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Termites can be a homeowner’s nightmare because they can wreak havoc on your home. Consider this: Every year, the insects’ damage to homes in the U.S. costs homeowners an estimated $6.8 billion in control and repair costs, according to the National Pest Management Association.
And unfortunately, most homeowners’ insurance policies don’t cover termite damage or the cost to get rid of the bugs. This means if termites start chewing away at your home, you’ll likely be on the hook for the repairs and treatment.
Key Points
• Termites cause significant damage to U.S. homes annually, costing billions.
• Homeowners insurance typically excludes termite damage and treatment costs.
• Exceptions may apply if termite damage leads to fire or sudden collapse.
• Regular inspections and moisture control can prevent termite infestations.
• Some signs of termite damage include droppings that look like tiny pellets, wood that feels thin, and moisture buildup, such as in doors that feel soft or suddenly won’t open easily.
When Homeowners Insurance Might Cover Termite Damage
As mentioned, termite damage usually isn’t covered by homeowners insurance. However, in some rare cases, there may be exceptions, especially if the damage is caused by something your policy already covers, such as a fire.
For example, if termites chew through wiring and that leads to a fire or if part of your home suddenly collapses because of hidden termite damage, your insurance might help pay for it. It’s a good idea to read your policy carefully so you know exactly what is (and isn’t) covered.
New to insurance? A homeowners insurance glossary can help you make sense of unfamiliar terms.
Why Homeowners Insurance Almost Always Excludes Termite Damage
Most home insurance policies don’t cover termite damage because insurance companies see it as something you can prevent. Termites usually work slowly over time, so it doesn’t count as an unexpected event.
One smart way to protect your home from potentially devastating damage is to schedule regular termite inspections.
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Can You Get Termite Insurance?
Insurance providers typically don’t offer extra coverage options for termite damage. But there are still options.
Some certified pest control companies offer something called a termite bond or termite warranty. This type of service contract often includes an initial termite treatment, regular inspections, and, in some cases, even the cost of repairs if termites cause damage. While costs can vary, most termite bonds range from $500 to $2,000.
You may want to think about getting a termite bond if:
• You’re selling your home.
• You recently found termites and are worried they’ll come back.
• You live in an area where termites are common.
It’s worth noting that some home warranty plans might cover certain pest control services, such as inspections. Check your plan details to see if termite coverage is included.
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Preventing Termite Damage in Your Home
Here are some simple tips to make your home less inviting to these pests:
• Get regular termite inspections. Consider scheduling yearly inspections if you live in a high-risk area, like someplace hot and humid. If you live in a place where termite infestations are less likely, such as a cooler or drier region, you may not need inspections as frequently.
• Fix leaks. Termites love damp spaces, so make sure to quickly repair leaky taps, toilets, and appliances. Also, check that water from AC units and hot water systems drains away from your home, and ventilate attics to reduce humidity.
• Trim trees and bushes. Overgrown branches and plants can give termites a direct path to your home, so keep your yard and lawn nicely trimmed and maintained.
• Keep porch and garden lights off when termites are active. Termites are attracted to lights. Turning off outdoor lights can help keep them away.
• Seal cracks and cover crawl spaces. Use caulk to fill gaps in your home’s exterior and cover crawl spaces with plastic to block entry points.
• Store firewood away from your house. Keep firewood and untreated wood off the ground and away from your home. Any wood you use for your home should be treated appropriately since termites thrive on untreated wood.
• Keep water from pooling around your foundation. Make sure to fix drainage issues and regularly clean gutters and downspouts.
How to Spot Termite Damage
Termite damage can show up in all kinds of places, such as ceilings, bathrooms, fireplaces, and walls. These pests eat wood from the inside out, which can cause moisture to build up. That can lead to warped floors and sticky doors.
Some early signs of termites include:
• Flying or crawling termites inside your home
• Mud tubes along walls or foundations (termites use these to travel safely)
• Small piles of wings near windows or doors
• Droppings that look like tiny pellets
• Floors that feel soft, uneven, or saggy
• Doors and windows that suddenly stick or won’t open easily
• Paint that bubbles or peels, even if there’s no water leak
• Wood that feels empty or thin when you tap it
What to Do if You Find Termite Damage
If you spot any of these signs of termite damage, the best thing to do is contact a pest professional right away. They’ll inspect your home to see if termites are still active and make sure there’s no ongoing risk of another infestation.
Once your home is in the clear, the expert can walk you through the damage and explain what needs to be repaired. They may also suggest treatment options and give you tips to help prevent termites from coming back.
You’ll want to make sure the infestation is fully taken care of before starting any repairs. Fixing the root of the problem first can help you avoid even more costly damage later on. Remember, since home insurance doesn’t cover termite damage, you’ll have to pay out of pocket for any repairs.
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The Takeaway
Does homeowners’ insurance cover termite damage? Unfortunately, many policies do not, and the cost of repairs and treatments can add up quickly. That’s why it’s important to help keep the pests out of your home in the first place. Scheduling regular inspections, controlling moisture, and staying up to date on basic home maintenance can all make a big difference. And if you live in a high-risk area, a termite bond might be worth exploring for extra protection.
If you’re a new homebuyer, SoFi Protect can help you look into your insurance options. SoFi and Lemonade offer homeowners insurance that requires no brokers and no paperwork. Secure the coverage that works best for you and your home.
Find affordable homeowners insurance options with SoFi Protect.
FAQ
How much does termite treatment and repair typically cost?
The cost of termite treatment and repairs can vary depending on how bad the infestation is and the type of treatment needed. But on average, you can expect to pay between $75 and $1,750 for treatment and anywhere from $600 to $6,000 or higher for repairs.
Does insurance cover termite inspections or prevention plans?
Most home insurance policies won’t pay for termite damage. However, some pest control companies offer service plans — called termite bonds — that can help. These plans often include treatments, inspections, and sometimes even repair coverage, but remember that plan types and costs can vary, so it’s a good idea to look at your options and see if a termite bond is the right fit for your home.
Does homeowners insurance cover damage from other pests, like rodents or ants?
No, homeowners insurance usually doesn’t cover damage caused by pests. That includes ants, mice, rats, and other critters.
What is a termite bond and how does it differ from insurance?
A termite bond, also known as a termite warranty, is a service plan from a certified pest control company that covers termite treatments and regular inspections. Sometimes, it may even help pay for repairs if termites cause damage after your home has been treated. Unlike homeowners insurance, it isn’t offered by your insurer and only covers termite damage.
Does renters’ or condo insurance typically cover termite damage?
Just like homeowners insurance, renters and condo insurance policies usually don’t cover termite damage., In most cases, you or your landlord would be responsible for the cost of treatment, removal, and any repairs caused by termites.
Photo credit: iStock/Aleksandar Pirgic
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