If you get a new pet, contact your insurer right away and ask them to add it to your policy or add a pet damage rider. If you do not disclose the pet and it causes damage, the insurer may deny your claim.
Will my renters insurance go up if I add a pet damage rider?
Yes, adding a pet damage rider increases your monthly or annual premium. The increase is usually $10 to $25 per month, but it depends on your insurer and pet. Some companies charge more for larger dogs or multiple pets. Ask your insurer for a quote before you decide to add the rider.
Can I get pet damage coverage if my dog has bitten someone before?
Most insurers will not offer pet damage coverage for a dog with a known bite history, and some will not insure you at all if you own that dog. A few specialized insurers may cover you, but at a higher premium. You should disclose the bite history when you get a quote so you know whether coverage is available.
What if my landlord causes damage and blames my pet?
If your landlord claims your pet caused damage that you believe they caused, document the damage with photos and keep records of any communication with your landlord about it. If the landlord deducts money from your deposit for damage you did not cause, you can dispute the deduction in small claims court. Bring photos, repair estimates, and any written communication with your landlord as evidence.
Does pet damage coverage pay for damage to my own furniture?
Most pet damage riders cover damage to the rental unit itself (floors, walls, carpet, doors) and landlord-owned furniture. They do not cover damage to your own belongings. If you want coverage for your furniture, you would need to check whether your renters policy covers accidental damage to personal property, which is a separate coverage type.