New research from Compare the Market reveals that more than half (52%) of pet owners do not have home insurance that fully covers any damage to their home that was caused by their pets.
The most common types of pet damage reported were scratched floors or furniture (52%), stained carpets or rugs (45%) , broken items, such as vases and ornaments, (35%), and chewed wires (28%).
These incidents can come at a high cost, with pet-related damage averaging £148 to fix per incident.
Four in ten (41% ) pet owners surveyed said they had spent more than £100 repairing the damage.
PET DAMAGE COVER
Younger homeowners are leading the way when it comes to insuring against pet-related damage, with 65% of 25–34-year-olds willing to pay more for a home insurance policy that includes pet damage cover.
While pets are cherished members of the family, the financial impact can’t be ignored. Nearly 60% (58%) of owners expressed concern when they discovered the cost of the damage caused in their own home, 45% now actively supervise their pets at home to help prevent it, and over two in five pet owners (42%) have considered switching providers to ensure pet damage is included in their policy.
Overall, just over half (51%) of pet owners said they would be willing to pay more for a policy that offers protection against pet damage.
REPAIR COSTS

Amy Rootham, Insurance Expert at Compare the Market, says: “Pets are treasured members of families nationwide, but they can unintentionally cause significant damage to our homes. Our research highlights a clear disconnect between the financial impact of pet-related accidents and the level of cover many owners have in place.
“Repair costs can quickly add up, so it’s a good idea for pet owners to review their home insurance policies carefully and consider upgrading their cover to include protection against pet damage.”