Dog and cat owners in England urged to spend £26 or risk £10,000 bill

A warning has been issued for homeowners over a little-known insurance loophole that could cost you up to £10,000. Homeowners are being warned to check their insurance policies because many typically don't include damage caused by rodents or pests such as chewing, scratching or tearing items.

And homeowners are warned mishaps caused by pets won't be covered if you haven't added it. Just 22 per cent of a sample of 291 buildings insurance policies offered accidental damage as standard, according to research by GoCompare.

Only 15 per cent of contents insurance policies included it. Hazel Johnson, director of home and motor claims for Aviva, said: “It’s worth remembering that most home insurance policies exclude damage caused by chewing, scratching, tearing, or fouling by domestic animals as part of their standard terms."

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Accidental damage insurance that might include cover for pet damage doesn't usually come as standard with your home insurance, but you can add it to your buildings and contents insurance policies for an extra fee. It typically covers repairs or replacement if an item is broken or damaged by accident.

It typically costs £26.21 a year to add to a contents insurance policy, while for the average buildings insurance policy, it's £35.68. Ms Johnson said: "However, there are special policies and certain add-ons available, such as accidental damage insurance, which can provide cover for some scenarios, so it’s worth checking your policy terms.

"For more expensive items like hearing aids and engagement rings, customers should ensure they are specified on their home insurance policies in case they ever need to make a claim.” Helen Phipps, home insurance expert at Compare the Market, said: “Household finances are being squeezed by rising living costs and, with home insurance premiums on the rise, households need to look for savings wherever possible.

"Shopping around online remains one of the best ways to cut the cost of insurance."