Will insurance cover frozen iguana damage? Check fallout from the Miami cold

With freezing temperatures threatening South Florida again, cold-stunned iguanas might be falling from the trees.

And what if you’re parked under one of those trees?

State Farm says it has seen an array of auto damage caused by animals in the U.S. over the years, including crashes involving chickens, alligators, cows, even bats. The most common animal involved in crashes is deer.

But what about iguanas? It could happen as the temperatures fall.

One fat iguana in Hollywood plunged down an oak tree a few years ago, and smashed through a screened backyard enclosure. Iguanas, by the way, can get pretty big. The invasive species can grow to more than five feet in length and weigh up to 17 pounds. That’s more than a bowling ball, which generally weighs 6 to 16 pounds.

What if a hefty iguana cracked the windshield of your SUV? Would your insurance cover the damage?

During a previous cold snap, State Farm said damage caused by falling objects — even a frozen iguana — would be covered under comprehensive coverage, which includes glass claims and windshield repair. And Allstate has an arrangement with a windshield replacement company, and the state of Florida allows for one free windshield repair each year.

MORE: A rock or an iguana just smashed through your windshield? Florida may have you covered

At the time, Nationwide insurance said it didn’t have any reports that specifically mention falling iguanas, though if an incident did occur, it might be listed as a fallen object.

“In a circumstance where an iguana damages your vehicle, this could be handled as a fallen object. Insurance carriers evaluate each claim on its own merits, and vehicle damage caused by an animal would typically be covered under the vehicle’s comprehensive coverage,” Nationwide said during a recent Florida cold snap. “No matter how unique the cause of loss, Nationwide stands ready to service the needs of our customers in the event of a covered loss.”

At the time, Allstate also hadn’t seen any falling iguana claims. Neither had Geico, although the company has seen instances when iguanas found their way under the hood of a car and caused mechanical damage or chewed wiring.

“On a handful of occasions, iguanas have also caused a crash after drivers swerved to avoid them in the road,” Geico said in the statement. “Speaking of reptiles, we’re thankful there appears to be no evidence geckos have ever been involved. That’s a huge relief!”

Some information in this article came from the Miami Herald archives.