Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Termite Damage?
Homeownership comes with many joys, but it also comes with many responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is dealing with some unexpected repairs and maintenance issues. One of the most common questions among homeowners is “Does homeowners insurance cover termite damage?”. If you’re searching for an answer to this question, you’re not alone. We’ll be answering this question, and more, throughout this post. Should you have any immediate questions, don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll be sure to help in any way we can.
Understanding Homeowners Insurance Coverage
Homeowners insurance typically provides financial support and protection against losses due to disasters, theft, and accidents. Your standard homeowners insurance policies will include coverage for the structure of your home, your belongings, liability protection, and additional living expenses if you’re temporarily unable to reside within your home due to an insured disaster.
Is Termite Damage Covered?
The short answer is no; most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover termite damage. Here’s why:
Considered Preventable: From the insurance company’s perspective, termites are often considered a preventable issue with proper maintenance and proactive approaches. Since homeowners insurance is primarily designed for sudden and unpredictable damages, gradual damages, such as termite damage, is often considered a form of neglect, lack of maintenance, or a form of wear and tear. For this reason, termite damage is often excluded.
Classified as a Maintenance Issue: Regular home maintenance, which typically will include pest control and termite prevention, is considered the homeowners responsibility. Insurance policies do not generally cover costs which are deemed part of a regular maintenance routine, or a result of damages from neglect.
What Can You Do?
Since termite damage is not covered by homeowners insurance, it’s crucial for homeowners to take the right level of proactive steps to prevent termite infestations through early detection methods:
Regular Inspections: Hiring a professional pest control expert to regularly visit your home and conduct inspections can do a lot to prevent termite infestations from developing.
Reduce Termite Food Sources: You’ll want to keep items such as firewood, lumber, or paper away from your home’s foundation and crawl space. Ensure all wood structures are properly sealed and treated against termites.
Moisture Control: Termites are often attracted to moisture. Ensuring your home has efficient drainage, clean gutters, and properly set up downspouts to redirect water away from your home’s foundation is very important.
Monitor & Treat: If termites are detected early, immediate treatment is important to minimize overall damages. Having a professional extermination company on call can help ensure if there’s ever a sighting of termites inside or outside your home, you are ready, willing, and able to take care of the issue.
Termite Bonds & Additional Coverage
If you happen to reside in an area prone to termite infestations, you’ll want to consider purchasing a termite bond. A termite bond is a contract between a homeowner and a pest management company, agreeing to regular inspections and ongoing treatment as needed. In some cases, the bond may include a warranty which covers the cost of any termite damage which may arise, providing a much needed layer of financial protection.
Additionally, some insurance companies may offer separate policies or endorsements which cover termite damage. These can be purchased independently of your primary homeowners insurance policy. These separate policies can offer peace of mind if termites are a worry in your area.
Contact Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance for a Policy Evaluation Today
While homeowners insurance may not cover termite damage, understanding the options available to you and taking the right steps through preventive measures can save you a significant amount of time, money, and stress. Investing in routine maintenance protocols, considering additional coverage options such as termite bonds, and being extra vigilant when it comes to protecting your home from termites and the damage they can unleash will help protect your home for many years to come. Should you have any questions about your current homeowners insurance policy, or you would like to request a quote, please do so by clicking on the button below. We’ll be sure to respond to your message as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon!