Georgia Property & Casualty Practice Exam

Damage to property caused by an animal owned by the insured is excluded under which common exclusion?

1. maintenance or wear and tear

2. ordinance or law

3. mechanical breakdown

4. flood

The correct answer is: maintenance or wear and tear

Damage to property caused by an animal owned by the insured is typically excluded under the exclusion relating to maintenance or wear and tear. This exclusion is designed to limit coverage for losses resulting from the natural deterioration or failure of property, which often happens over time due to regular use or age. In the context of property insurance, damage caused by an animal can be considered a form of maintenance issue because it may encompass the natural behaviors or accidents of the animal, rather than an unexpected or sudden loss. For example, if a pet damages furniture by chewing or scratching it, this would be viewed as a maintenance problem rather than covered damage. The other exclusions listed, such as ordinance or law, mechanical breakdown, and flood, apply to very specific circumstances that do not directly relate to damage caused by the actions of an insured's animal. Therefore, the exclusion regarding maintenance or wear and tear appropriately covers this type of damage, making it the correct choice.