Will Insurance Policies Cover Damage From Frozen Falling Iguanas in Florida?
As temperatures in South Florida drop to unusually low levels, residents in Miami and surrounding areas are facing a unique local phenomenon: frozen iguanas falling from trees. With cold weather alerts in effect, the prospect of these heavy reptiles landing on vehicles, homes, or pedestrians has raised significant questions regarding insurance coverage and liability.
For vehicle owners, damage caused by a falling iguana is typically covered under the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. This specific type of coverage handles non-collision incidents, such as fire, theft, or falling objects. Consequently, if an immobilized iguana dents a car hood or cracks a windshield, insurers generally treat the claim similarly to damage caused by a falling tree branch or hail.
However, there are practical objections and limitations that policyholders must consider. The primary hurdle is the deductible. Comprehensive coverage usually requires the driver to pay a set amount—often between $500 and $1,000—before the insurance company covers the remainder. In many cases, the cost to repair a dent caused by an iguana may be lower than the deductible, rendering a claim financially useless. Additionally, frequent claims can lead to higher premiums, suggesting that drivers should assess repair costs out-of-pocket before involving their insurer.
Homeowners insurance presents a more complex scenario. While policies usually cover falling objects that damage the structural integrity of a home, many standard policies contain specific exclusions for damage caused by animals, nesting, or infestation. If an iguana falls through a screen enclosure or damages a pool cover, the classification of the iguana as a “vermin” or “pest” in the policy language could result in a denied claim.
Green iguanas are an invasive species in Florida and are not native to the ecosystem. As cold-blooded reptiles, they rely on external heat to regulate their body temperature. When ambient temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, their blood flow restricts to preserve vital organs, causing them to enter a state of torpor. In this stunned, dormant state, they lose muscle control and their ability to grip tree branches, causing them to plummet. While they may appear lifeless on the ground, they usually remain alive and will recover once the weather warms up.
