Does home insurance cover termite damage?
When termites take over, here’s what home insurance will cover
Homeowners insurance is important for unexpected occurrences, but what about damage to your home that occurs over time?
Some homes suffer damage from wood-loving bugs: termites. Even though damage could be severe, termites aren’t usually covered through home insurance. Here’s what you should know about your home insurance coverage when it comes to termite damage.
In most cases, homeowners insurance doesn't cover termite damage.
Jump to insightConsider taking preventive measures, like getting annual termite inspections, to avoid extensive termite damage down the road.
Jump to insightEven supplemental termite coverage is difficult to find from home insurance companies.
Jump to insightWhat is home insurance?
Home insurance is a policy that financially protects your home in case of an emergency. Sometimes called homeowners insurance, this type of policy includes coverage for your main structure, the people inside the home and your assets.
Termite damage home insurance will cover
It’s not common for homeowners insurance policies to cover termite damage. But there might be some rare instances where you could get coverage for damage to your home through your home insurance policy.
For instance, termites could eat through wiring in your home and cause a house fire. Your home insurance company might pay for some of the damage from the fire since most policies cover fire damage. You might also get coverage if, say, a storm that caused roof damage led to a massive swarm of termites.
While these scenarios could happen, they are unlikely. Think about other ways to protect your home from termites before it’s too late. Consider being proactive and hiring a pest control company to inspect your home before a problem occurs.
Why isn’t termite damage covered by home insurance?
Since most insurance won’t cover termite damage, if termites infest your home, you’ll be responsible for the termite damage repairs.
Termite damage can be months and even years in the making. It’s essential to get regular maintenance on your home to prevent termite damage. If you suspect some damage already, contact an exterminator or see what options you have to manage your current state of termites.
Should I file a claim for termite problems?
While you might successfully file a claim for other home issues, you might not be able to do so for damage from termites. That’s because most home insurance policies don’t cover termite damage or potential termite infestations. So, in general, it won’t make much sense to file a claim for termite problems.
Instead, get regular and routine maintenance and checkups through a pest control company. Ask about preventive termite measures and associated costs. If you’re worried about prices, shop around with other pest control companies to see if you’re getting the best rate. Some companies may offer payment plans for some services.
FAQ
Can I purchase additional coverage for termites?
Most homeowners insurance policies don’t have termite coverage in traditional plans, and, unfortunately, many plans don't offer additional coverage options for termites.
Some home warranty companies cover termite prevention. Note that home warranties are different from home insurance — warranties are optional and generally provide coverage for your home’s appliances and systems.
Does homeowners insurance cover damage caused by termite treatment?
If you’re getting treatment for termites and the company handling the treatment causes damage to your home, the company would be responsible for paying for that damage. While researching termite treatment companies, make sure they are licensed, bonded and insured so if something does happen to your home during treatment, you’re not on the hook for payments.
How often should I get termite inspections?
All homes should get termite inspections every year. If you take preventive measures with annual inspections, you’ll know if termites are becoming an issue long before you see significant damage.
Bottom line
Since home insurance doesn’t usually cover termites, you could end up paying a lot out of pocket to cover termite damage if it occurs. If you suspect a potential termite issue, get regular inspections to see how much it’ll cost to get termite treatments for your home before it’s too late.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “Homeowners Insurance.” Accessed June 19, 2024.
- Allstate, “Does homeowners insurance cover termite damage?” Accessed June 19, 2024.
- Orkin, “Is there financing available for termite control services?” Accessed June 19, 2024.
- Western Pest Services, “The Western Pest Control Financing Plan.” Accessed June 19, 2024.
- Active Pest Control. “How Often Should I Get My Home Inspected for Termites?” Accessed June 19, 2024.
- Florida Pest Control, “How Often Should I Get My Home Inspected For Termites in Florida?” Accessed June 19, 2024.
- Dodson Pest Control, “How Often Should You Get a Termite Inspection?” Accessed June 19, 2024.
