A Clearwater, Fla. senior citizen recently discovered that her natural disaster insurance coverage didn’t extend to mayhem created by a rogue alligator. A gator, which is native to the region, smashed the kitchen window of elderly homeowner Mary W., according to a July Miami Herald story. Although the alligator’s motives for “breaking and entering” are unclear, the event occurred in May during the species’ mating season.

An analysis of the situation led to the conclusion that the animal may have been attracted to its own reflection in the kitchen window, thinking it might be a potential mate. As indicated by the report, the alligator thrashed about and broke the glass to get into the kitchen. In doing so, its 11-foot body — which extended the entire length of the countertop —smashed full wine bottles and damaged walls.

The gator also broke furniture during his house rampage, according to a Miami CBS affiliate. Thankfully, no one was hurt because of the surprise visit. Mary filed a claim for natural disaster insurance coverage with Florida Peninsula Insurance Company. She reports it took about a month for her to learn the claim was rejected.

Some natural disaster insurance coverage pays for damage caused by wild animals, however, Mary’s Florida Peninsula policy specifically stated that “damage caused by rodents, reptiles, and other animals is not covered,” according to WFLA.

A spokesman for Florida Peninsula acknowledged that the situation is somewhat complicated by the fact that Mary lives in a condominium, which has a homeowner’s association (HOA) that carries a separate policy covering structural and exterior damage. Mary reportedly tried to go through her HOA’s insurance, but the policy made an exception when it came to window damage, putting her in multiple policy “no man’s land,” where exceptions caused her to lack coverage across the board.

Florida Peninsula’s spokesman noted that Mary’s policy would be in effect against damage from an animal if it had attacked a plumbing, heating, or air conditioning appliance which then caused water damage. The water damage would be taken care of in full if there were no other policy exceptions.

The window reportedly remains boarded up with plywood because the homeowner says she can’t afford to fix it due to her limited retirement income. Mary believes an exception needs to be made for “acts of nature,” typically referred to in insurance jargon as “acts of God.” She notes that alligators don’t typically enter houses. An event such as this one is extremely rare.

According to Einsurance, home damage from pets or other people’s pets in the homeowner’s care is typically not covered. Medical expenses related to your pet hurting someone on or off your property are likely to be included in your policy, however. Pests, rodents, and vermin damage is not covered, whereas wild animal damage can be. It is always best to clarify all the terms of your homeowner’s coverage with the knowledge of the particular wildlife and dangers of your region in mind.

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