Does Insurance Cover Termite Damage?

You will be hard pressed to find a homeowners insurance policy that covers damage caused by termites. Even though homeowners insurance is designed precisely for protecting you from damage that is accidental or sudden, termite destruction is typically not considered an accident. The truth is, insurance companies consider termite damage as preventable, which is why it is so rare to find a policy that protects you from these wood-boring insects.

Does My Policy Cover Termite Damage?

As mentioned before, damage caused by termites isn’t often covered by insurance agencies. When signing up for homeowners insurance, it is best to speak directly with your agent and always read the fine print in order to find out if you are covered for termites or not. Because it is rare to find this kind of insurance, homeowners must take every other possible measure to protect themselves from termite damage that could end up costing a fortune. The best insurance against termites is routine home maintenance and enlisting the help of a professional company who can perform regular inspections for you. Termite bonds are also available for those looking to go the extra mile in preventing termites.

Homeowners Insurance Termite Loopholes

In the case your home is damaged by termites, there are some instances in which you may be eligible for coverage. For example, if termites in your fireplace cause a fire, you may be eligible for payment. Similarly, if termites damage a beam that eventually leads to a wall or roof falling, you could receive compensation to cover the costs. Every policy is different, which is why it’s best to fully understand what you’re covered for and what you’re not. In any case, calling your agency can clear things up quickly.

Protecting Yourself from Termites Without Insurance

Realizing you aren’t covered for the damage caused by termites in your home is frustrating. To avoid dealing with that frustration down the road, the best thing for a homeowner to do is to sign up for regular routine inspections by a pest control company that can help keep your home free of pests year after year. The cost of these services are well worth it, especially considering the amount of money they can save you from the high costs of repairs.