Most people love their home, so they protect it with homeowners insurance. Unfortunately, termites may also love their homes — as a source of food — and home insurance companies often don’t pay for the repairs because they’re seen as a preventable problem. However, there are some situations where homeowners may be able to file a successful home insurance claim for termite damage.
How to get home insurance that covers termite damage
Home insurance for termite damage is similar to home insurance for water damage or home insurance for tree cutting. In most cases, insurers will not cover the cost, but in certain circumstances they may do so if the termite damage was caused by or resulted in an insured hazard.
For example, if termites chewed through electrical wires in a house and started a house fire, most homeowners insurance policies would pay for the fire damage. You could also pay for a sudden house collapse due to termite damage if the homeowner can show that there were no obvious signs of damage and that they had no idea they had termites in their home.
Or if covered water damage has created a breeding ground for termites, home insurance can cover that if the homeowner can show the two things are connected.
But homeowners have to foot the bill for common termite damage that could have been prevented with proper maintenance. For those unfamiliar with how home insurance works, it only pays for claims related to perils specifically listed in the policy. Because termite damage isn’t an insured peril, home insurers aren’t usually required to pay for it.
Facts about termite damage
Here are some important facts about termite damage that all homeowners should know:
Repair costs for termite damage
The exact cost of repairing termite damage depends on how extensive the damage is, but the average cost is around $3,000, according to Orkin. However, homeowners may be able to fix the situation for less if they catch the problem early. And if they keep a handle on their routine housekeeping, they may be able to prevent a termite outbreak altogether.
How long does it take for termites to do damage?
According to Terminix, it takes a colony of about 60,000 termites about five months to eat through a 2×4 piece of wood. That might not sound like much, but it is precisely this slow pace of damage that allows termites to remain uncontrolled in many homes for years. By the time they are discovered, they may have caused minor damage to large areas of the home.
What does termite damage look like?
Some common signs of termite damage are:
- Termite Tunnels: Termites dig small mud tubes around their nests. These can appear around the foundation of a home or anywhere there is exposed wood.
- Damage to wood: Maze-like patterns in wood or a hollow sound when you knock on wood can indicate that termites have been feeding on it.
- Buckling Floors: When house or porch floors sag or warp, it could be a sign that termites have compromised the integrity of the boards that support them.
- Appearance of Water Damage: Sometimes termite damage can resemble water damage at first glance.
- Dead Termites: Termites resemble yellow flying ants with two pairs of wings. Homeowners could find their wings or carcasses if their home is infested.
Can you get termite insurance?
Even the best homeowners insurance companies don’t sell termite insurance policies. Because of this, it’s important for homeowners to remain vigilant and take the steps listed below to prevent termite damage. If they notice signs of termites in their homes, they should take immediate action to exterminate them and begin repairs.
Homeowners concerned about missing potential termite damage may be able to set up an annual inspection with a pest control service in their area. They will inspect the home for signs of termite damage and, if necessary, take action to correct the problem.
How to prevent termite damage
Here are some steps homeowners can take to reduce the risk of termite damage:
- Remove all wood and paper debris from around the house’s foundation and stack firewood at least 20 feet from the house.
- Keep shrubbery and grass trimmed around the house.
- Make sure all gutters and downspouts are clear to prevent excess moisture from collecting around the home’s foundation.
- Close any gaps in the house’s foundation caused by settlement.
- Get regular termite inspections from a reputable pest control company.
How to repair termite damage
It is uncommon for termites to cause irreparable damage to a home. It’s often possible to get rid of a termite colony and repair the damaged areas, although it can cost the homeowner several thousand dollars.
When a homeowner discovers that there is a termite infestation, the first step should be to get rid of the termites. Otherwise, if they jump straight to the repairs, the termites will just start eating the new wood, eventually leading to the same problems.
Most pest control companies should be able to remove the termites. It’s best not to make any repairs until they give you the green light.
Then the next step is to repair the parts of the house that the termites have damaged. This may include replacing damaged boards with new ones, or placing a new board next to the old board to act as a support. It’s best to leave this job to a licensed contractor, especially when it comes to wood that will compromise the structural integrity of the home. Get quotes from multiple contractors to find the best deal.
