Most homeowners insurance policy has exclusions for animals and home based businesses. You can also risk your homeowners claim if the cause is due to a business you are operating out of your house. You need to check your policy and review with your agent/underwriter to be certain.

If you rent and have a policy good....but if your heating element causes a fire that damages the building significantly or causes injury, does it protect you against the conditions of your rental policy and your landlords insurance? If you have ever dealt with a insurance company before, they will find an 'out' if they can to not pay or seek damages from you.

When I was running my business, I carried a standard liability insurance, which was basically a protection against someone suing me in the event something goes horribly wrong (i.e. snake bites kid in face and parents freak out, etc.). Most reptile businesses are getting the basic business insurance policies for their equipment and the potential liability....the animals are not covered. That type of standard policy ran me around $400 per year for a really small operation and had fairly decent coverage.

I have heard of a person getting a policy on the actual animals, but I do not know if it is actually true. If I recall correctly, they were getting the policies written through agricultural type insurance agencies but the policies were pricey. This is when animals were going for $20k+ regularly.

You have to think....Insurance companies make money by valuation of risk. If the industry doesn't have a long track record with data, the risk to the company writing the policy is higher. Considering the general public's perception of reptiles and the fire risk associated with running the various heat elements.......you are going to pay for it if you are covered.

But if you have concerns and want to know how to protect yourself and your animals, check with your insurance agent and lawyer for your situation...I am not a professional insurance agent, underwriter or legal expert.

Getting insurance and legal advise on the internet should be treated the same way as asking for veterinary care for your animals on a forum....it is not advisable to take our amateur opinions...seek a professional.