Termite infestation is a common menace for homeowners and, if not checked, can create extensive damage to your home. According to research, 600,000 homes are affected by termite damage each year, with homeowners spending nearly $5 billion on termite control and repair costs. Hence, it’s important to know if your homeowners insurance will cover your home from termite damage.
Coverage for Termite Damage in My Homeowners Insurance
If there is a termite infestation in your home, in most cases, your homeowners insurance will not cover its removal cost and also the repair expenses that you may incur caused by termite damage. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), insurance providers consider termite infestation a result of negligence in regular home maintenance by the homeowner. So, you may have to bear the expenses from your own pocket.
Scenarios When Homeowners Insurance Covers Termites
There are certain instances, however, when termites may be covered by your homeowners insurance.
- Termite damage leads to a covered peril
For example, if damage to the electrical wiring of your home caused by termites starts a fire, you may be covered.
- A covered peril leads to termite infestation
Damp and dank conditions caused by water damage due to a burst pipe may result in termite infestation. However, you may be denied compensation if you had not informed your insurer about the water damage or had failed to take measures after learning about the presence of termites.
Steps to Take to Protect Your Home Against Termite
You can protect your home from termites by taking a few steps as part of your home maintenance:
- Regular maintenance of gutters, downspouts, and the drainage system to prevent the accumulation of water in the soil around your home’s foundation.
- Check for hollowed wood or bubbling paint at the foundation.
- Promptly fix all leakages.
- Cover any wall openings or cracks with cement, grout, or caulk.
- See that exposed wooden surfaces are not located near trees or shrubs growing near the house.
- Check for bulges on all wooden surfaces, including doors and windows.
Identifying Termite Damage in Your Home
Termites damage not only wooden structures in your home but also cables, furniture, clothes, paper, and carpets. The extent of damage depends on the type of termite that has infested your home. In the U.S., the three main types of termites are:
- Subterranean
- Drywood
- Dampwood
Among the three, the subterranean termites cause maximum damage and are found all across the country except for the state of Alaska.
Usually, termites are hidden and are not easily spotted. You can, however, identify the signs of termite infestation in your home:
- Mud tubes
- Swarmers
- Cracks and tunnels in the wooden structures
- Swollen ceilings, floors, doors, and windows
- Discarded termite wings
- Termite droppings
Termite Damage Treatment Options for Your Home
If you see signs of termite damage in your home, you must call a professional pest control service provider at the earliest. They have the requisite experience and expertise to understand the extent of damage and offer the best option suited to your situation.
Cover Your Home Against Termites with McCarty Insurance
Your home is your biggest investment and asset. Protecting your property from all types of damage must be your priority and that includes buying the right homeowners insurance based on your unique needs. For more details, contact our team today. At McCarty Insurance, we will help you cover your home against all types of risks, including termites.
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