Insects are common invaders of our households, though the occasional spider or two doesnít cause much harm. However, when insect infestations get out of hand, they can often cause detriment to your home, and this is especially the case with destructive insects such as termites.
Termites can be a massive nuisance ñ and even dangerous ñ if they infest your home, as they feed on any wood in your house. This can range from pieces of wooden furniture, to the structural wood of your home ñ which is less than ideal, to say the least.
If you have found signs of termites in your house, you may wonder if your homeowners insurance policy will cover the damages caused by these insects. This article will answer this question, and more, so that you can be well-equipped to deal with termite damage and infestation.
Termites can be a massive nuisance ñ and even dangerous ñ if they infest your home, as they feed on any wood in your house. This can range from pieces of wooden furniture, to the structural wood of your home ñ which is less than ideal, to say the least.
If you have found signs of termites in your house, you may wonder if your homeowners insurance policy will cover the damages caused by these insects. This article will answer this question, and more, so that you can be well-equipped to deal with termite damage and infestation.
Is termite damage covered by homeowners insurance?
If you are dealing with termite damage, or you want to be covered in the case that any occurs, you may be displeased to hear that your homeowners insurance policy will probably not cover termite damage.
This is because your insurance typically covers events that are ìsudden and accidentalî ñ and, as any pest control company may tell you, termites donít often appear suddenly. This means that damage from termites typically results from a lack of proper care and maintenance of your household.
However, there may be a few select scenarios where termite damage may be covered. For example, if termites chew through your wiring, causing a fire, your policy will cover the damages caused by the fire (as fire is considered a covered peril by most policies).
Termite damage may also be covered if the termites were caused by a covered peril, though you would have to first check with your provider.
This is because your insurance typically covers events that are ìsudden and accidentalî ñ and, as any pest control company may tell you, termites donít often appear suddenly. This means that damage from termites typically results from a lack of proper care and maintenance of your household.
However, there may be a few select scenarios where termite damage may be covered. For example, if termites chew through your wiring, causing a fire, your policy will cover the damages caused by the fire (as fire is considered a covered peril by most policies).
Termite damage may also be covered if the termites were caused by a covered peril, though you would have to first check with your provider.
What are the signs of termite damage?
Termite infestations can become extremely troublesome if left to fester for too long. However, there are some tell-tale signs of termite damage that you can look out for so that you can stop a termite invasion in its tracks before itís too late:
ï Holes and cracks in wood ñ termites will often tunnel into wood and other surfaces such as walls, leaving behind small holes or cracks
ï Wings ñ termites are pale, winged insects that look similar to ants, and you may be able to find their wings present in areas they have inhabited
ï Hollow-sounding wood ñ as termites tunnel through the interior of wooden pieces and structures, you may be able to hear a hollow sound by tapping on the wood
ï Noise ñ sometimes termites make faint clicking or eating sounds, which can be heard if you put your ear up close near the affected wood
ï Sagging floors ñ floors that buckle can be a pointer towards the presence of termites
ï Holes and cracks in wood ñ termites will often tunnel into wood and other surfaces such as walls, leaving behind small holes or cracks
ï Wings ñ termites are pale, winged insects that look similar to ants, and you may be able to find their wings present in areas they have inhabited
ï Hollow-sounding wood ñ as termites tunnel through the interior of wooden pieces and structures, you may be able to hear a hollow sound by tapping on the wood
ï Noise ñ sometimes termites make faint clicking or eating sounds, which can be heard if you put your ear up close near the affected wood
ï Sagging floors ñ floors that buckle can be a pointer towards the presence of termites
How to deal with a termite infestation
Though your homeowners insurance policy may not cover the repair costs and damages that result from a termite invasion, it is still important to carry out the necessary measures in order to eliminate the problem.
Your best bet is to call a professional, who can inspect your home for the presence of termites, as well as determine the extent of the damage and the best plan of attack to rid the problem.
If you find that termites become a recurring problem, it may be more effective (and overall cheaper) to purchase an annual plan from your local pest control company, who will conduct an inspection of your property every year, as well as provide any necessary treatment.
Your best bet is to call a professional, who can inspect your home for the presence of termites, as well as determine the extent of the damage and the best plan of attack to rid the problem.
If you find that termites become a recurring problem, it may be more effective (and overall cheaper) to purchase an annual plan from your local pest control company, who will conduct an inspection of your property every year, as well as provide any necessary treatment.