Thursday, January 9, 2020

Does Home Insurance Cover Termite Damage? What All Homeowners Ought To Know

Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers, and our content is thoroughly fact-checked to ensure accuracy. So, whether you’re reading an article or a review, you can trust that you’re getting credible and dependable information. Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first. It’s an extremely rare event, fortunately, but termites may nest for years unnoticed in a home’s structural wood, eating away quietly.

home insurance cover termites

These long, narrow veins that run from the ground and up the side of your house protect termites from dry air. Regularly monitor your wooden exteriors, including windows and door frames, to see if there are any noticeable changes that could be because of termites. Hiring a termite specialist to identify areas in your home that are most vulnerable to termite issues can help prevent an infestation.

How can I spot termite damage?

The standard homeowners insurance policy will not cover termites. Although, there are some circumstances where your home insurance company may cover termite damage. A standard homeowners insurance policy rarely covers damage caused by termites, unless the infestation is a result of a covered peril or if the structure of your home collapses. Most home insurance companies do not offer termite insurance policies as an endorsement. The only option to insure yourself against termite damage is to contact a pest control company and schedule a yearly inspection for termites. This can be followed up by treatment in the event they discover termites in your home.

home insurance cover termites

If you find discarded wings in your home, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have an infestation in your home, but you might have colonies living in your yard. But once you understand some of the telltale signs, they’re easier to see. If you notice any of these signs, be sure to contact a professional like Forensic Pest Control immediately.

Sacramento Commercial Property Insurance from Eugene C Yates Insurance Agency

Either option, along with adding or replacing damaged wood, should help to prevent further termite damage to your home. Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and, services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories.

home insurance cover termites

Your house is infested by termites as a result of a named peril. You'll find the "named perils" on the declarations page of your policy. I was looking for a solution to evict the dozen pigeons roosting under my solar panels, they were making a constant mess including building a massive nest. I came across Forensic Pest control via their website and found dealing with the team a real pleasure, the team was punctual and efficient. Right from the start dealing with Janelle kept me up to date and then to Chris and the team, they are really professional and take their business seriously. Amazing job by Justin today….so professional and thorough.

What To Do If You Have Termite Damage That Is Not Covered

Owners who worry about termites can ask neighbors what experiences they’ve had presenting a claim with their company. When seeking a fix for damage that may have occurred from an infestation, it’s important for homeowners to understand that typical home insurance policies do not cover termite damage. With this understanding, a homeowner is in a better position to research and understand the specific situations where losses due to termites may be covered by insurance. From there, steps can be taken to determine how to repair damage.

home insurance cover termites

Before choosing an exterminator, have several professionals visit and provide a quote. The service cost will be out of pocket, so look for a company that offers fair prices and has good customer reviews. Ask how long the extermination process will take and when a contractor can survey the interior damage.

The only unpredictable damages that are not included in homeowners policies are earthquakes, sinkholes, and floods . If by a strike of luck the termites are the result of damage caused by a covered peril you may be covered. If a sudden accident like a burst pipe causes your home to develop termites, the cause of the damage may be considered the water from the pipe breaking. If termites were the result of a situation like this you may be covered. Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance.

home insurance cover termites

Of course, every home insurance carrier is different, so it pays to find out what your policy covers and doesn't cover before you sign on the dotted line. The best way to get rid of termites is to call in a professional to take care of the infestation. Avoid stacking firewood next to your home and keep plants a few feet away from your house. The sound of the wood can be an indicator you have termites. Get a screwdriver and try tapping on wood that you suspect is being eaten by termites.

That means you won’t be able to file a successful claim for damages caused by a termite infestation. And according to Coverage.com, many insurance policies also have a clause excluding any damage cause by biological organisms including insects, arachnids and commensal rodents. For 100 million years, they've done their job in the ecosystem, helping to decompose the tough cellulose in dead tree stumps.

Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers.

Insurance companies will refuse to pay for damages caused by termites. The only exception is when you get termites from a covered peril such as a water leak in your home. Home insurance only insures you for unpredictable accidents while termites can be prevented through regular maintenance. Picking the right policy from one of the best homeowners insurance companies involves looking for discounts as well as adequately covering your specific home.

home insurance cover termites

A lot of agencies are providing quality pest control services that can keep your house protected. For instance, if a fire burned down your home you could get a replacement for furniture, clothes, and other items. In practical terms, this means that you won’t be able to file a claim for termite damage regardless of the cost.

Hazards & Coverage

Termite infestations are often preventable, which means that prevention is typically the best cure for termites. Termites can enter homes through foundation cracks, crevices, loose pipes and gutters. They are attracted to humid and moist environments and are usually more active in the spring months. Our insurance team is composed of agents, data analysts, and customers like you.

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