Termites can cause significant damage to homes, and they can do it without you even being aware that they’re there. According to Orkin, termites damage about 600,000 United States homes each year, and residents spend at least $1 billion on termite control and repairs.
Naturally, you’re right to be nervous about your home getting termites. But does homeowners insurance cover termite damage? You might be surprised at the answer.
No, most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover termite damage. Home insurance providers typically consider termites to be preventable, meaning it’s your job to appropriately care for and protect your home. If termite damage occurs, you’re responsible for paying for the repair costs.
It’s possible that if termites chewed through wiring and caused a fire, your home insurance would cover the fire and the damage it caused. Since coverage varies from policy to policy, it’s important to thoroughly read your homeowners insurance policy so you know what’s included and what’s excluded.
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No, your home insurance won’t cover termite treatment, either. If you notice signs of termites in your home, like damaged wood, discarded termite wings, or bubbling paint, contact a professional exterminator immediately.
Termite treatment and removal isn’t something that homeowners can effectively do themselves, and you want to be sure that the problem is completely addressed. A professional exterminator will evaluate your home, consider the different treatment options available, and determine the best treatment approach to rid your home of termites to prevent further damage.
Once the termites are eliminated, it’s important to determine what damage the termites have caused. That might mean replacing a few pieces of damaged wood or evaluating and repairing significant structural damage. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may need to hire a building professional to perform the repairs.
Just like homeowners insurance doesn’t cover termite damage, your insurance also won’t cover carpenter ant damage. Insurance companies consider these pests to be preventative, so you’ll need to stay active in protecting your home against carpenter ants. If damage does occur, you’ll be responsible for the cost of removing the ants and repairing the damage.
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Paige Cerulli Paige Cerulli is a freelance content writer and journalist who specializes in personal finance topics. She graduated from Westfield State University and brings more than a decade of professional writing experience to the ConsumerCoverage team. Paige’s work has appeared in outlets including USA Today, Business Insider, and more.
