Does My Home Insurance Cover Termite Damage?

Does My Home Insurance Cover Termite Damage?  Our Guide To Prevention And Protection.

Termites are a real pain, literally!  Also known as the “silent destroyers,” these little critters have the ability to chew through wood, flooring and even wallpaper undetected. There are currently as many as 2,000 known termite species in the world, and each year they cause more than $5 billion in property damage across the USA.

Here in Florida, Subterranean termites are very common and, when left undetected, can cause irreversible damage to homes and property throughout the state.  A home insurance product that covers damages or destruction as a result of termite infestation is a very worthwhile addition to your regular coverage products.

Why Are Termites Such A Threat To Our Florida Homes?

Subterranean termites thrive in damp conditions close to the soil.  House foundations make the perfect damp, earthy environment they need to become thriving colonies of up to 2 million members! Subterranean termites are the most destructive kind in the world and they can eat their way through wooden support beams, plastic plumbing pipes, sub-flooring, insulation and even swimming pool liners and filtration systems.

Once a colony has had its way with the foundations of your home or property, it could be structurally damaged beyond repair and even on the brink of collapse.  Because termite damage is not always obvious, many homeowners do not realize that they have a problem until it is too late.

How Can I Protect My Property From Termite Damage?

Because termites are attracted to particular types of environment, you can help keep them at bay by not offering them a home from home.

1. Fix Your Drainage

Make sure water drains away from your house as damp soil and wet foundations are incredibly attractive to termite colonies looking for their next home.  Likewise, try to eliminate any water build up around the foundations of your home.   A competent drainage system will prevent settled water spots that attract termites, and have your drains fixed is a cheaper and much easier solution than having to rebuild a home destroyed by termite damage.

2. Clear Up Your Wood

Keep your yard and areas adjacent to your house free from damp or damaged wood.  These types of organic material can be disposed of easily enough and can be mulched or shredded for use as landscape trimmings and other decorative touches.  Leaving them outside to get damp and rot, however, is an open invitation for local termite colonies to set up home in your house.

Is Termite Damage Automatically Included In My Home Insurance?

Home insurance policies do not normally cover termite damage or destruction caused by any other type of vermin, pest or insect.  The main reason for this is that they are considered to be a preventable hazard.  Tornado damage, for example, is not preventable as there is very little you can do to protect against the wrath of Mother Nature, but you can take steps to prevent termite damage.

If you do manage to find a policy that will cover termite infestation and damage, you will usually only be covered should your house collapse completely, or if a particular risk or peril can be proven to be caused by termites.

For this reason, protecting your home from a termite infestation is the best protection you can offer it.

Every home insurance product will differ slightly from the next, and you would be wise to read the policy document in full or ask for advice from a knowledgeable insurance agent before assuming that anything is covered.

Here at The Sena Group, we would be delighted to advise you on how best to coverage your home against termite damage. Talk to our agents today on 561-391-4661.

For more information about how The Sena Group can help you with any

of your insurance needs, please contact us at 561-391-4661.

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The Sena Group
6501 Congress Ave., Ste. 100
Boca Raton, FL 33487
561-391-4661