Having termites in your home is enough to make any homeowner nervous. What’s even more troubling is the potential for harm and the cost of restoration. Many homeowners wonder if their home insurance covers termite damage because of the exorbitant cost. The most straightforward and typical answer is that homeowners insurance usually does not cover termite damage. What’s the good news? As with most insurance-related inquiries, the answer is contingent on the details of each case.

Termites may do a lot of damage, but most homeowners’ insurance plans don’t cover these costs. In other words, your insurance company is unlikely to send an exterminator to your property to exterminate the bugs or repair any damage caused by termites. Why? Termite damage is commonly regarded as a maintenance concern. As previously stated, house insurance does not cover wear and tear. Your insurance policy is a contract, and part of the agreement you sign with your insurer is that you will keep your home in good repair. If termites or other vermin cause your house to collapse unexpectedly, your insurance company may reimburse your losses. This is usually true if you had no way of knowing about the termites and the harm they were creating (i.e., the termites and their damage was hidden). However, if you overlook termite indicators or choose to do nothing about them, your insurance provider will almost certainly refuse your claim. You should also keep in mind that for you to have a compensable claim, your house must really fall due to termite damage. Wood that is cracked, bulging, or drooping is unlikely to be covered.

When a covered risk generates an infestation that results in a loss, you may be covered for concealed termite damage. As an example, suppose a pipe in your home explodes. The water damage produces an atmosphere that attracts termites, resulting in an infestation that damages your property. Because a burst pipe is a sort of water damage that is normally covered by house insurance, your concealed termite-related damage may be covered as well. However, if you did not mention the initial cause of the damage, in this example, the broken pipe, your insurance company may refuse your claim. If the termites or their damage are not disguised, it may refuse your claim.

If you suspect a termite infestation, contact a professional exterminator. Depending on the type of termites you have and the amount of the infestation, they may need to tent your home or treat the ground. To preserve your home’s structural integrity, you may need to repair damaged wood. Termite and other pest damage is seldom covered by homeowner’s insurance, so it’s better to avoid them in the first place. The good news is that routine house upkeep may go a long way toward preventing an infestation. Make certain to have a professional administer therapy on a regular basis. Depending on the type of treatment, experts recommend treating every five to thirteen years. Reduce the amount of soil-to-wood contact around your home. Maintain a six-inch clearance between your wood siding and the dirt.