Does Home Insurance Cover Termites?
Homeowners insurance does not usually cover termite damage, leaving homeowners responsible for prevention and repair costs.
Is termite damage covered by homeowners insurance?
Homeowners insurance will not cover damage caused by termites, nor will it cover termite extermination if you need pest control. Termites can cause extensive damage to building structures — to the point of collapse, in some severe cases — and can be an expensive, headache-inducing pest to exterminate from your home.
Unfortunately, termite damage is not considered a covered peril except in very rare circumstances, and you would be financially liable for fixing the damage and hiring an exterminator for the termite infestation. In the eyes of home insurance companies, the detection of termites is a maintenance issue that could have been resolved long before it caused damage in the first place.
Why isn’t termite damage covered by home insurance?
Insurance companies see termite damage as preventable. They expect homeowners to handle pest control as part of regular upkeep. The same applies to other pests — infestations usually build up slowly and can often be stopped early with proper maintenance.
By contrast, a fire caused by a sudden appliance failure is unexpected and unavoidable, so insurance will typically cover it. Termite damage, however, happens gradually and is considered the homeowner’s responsibility to prevent before it leads to costly repairs.
Termite damage to personal property
Homeowners insurance won’t cover termite damage to your belongings, like furniture, even though personal property is usually included in your policy. Pest damage is treated the same way as structural damage — it’s not a covered peril.
This shows why it’s important to know exactly what your policy does and doesn’t cover. While pest damage might seem like something insurance should handle, insurers see it as the result of homeowner neglect.
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Are there exceptions when termite damage could be covered?
In some rare circumstances, termite damage could be covered by your homeowners insurance. If you can prove to your insurance company the termite infestation was caused by a covered peril, your insurer might be more willing to cover your claim.
If a plumbing mishap caused pipes to leak in your basement, resulting in water damage and a subsequent termite infestation, the termite damage could be covered by your insurance — if you can prove this series of events. A situation like this is the only time anything termite-related could be covered, but it’s still not guaranteed. Your best chance of getting termite damage covered in a similar situation is by maintaining an open line of communication with your insurance company every step of the way — from the leaky pipes to the first signs of termites.
How to prevent termites
Termites feed on wood, paper, and other cellulose materials, and they thrive in damp, humid spaces. The best way to keep them out is to remove food sources and block entry points.
Tips to reduce your risk:
- Store firewood, mulch, and plants away from your home’s walls.
- Fix leaks, gutters, or any moisture problems near the foundation.
- Seal cracks, crevices, and gaps around pipes or utility lines.
With regular upkeep and attention, you can greatly lower the chance of an infestation and costly damage.
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