"You have termites” are three words no homeowner ever wants to hear.
Unfortunately, termite damage is a reality for many homes across the country.
In fact, an estimated $5 billion of termite property damage occurs each year, according to the National Pest Management Association.
When faced with these pests, will your homeowner’s insurance take care of any damage? Or will you be left to pay the bill yourself?
Here’s what you need to know about termite damage and your home insurance coverage:
Termites hollow out wood by eating their way through it, leaving tunnels and chambers for their colony to live and feed in — either in the wood itself or nearby, depending on the termite species.
Subterranean termites are more destructive and harder to spot, as they live in soil around your home and tunnel to their food (or the wood in your home). Meanwhile, drywood termites will eat where they live: right in the wood itself.
Termite damage is incredibly dangerous for your home because it compromises its structural integrity. But sadly, a termite infestation can be difficult to spot until it has become extensive.
Here are five telltale signs of termite damage:
You might discover termite droppings (or frass) around your home; the pellets are made up of wood and mounds resemble sawdust.
Subterranean termites protect their path from their nest to their food source with a network of mud tubes. Made of a mix of soil and wood, these tunnels protect the termites along their route from predators and the elements, and are often found near the foundation of your home.
In the spring, swarmers — termites responsible for reproducing — will emerge and fly to create new colonies. You might see the flying termites or, more likely, you’ll see the discarded wings around your home. (The swarmers no longer need the wings once they’ve landed.)
If you see signs of water damage, like peeling paint or blistering flooring, you may actually be dealing with termites. Termites love moisture.
When wood is eaten by termites and begins to become hollowed out, it’s a telltale sign you have an issue. You might notice wood is dull or sounds hollow when you tap it. You might also notice piles of crumbling or discarded wood around support beams, door frames, and more wooden structures.
Unfortunately, here’s a fact that might scare more homeowners than the termite infestation itself: in general, home insurance does not cover termite damage.
Since home insurance is meant to cover situations that are sudden and accidental, termite damage does not apply. Instead, it’s considered to be preventable with routine home maintenance. Similarly, home insurance also won’t cover the cost of preventable measures like extermination.
Sudden and accidental damage like a fire or storm damage is covered, due to the fact that it can’t be prevented. Since termites cause gradual damage, it’s a different story.
While most termite damage won’t be covered by your home insurance policy, there are two situations where you may still be covered.
If termites happened to chew through the electrical wiring of your home causing a fire, home insurance may potentially cover the fire-related damage.
If your home suddenly collapses due to extensive termite damage, it could be covered by your home insurance policy.
However, in order to meet claim criteria for most policies, you’ll need to meet these conditions:
If you have damage to your home from termites and meet either of the qualifications above, you might have a valid claim.
Here’s how to submit your termite damage claim:
When it comes to the damage the termites already caused, unfortunately you’ll have to cover those costs yourself too. Get several quotes from local and reputable contractors to find the best fit for your budget.
As always, each home insurance policy is unique, so it’s important to consult with your carrier beforehand so you understand what is and isn’t included in your plan.
You’ve learned a lot about what to look for when it comes to termite damage and what is and isn’t included in most home insurance policies regarding termites.
But what if you haven’t encountered a termite issue yet? Proactively preparing for these pests will ensure you don’t ever have to worry about any insurance issues.
Here’s how to prevent termite damage in your home:
Although home insurance generally doesn’t cover termite damage, you now know what to look for around your home and how to prevent any future termite damage. Always refer back to your home insurance policy to get acquainted with what your carrier will and won’t cover.
If you need help finding the best home insurance coverage for the best price, start by speaking to a SimplyIOA agent at 833.872.4467 or get a home insurance quote online now.