Commercial Express introduces new pet damage cover

MGA Commercial Express has launched pet damage cover as a standard feature across all residential property owners policies.

The introduction follows significant changes to rental legislation which came into force this year, including measures designed to make it easier for tenants to keep pets in rented accommodation.

This has heightened concerns among landlords around potential property damage and associated financial costs.

Designed to address these risks, the cover protects against sudden and accidental damage caused by a tenant’s domestic pet to insured buildings or contents, with cover limits of up to £5,000 for any one claim and £5,000 in total during the policy period.

Meanwhile, the policy can provide loss of rent cover for up to three months, subject to the claim for damage and loss of rent not exceeding the policy limit.

There are also no restrictions on the number of pets covered under the policy wording, allowing landlords flexibility to determine what is appropriate for their individual properties.

Risk management

Commenting on the launch, Gary Holmes, head of schemes development at Commercial Express, said: “The rental market is changing and landlords need practical solutions that help them adapt with confidence.

“The Renters’ Rights Act is expected to increase the number of pet-friendly rental properties, but for many landlords the concern has always been how they protect their investment if something goes wrong. By including pet damage cover as standard across our residential property owners policies, we’re helping landlords manage that risk without introducing additional cost. It provides meaningful protection while supporting greater flexibility for both landlords and tenants.”