Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Termites?

Popular Questions

Are termites covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy?
What other pests are not covered by homeowners insurance?
Why doesn’t homeowners insurance cover termites?
If homeowners insurance doesn’t cover termites, what will?
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Are termites covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy?

As a new homeowner, I’m curious about what all is covered under my insurance. I’m concerned about various pests and potential infestations as they can be annoying, gross, and not to mention, costly. Do standard homeowners insurance policies cover termites?

Sadly, the answer is no. Homeowners insurance does not provide any coverage for termites. In fact, homeowners insurance won’t cover any type of infestation, period. Unfortunately, the homeowner will not receive any financial assistance from their insurance company in the event their home is infiltrated by pests.

What other pests are not covered by homeowners insurance?

Pretty much any type of pest you can imagine that could end up an unwanted houseguest, your homeowners insurance will not provide coverage for. According to the insurance company, you as the homeowner are responsible for looking after your home’s upkeep which includes keeping unwanted pests out.

Standard homeowners policies do NOT provide coverage for the following:

• Termites
• Bed bugs
• Roaches
• Bees, wasps, and other insects
• Rodents

It’s extremely important to observe the home’s perimeter often and check for any signs of critters getting in. Make sure to keep chimneys covered and secure any dog doors. If you see signs of invasion by pests, get to work immediately to prevent the problem from getting worse. Lay traps, put food away, call an exterminator, whatever it takes.

Why doesn’t homeowners insurance cover termites?

Homeowners insurance companies consider infestations to be the homeowner’s responsibility to prevent. Home maintenance issues are never covered, and preventing pest infiltration is considered to be an aspect of home upkeep by insurance companies. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of any family habits that may attract unwanted pests and to keep an eye on areas of the home where pests may get in.

If you notice you have an infestation, it’s up to you to get it under control as soon as possible. However, if you as the homeowner were honestly unaware of a termite infestation and it eventually led to your foundation becoming so rotted out that it collapsed, the home’s collapse would be covered by your policy. But the removal of the pests themselves wouldn’t be covered.

If homeowners insurance doesn’t cover termites, what will?

Unfortunately, there aren’t any insurance policies out there that provide coverage for pest infestations. Work hard and use common sense to keep your home clean and as secure against outside intruders as possible to prevent any issues. If you can catch pests in the early stages, before a full infestation occurs, you’ll be much better off. However, should you end up needing a professional exterminator, sadly you’ll be paying out of pocket for their services.