Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Termites?

Homeowners often wonder if insurance covers termite damage, a significant threat. Termites silently undermine homes. Understanding how standard policies address this is important.

Understanding Termite Coverage

Standard homeowners insurance policies generally do not cover termite damage. Insurers classify infestations as a maintenance issue, not a sudden, accidental event. This is industry standard.

Termite problems are preventable through regular home upkeep, so repair and extermination costs usually fall to the homeowner. This exclusion aligns with how insurers view gradual damage. Homeowners must take proactive prevention.

Why Termite Damage Is Excluded

Insurers exclude termite damage as gradual deterioration, not a sudden peril. Damage often takes months or years to manifest, allowing homeowners opportunity for detection and prevention. Policies cover unexpected incidents, not issues avoidable by routine maintenance.

This exclusion stems from homeowners’ responsibility for property maintenance. Insurers consider termite infestations preventable, and resulting damage a consequence of neglect. If termites cause a covered peril, like chewing wiring and starting a fire, the fire damage might be covered, but not the initial termite damage.

Typical Homeowners Policy Coverage

Standard homeowners insurance policies protect against sudden, accidental perils. They cover fire, smoke, lightning strikes, windstorms, hail, explosions, vandalism, and theft.

Covered perils include falling objects, the weight of ice, snow, or sleet, and certain water damage, such as from a burst pipe. These examples focus on unexpected occurrences, not ongoing maintenance or gradual wear and tear.

Preventing Termite Damage

Homeowners can prevent termite infestations by controlling moisture and eliminating wood-to-soil contact. Proper drainage around the foundation is crucial: fix leaky pipes, clean gutters, and direct rainwater away from the house. Addressing moisture in basements or crawl spaces, possibly with dehumidifiers or ventilation, creates an environment less attractive to termites.

Reducing wood-to-soil contact is effective; wooden home parts, like siding or decks, should be at least six inches above ground. Storing firewood, lumber, or mulch away from the house and off the ground deters termites. Sealing cracks in the foundation, around utility lines, and the home’s exterior blocks entry points.

Steps After Finding Termites

If termites are discovered, prompt action minimizes damage. Contact a professional pest control service immediately. Experts assess the infestation’s extent and determine the most effective treatment plan.

Homeowners should obtain inspections and estimates from multiple reputable companies to understand the scope of work and costs. Treatment options include liquid termiticides around the foundation, bait systems, or, in severe cases, fumigation. Do not disturb termites or attempt DIY remedies, as this can cause them to spread, making professional treatment more challenging.