Fallen Tree and Rodents

February 2, 2012

I have a question on a HO-3 policy. Our insured had a tree fall on the roof punching a hole through it; the hole in the roof allowed rodents such as mice to enter the home through the hole. The tree damage to the roof would be covered under the HO-3 policy but there is a rodent exclusion under:

 

Section 1 Perils Insured Against, A. Coverage A-Dwelling & Coverage B-Other Structures #2 We Do Not Insure, However, For Loss: c.(6)-G Birds, Vermin, Rodents, or insects…

 

Since the rodents entered the house due to a covered loss, “hole in the roof due to the tree”, would the cost to exterminate the rodents and any resulting damage they may cause be covered as well?

Utah Subscriber

There is no exception to the exclusion, so that if the loss occurs as a result of a covered loss that there is coverage. Also, you have the issue of how long the roof was left open; rodents don't generally move in immediately as soon as a hole is punctured in the roof, and rodents can get in through the smallest of openings; so they may not have been discovered until after the hole was created, but they could have been there beforehand. There is no coverage for the rodents in this situation.