Which exclusion would typically allow insurers to deny coverage for losses caused by pests?

The exclusion that would typically allow insurers to deny coverage for losses caused by pests is wear-and-tear. This exclusion refers to the gradual deterioration of property over time due to normal use or lack of maintenance, and it encompasses issues such as damage from pests, which is often considered a part of the ongoing deterioration of a property.

Insurance policies usually are designed to cover sudden and accidental damages, rather than damages that occur over a longer period due to neglect or natural processes. Damage from pests like termites or rodents falls under this category, as the property owner is expected to take reasonable steps to prevent such infestations. Consequently, when pest-related problems are attributed to ongoing wear-and-tear, insurers would typically deny claims related to these losses.

The other exclusions mentioned, such as vandalism, natural disaster, and physical damage, do not pertain specifically to the long-term and gradual type of damage represented by pests, making them less relevant in this context. Vandalism involves intentional acts of destruction, natural disasters are impactful events beyond normal wear, and physical damage refers to a range of impacts that create sudden harm rather than incremental deterioration.