Termites may be small, but they can cause huge damage to your home. Homeowners insurance doesn’t normally cover termite damage or removal.
Termite infestations can typically be prevented through routine home maintenance, which homeowners are responsible for. It’s a good idea for you to check your policy or call you insurance agent to get clarity.
Here are what a few of the big insurance companies are saying about termite coverage:
Allstate Insurance Company
Allstate Insurance Company reports that “termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage every year, according to the National Pest Management Association. And while they can be a very real threat to your own home, you should know that termites damage is generally not covered by a homeowners insurance policy. That’s because standard homeowners policies provide coverage for perils that are sudden and accidental, not infestations of termites or other pests that may have been prevented with home maintenance. While termite damage generally is not covered by a homeowners insurance policy, a local agent can talk with you about other ways to help protect the people and things that matter to you most”.
Nationwide
“Homeowners insurance is designed to cover risks and damage that are accidental and sudden. As a pest control company will tell you, termites aren’t a sudden phenomenon. While you may not initially know they’re sharing your home, they will stick around as long as you continue to provide them with food and water. The cost to remove termites and repair their damage is generally not covered by your homeowners insurance. Insurance companies generally don’t sell termite coverage, but some pest control companies offer plans for annual inspection and treatment. Before buying a home, you should have it inspected for termites. If there is termite damage, you can renegotiate the home price or have the seller repair the damage before the purchase goes through. It’s easier to tent a house for fumigation before you move in”, states Nationwide Insurance Company.
MSN Money and Termite Institute
SF Gate comments that “both MSN Money and the Termite Institute say that most insurance carriers don’t cover damage caused by termite infestations. Some policies will call it wood-destroying insect damage. The reason is simple. Insurance companies think termites are preventable, which means your insurer considers it a maintenance issue. Most policies, as a rule, don’t cover things that are considered maintenance issues and are more likely to cover damage that is considered accidental”.
ValuePenguin
“Termite, as well as any insect damage, is generally not covered by standard homeowners policies. There may be certain situations however where you can get some compensation. There are two cases where your homeowners insurance will cover termite damage, up to the limits of your policy:
- When the house completely collapses from termites
- Something (a risk or peril) you’re covered for causes the termites
In the vast majority of cases however, homeowners insurance policies will not cover damage caused by termites or any other vermin, insect or pest. Termites differ from other commonly covered hazards in that they are considered preventable. A tornado you cannot prevent; termites rotting the frame of your home you can prevent. This includes damage to the structure of your home as well as your personal possessions” explains ValuePenguin.
We recommend regular inspection by a pest-control professional since some of these signs are difficult to detect.
Drive-Bye Exterminators offers home and commercial pest control services in Clearwater, Florida, and the surrounding areas. Family owned and operated for over 25 years, Drive-Bye Exterminators has state certified inspectors and exterminators provide roach, subterranean termite, dry wood termite, roaches, spider, ant and flea services to both commercial and residential clients. Whether a business owner needs help getting rid of a termite infestation, or a homeowner wants to rid their kitchen of ants, Drive-Bye Exterminators offers each client the same level of professionalism and excellence.
Request a FREE Pest Control or Termite Inspection today with the Professionals of Drive-Bye Exterminators. Contact Us Today at 727-787-2127.
