Renters insurance in San Francisco, CA, has become a necessity to protect your belongings from accidents and theft. Often, you’ll discover that getting a pet can lead to more damage than a break-in. Perhaps your roommate brought home a dog that has ripped your closet to shreds. You’re bound to wonder if your renters’ insurance policy can help with replacements.

Policy Exclusions

Many policies specifically exclude pet damage. However, there are also a few exceptions. Some exclude pet damage if you own the pet, but will help with pet damage if the pet is owned by a roommate or someone else. Others will deny a claim if they didn’t know that a pet lived in the house. It’s important to speak with an agent at a company like Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. to determine whether your policy can help you replace your belongings.

Police Report

Most companies also require a police report as proof of damages and to verify that you aren’t committing insurance fraud. Intentionally damaging your own belongings is considered insurance fraud. A police report will state what happened and may include pictures of damaged items, so an insurance company can confirm that a pet caused the damage.

However, the police report may also place the blame on your roommate. That’s why most people don’t qualify to file a claim if their pet damages their belongings; it’s their responsibility, and you can’t usually file a police report against yourself.

Situations like this can be complex, and many companies have different policies regarding pets. An agent at Biddle-Shaw Insurance Services Inc. can help you learn more about how our policies work. We’re currently serving the San Francisco, CA, area.