A plague of mice continues to cause misery across many regional NSW and Queensland communities, but damage to crops and homes is unlikely to be covered by insurance.

Policy coverage experts have told insuranceNEWS.com.au that vermin damage has always been an exclusion, and farmers are expected to absorb it as a business risk.

However, if damage caused by mice results in a flood or a fire, this is covered by many, but not all, home and contents policies.

IAG says it has had 17 claims from the mouse plague so far, across all its brands.

“Generally, damage caused from vermin or insect plagues, such as mice chewing through electrical wiring, is excluded,” EGM Direct Claims Luke Gallagher said.

“However, our NRMA Home Policy and WFI Commercial & Rural Plan will cover the subsequent damage caused by mice chewing through electrical wiring or plumbing, for example, if this leads to a fire or water from a pipe flooding an area of the home.

“One of our claims, which we’ve accepted, was a situation where mice chewed through the dishwasher drain causing water damage to the kitchen.

“We encourage our customers to lodge their claim so we can understand and assess their individual circumstances.

“This is a really awful situation for all the people and businesses across the state impacted by this mouse plague. And it’s terrible to see our farming communities facing another disaster following the last drought and COVID-19 impacts.”

The NSW Government has launched a $50 million support package for farmers, businesses and households impacted by the plague.

It includes $500 rebates for eligible households, $1000 rebates for eligible small businesse, and free mice bait for farmers.

Free mice control workshops will also be held in Molong, Mullaley, Leadville, Ballimore, Cumnock, Junee, Young, Condobolin, Lake Cargelligo, Coleambally, Goolgowi, West Wyalong, Narrabri, Bingara, Croppa Creek and Moree.