Many people will often have questions about certain forms of insurance and what they cover, and homeowners insurance is a common example. One particular issue that many homeowners wonder about if it’s become a problem for their home: Termite damage or any kinds of concerns created by these harmful insects.
At A-1 Exterminators, we’re here to provide quality termite control solutions to clients around Salt Lake City, Sandy, West Jordan, West Valley City and other nearby parts of Utah. Here are some basics on whether termite issues are typically covered by homeowners insurance, plus what else to be thinking about in this realm if you’re experiencing these issues and calling on our team for assistance.
Does Homeowners Insurance Typically Cover Termite Damage?
The answer here, unfortunately, is no. While it’s possible for certain specialized coverage options to be added to your homeowners insurance plan and help provide additional protection against termite damage, this is typically not the case. Homeowners insurance plans are designed to offer protection from things such as storms and fires, but not infestations of certain insects or animals.
Why Isn’t Termite Damage Usually Covered?
The key terms to be considering when it comes to the sorts of things covered by homeowners insurance are “accidental” and “unpreventable.” A hurricane, for instance, is an unpreventable act of nature that could potentially cause damage to your home, and homeowners insurance would be the solution for getting it repaired.
With termite damage, on the other hand, insurance companies tend to view this as something that could have been prevented, given the right pest control strategies. As such, it’s not usually covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy.
Adding Specialized Coverage
Now, if you’ve had termite issues in the past or are worried about them becoming a problem at some point in the future, it may be possible for your homeowners insurance policy to include extra coverage for these sorts of issues. Be sure to discuss this with your insurance provider and get all the details on what’s included and what’s not before investing in such an option.
In other cases, you may be able to purchase separate supplemental insurance policies that offer more protection against pests and other forms of property damage. This is something to be discussing with your insurance provider if you’re concerned about this issue.
Avoiding Termite Risks
Because there’s so much uncertainty surrounding whether termite damage would be covered by your policy – and for other obvious reasons like protecting your property and keeping structures safe – here are some general tips on steering clear of termite risks before they grow into something significant:
- Repairing leaks in roof or basement: To stop moisture from seeping into wood and other building materials, fixing leaks in the roof and basement can be key. Look for any signs of water coming in and repair them as soon as possible.
- Clearing out debris: It’s important to keep the area around your home free from clutter, such as sticks, wood piles or other materials that could attract termites in droves. Logs and other wood piles should be kept away from the home as much as possible. Mulch is another good example – it should not be laid against the foundation of your home.
- Treating outdoor areas: Spraying outdoor areas with quality insecticide or putting out bait traps can help keep termite populations at bay, though it’s best to leave this sort of task in the hands of experienced pest control pros.
- Knowing the signs of termite infestation: Familiarizing yourself with the signs of termites can go a long way in gauging how serious the problem might be if you do discover any on your property.
- Calling in the professionals: Speaking of which, this is the best way to identify and solve any termite-related problems in your home. Our team of pest control pros can provide detailed inspections, treatments and other solutions for keeping these pests away from your property.
It’s important to understand that homeowners insurance typically does not cover termite damage or other forms of pest-related issues. But there are still steps you can take to make sure your home is protected and minimize the risk of any costly surprises in the future.
At A-1 Exterminators, we can provide the reliable assistance you need to identify and address termite problems on your property. Contact us today for more information about this or any of our other pest control services around SLC, West Jordan, Sandy, West Valley City or other parts of Utah.
