Termites and other pests can cause significant damage to your home. Unfortunately, most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover this type of damage. This is because pest infestations are generally considered preventable through routine home maintenance.
In the eyes of insurers, the cost of preventing or dealing with termites is a homeowner's responsibility. To learn more about what is typically not covered, you can read about what homeowners insurance doesn’t cover.
Want to know what your policy excludes? Upload your declarations page and we'll identify all your coverage gaps. Upload your declarations page for a free analysis.
Why Pest Damage Is Excluded
Insurance is designed to cover sudden and accidental events. Termite and other pest infestations are typically gradual processes that can be prevented with proper care. This distinction is often described as wear and tear vs. sudden damage. Since pest damage falls under the category of maintenance, it is excluded from coverage.
For example, if termites slowly eat away at your home's structure, it could lead to serious issues like foundation damage, which may also not be covered if the root cause is a maintenance issue.