It is unbelievable that termite infestations can cause colossal losses to your property, even more than natural calamities like floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes combined.
Indeed, such damage can cause a significant burden on personal finances and make anyone wonder, “Does my Homeowner insurance cover termite damage?”
Well, if you are a resident of Florida, there isn’t a one-word answer to your query. Although your Homeowner’s insurance can cover many losses, it might or might not cover the excellent work done by the termite army.
Go through the article to learn about homeowner insurance policies, termite bonds, termite bond costs, and much more.
What is Homeowner Insurance, and How Does it Work?
Basically, a homeowner’s insurance policy is liable to offer the policyholder appropriate financial aid in case of property damage, loss, or damage to personal belongings and other assets. The coverage doesn’t limit itself to this but can offer accommodation expenses while the policyholder’s house reverts to its actual state. Along with the above, some insurance companies also pay the parties that might be injured due to the destruction of the policyholder’s home.
In Orminda Beach, Florida, an average homeowner’s insurance policy can cost between $500 and $2,500 per year.
The coverage is only applicable if the reason for the damage is unexpected and accidental. In such situations, the policyholder can easily file a claim and get the amount promised under the insurance policy. The offered amount depends on several factors like the age of the house, location, deductible, etc. One should know that the coverage is not applicable for damage caused due to house aging, any common natural calamity (as per the location), or an intentional act by the Homeowner, family member, or pet.
Does Termite Damage Come Under Homeowner Insurance Policies?
Termites are a significant issue in Florida, especially in Ormond Beach. However, homeowner insurance policies don’t cover termite damage, and there is a reason for that, i.e., it is considered preventable.
We have discussed earlier that the insurance policy covers the damage only if the cause is accidental and unexpected. However, it is pretty evident that homeowners can prevent the invasion of termites and further damage simply by being vigilant and signing up for pre-professional termite inspections. Therefore, poor maintenance is something other than what a basic homeowner’s insurance policy will pay for.
Not just this, but these insurance policies don’t cover the termite inspection cost!
However, as we said, the answer to your query is complex. There are a few exceptions when you can get coverage.
When Does The Homeowner Insurance Policy Cover Termite Damage?
Under the below circumstances, you can claim the termite damage under your Homeowner’s policy:
- If the reason that caused the termite invasion is covered under the policy, you can definitely file a claim. For example, storms, covered under the insurance policy, are the reason behind termite infestations.
- Sudden house collapse due to the termites. However, the coverage would only apply if you had not learned about the termite infestation.
- Suppose the insurance policy covers the termite-related damage! For example, some insurance policies cover house wiring damage. Further, if termites yield it, you can get the money for your loss.
Therefore, most home insurance policies don’t directly cover termite damage.
However, pest control companies like Universal Pest Control offer a separate policy called the pest control policy or termite bond.
If you are looking for pest control coverage, you should know the term “termite bond.”
What is a Termite Bond, and How is it Helpful?
A termite bond is a contract a pest control company offers to property owners for termite protection. Under this contract, the termite control company will:
- Firstly, carry out the initial termite inspection, and as per their evaluation, they will conduct termite treatment to make your place free from termites.
- Pay timely visits during the active period to ensure your property is free from termite infestation. Most of the bonds are active for a year, and you must renew them yearly.
- Carry out termite treatments at their own expense in the event of re-infestation.
The termite bond can also include termite damage coverage if the property faces damage due to a termite infestation. Make sure to check if the agreement specifies the repair bond. The repair bond also has a specific limit beyond which the company cannot cover your loss.
The termite bond covers common subterranean termite species, and the termite bond cost depends on various factors like the location of the property, the age of the property, and the area.
It can be conducive to investing in termite bonds, especially in Florida, where termite issues are common. A one-time investment can pay off a lot in the long run.
How to Spot Termite Damage?
Following are the possible signs that directly indicate your property has a termite problem:
- There are termite tunnels near the house foundation.
- There are labyrinthine patterns on the wood.
- Your house windows and doors are stuck.
- The wooden material in your house is swollen or buckled.
- The wall paint of your home is falling off.
- You spot termite droppings or frass in your home. These usually look like salt or pepper.
- You spot actual termites or fallen wings inside the house.
How to Prevent Termite Infestation?
Petite termites can definitely do a lot of damage long before you find out. However, you can take a few measures in order to avoid the issue in the first place.
- Timely repair of leaky roofs, pipes, faucets, and gutters can help to avoid termite infestation.
- Avoid unnecessary moisture accumulation in your house, especially in the rainy season. Also, keep the drains empty to avoid this issue.
- Keep the outdoor lights turned off in the rainy season, as it is their swarming season. They can accumulate around your house at night.
- Unnecessary stacking of wood pieces outside the house can also attract termites to your surroundings.
- Grow plants at least 2 to 3 feet away from the house structure.
Conclusion
Thus, Homeowner insurance doesn’t cover termite damage. In such a case, you might need a termite bond from a reliable pest control service. Universal Pest Control has been serving the people of Volusia County with its trustworthy and affordable pest control services. You can sign up for our termite treatment, under which we carry out inspections and make termite inspection reports to finally perform treatment accordingly.
So what are you waiting for? Contact us today to get your termite bond!