The freezing winter temperatures have made us shiver even if we put on layers of outer clothing. The only saving grace in this excruciatingly painful climate is the sanctuary called home.
Ah, the home, the castle of each man, where each of us can take comfort in the freezing of this brutal season!
With the above in mind, imagine the pain of a family returning home from work during a particular cold snap. The welcome they found upon reaching the door was not as welcoming as they would have liked. A hideous odor filled his nostrils: the unmistakable putrid stench of a skunk.
Holding their noses, the family members tried to locate any sign of black fur with a white stripe running through it. Fortunately, there are no visible signs of the dreaded species. But the undeniable and powerful stench of a skunk spray was there, everywhere, in every nook and cranny, on all three levels of the structure!
Braving the cold again, the trio got into their car and headed to the local grocery store to buy any kind of sweet smell that would cover and / or remove the stench.
Reality did not allow anyone with a healthy sense of smell to remain in that ‘castle’ for long. After strategically spraying the anti-odor, the family spent the night at a neighbor’s house. The next morning, they entered his house with a good deal of unease. Fortunately, the smell had subsided immensely.
When Mom opened the kitchen blind and let out a loud gasp, everyone knew why. Gathered around the window, the family members took in the pitiful sight of a dead skunk on their lawn.
Dad called the animal control department to have it removed. And fortunately, the smell dissipated more and more.
The only lingering thought was: “What if the odor couldn’t be contained? What if it had contaminated the house and all of its contents, rendering them unusable and uninhabitable?
Here’s what the insurance industry says about skunk damage.
Under the standard policy, you will be covered for any damage that results from a wild animal. What fits into that particular classification? Well, not a mouse or a rat. These are called rodents. But, yes, a skunk would fit the definition of a wild animal.
Therefore, in a single uncomplicated event of a property damaging skunk, an incident that the owner would not have been able to avoid, the related claim submitted by the policy holder will most likely be honored and processed.
Naturally, not every event is a ‘black and white episode’ (pun intended!) So it’s best to check with a knowledgeable independent agent about its coverage and how it relates to the likelihood of a wild event like the one mentioned. previously!