Do I Need Termite Insurance Coverage?

Most people are unaware that damage to their home due to unexpected house guests like rodents, vermin , or insects such as termites can be more than an annoyance. Damage due to these types of animals or insects is excluded and therefore not covered by your home insurance policy. It is important to review your home insurance to know any coverage limitations and take the necessary steps to protect your home today.

Home Insurance Coverage and Pests

If your home is damaged by animals or insects your homeowners policy will not pay for the resulting damage. This includes squirrels, mice, woodpeckers or other animals that gnaw, bite, peck or claw at your home’s interior or exterior. This even includes termites! The average homeowners insurance policy words it like this:

Animals, Birds, Vermin, Rodents or Insects-“we” do not pay for loss caused by animals owned or kept by an “insured”, birds, vermin, rodents or insects. However, “we” do pay for collapse of a building or a part of a building caused by hidden insect or vermin damage. Collapse does not mean settling, cracking, shrinking, building, or expanding.

Therefore, your home would have to collapse from the damage made by animals or vermin for the homeowners policy to pay for this damage.

Home Insurance and Termite Damage

Your policy may only cover the collapse of your home, but termite damage that is not quite so severe can still be costly. Termite insurance gives you some coverage for termite related damage. Termite insurance coverage usually provides the homeowner with annual inspections and the eradication of termites themselves if found for an additional fee. Most companies that offer termite insurance coverage guarantee that the home will be termite free if the conditions of the policy are met. Normally, that requires the home to have an annual inspection and to keep all adjacent crawl spaces water and moisture free.

Prevent Pest Disasters

Your home insurance policy does not provide coverage for the extermination of these animals. Therefore, the best way to protect your self is through prevention. Make sure you do the following:

• Inspect your crawl spaces annually for termites and other insects. Check in your local area for a termite company and inquire about a termite insurance policy that covers you and provides annual inspections to catch any infestations early.
• Inspect duct work in attics and crawl spaces for rodent, animal and insect holes. This will alert you to any possible squirrels or other animals in your attic or rodents that may be entering your home through duct work, allowing you to repair the damage before it gets worst.
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• Inspect the outside of your home for woodpecker or other animal damage often. It may be necessary to call your local game warden for the trapping and removal of any animals that have decided to call your home, their home!

As you are shopping for home insurance, make sure you add any level of termite insurance or other pest insurance that you can to get the best policy for your needs. Click here for a free quote on home insurance today.

Case Studies: Insurance and Pest-Related Damage

Case Study 1: Denied Coverage for Rodent Damage

A homeowner experienced extensive damage to their home’s electrical wiring caused by a rodent infestation. The homeowner filed a claim with their homeowners insurance company, expecting coverage for the repair costs.

However, the insurance company denied the claim, citing the policy’s exclusion clause for damage caused by animals, vermin, rodents, or insects. As a result, the homeowner had to bear the financial burden of repairing the electrical system and dealing with the rodent problem.

Case Study 2: Limited Coverage for Termite Damage

A homeowner discovered termite damage affecting the structural integrity of their home. They immediately contacted their insurance provider, hoping for coverage to repair the extensive damage. However, the homeowner was informed that their standard homeowners insurance policy did not cover termite-related damage.

The policy only offered coverage for the collapse of a building due to hidden insect or vermin damage, which did not apply to the current situation. Consequently, the homeowner had to shoulder the repair costs and invest in termite eradication measures themselves.

Case Study 3: Comprehensive Pest Insurance Coverage

A homeowner took proactive measures to secure comprehensive pest insurance coverage. They understood the potential risks of damage caused by animals, vermin, rodents, or insects and sought an insurance policy specifically designed to address such issues.

When they discovered termite damage in their home, they filed a claim with their specialized pest insurance provider. The claim was approved, and the insurance company covered the cost of repairing the termite damage, including termite eradication services. The homeowner’s investment in comprehensive pest insurance provided them with peace of mind and financial protection against unforeseen pest-related damage.