More than half (52%) of pet owners did not have home insurance that fully covered damage caused by their pets, according to research from Compare the Market.
Scratched floors or furniture were the most common type of damage, with 52% of pet owners reporting incidents, followed by stained carpets or rugs at 45%, broken items like vases and ornaments at 35%, and chewed wires at 28%.
The average cost to fix pet-related damage was £148 per incident, with 41% of owners spending over £100 on repairs.
Younger owners were the most willing to pay extra for insurance with pet damage cover, with 65% of those aged 25 to 34 saying they would consider it.
58% of owners said they were concerned when they saw the cost of the damage, and 45% now keep a closer eye on their pets at home.
Over two in five owners (42%) have looked at switching insurance providers to make sure pet damage is included in their cover.
Overall, just over half (51%) of pet owners said they would pay more for a policy that protects them against pet damage.
Amy Rootham, insurance expert at Compare the Market, said: “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.”
